Seattle, WA. (Top40 Charts/ Billy Brush Official Website) - When Billy Brush releases his second album, Love
Sublime (LABEL?) this summer, it'll be a long way from working on a 4-track in his parents' basement with a small collection of instruments and a "really bad mic."
Love Sublime was produced, engineered and mixed by Martin Feveyear at Jupiter Studios in Seattle, WA. Martin has worked with an extensive roster of bands, including Kings of Leon, The Presidents of the United States of America, Mudhoney, Crooked Fingers and many more.
Brush is joined by John Buroker, bass; Dave Elvin, drums; Eric Johnson, guitar; and Sam Gray, synthesizer and laptop. The lineup is unique because there are five audio engineers. "We're all a lot more aware of what everyone else is doing in the band and how things fit together sonically," Brush says.
The attention to detail has been netting the group critical attention since their 2005 release of Lair, and their audience has been very appreciative as well. Despite the fact that not every song paints a rosy picture, Brush says he wants his audience to feel uplifted and energized, like they just spent an hour with their friends. "I like to interact and talk with the audience a lot; it's important to make that connection and not seem disaffected by what's going on in front of you," he says. "I like to look out and see smiles even if every song isn't golly-gee-whiz happy. "
Like many songwriters, Brush is "dialed in" to what will yield the best songwriting material. "Some of my music comes from what I observe, but the bulk still comes from within," he says. Brush characterizes the material on Love Sublime as having a "darker outlook" on the human condition, focusing on "our frailties and shortcomings."
Brush has a unique perspective on the biggest challenge he faces-and it has more to do with technology than music. "I think the greatest challenge as an indie artist is recognizing useful information and avenues from the general noise," he says. "There's so so many places you can post your music and profile that it's tough to focus your energy at times. You're better off focusing on one site and driving all traffic to that."
Get all the information about the band and the new CD, Love Sublime, at their website, www.billybrush.com.
