Today we are interviewing musician/programmer Brekyn Bailey from Guard of Martyrs.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am a Musician from Conway, AR.
I served in the United States Army.
In addition to being in Guard of Martyrs, you are involved with the business side of music. What got you interested in the music business?
Utilizing an already practiced talent, I wanted to make it my living.
What sets your business apart from others?
We are independently owned and operated.
What services do you offer?
Mastering/recording , content creation, songwriting.
What are some common misconceptions about this business?
That the portfolio of genres is narrow, down to only Rock and Metal, when we play all types.
What are some common mistakes people make when looking into this business?
Expecting change overnight.
What is the most satisfying thing about working with your customers?
The ability to create something new for someone, and share that with them. (Weddings, custom songs, etc.)
Is there anything else you’d like to add regarding your music business?
It’s not as easy as I would like for it to be, but that means it’s worth it. I don’t care about being a millionaire, I just want people to hear our music and enjoy it.
Tell us about your own journey into music. Were you in any other bands prior to Guard of Martyrs?
I started playing piano at 6 years old, I quickly moved to bass, violin, and anything with strings. Now I am a drummer.
We formed a band in high school, “The Redeemed," and played shows frequently at local scenes, but never recorded.
Tell us about how Guard of Martyrs got started.
Tommy Martyr walked up to me at our mutual place of work one day and asked if I would be interested in playing drums. At the time I had been looking for a new group to play with and was starting to become discouraged.
It was providence.
How would you classify Guard of Martyrs music in terms of genre … if possible?
We started out as a Metal band, but we often find ourselves enjoying and creating RnB, Hip Hop, and Rock.
What are some of each band member's musical influences?
B: A Day to Remember, August Burns Red
T: Korn, Slipknot
LT: Evanescence , MGMT
LW: Alt J, Dance Gavin Dance
What sort of influences do you have outside of music that contribute to your songwriting?
Films, military, competitive sports, sometimes food.
What is the band’s writing process like?
Depending on what the track is about and who it is, that person will then write Lyrics before anything.
Sometimes Tommy will come up with a riff and I’ll come up with lyrics or vice versa. There is no set pattern.
In a similar vein, what is the band’s recording process like?
Since we live so far apart we are always under time constraints. We share a studio space on the same side of the house as a small kid, so we don’t get to play late, ever. Recording is confined to the early hours of the afternoon and done with a swiftness. All things are usually planned ahead of time.
Can you delve into the message and inspiration of your latest single?
“Torment” is about being real with one’s own self, accountability, and the will/drive to move forward from your past.
Not letting the past define you,
it’s spoken from the perspective of your “demons.”
Tell us about your new EP, “Revelations.”
It’s about the end of one era in life,
and the precursor to a new beginning.
It is the Yin.
Can you talk about any challenges or obstacles the band has faced?
Absolutely, aside from theft from former members, logistical strain / lack of equipment / low funds and lack of time; personality must always be considered in a creative setting. Concessions must be made.
How has the band's sound and style developed over time?
It has softened, most certainly. You wouldn’t know it, but we recorded “ Aphrodisia “ last, which is our only RnB song to date.
If someone could only listen to one Guard of Martyrs song to get a feel for the band, what would you recommend and why?
Judas. It incorporates a lot of our sounds into one track. From soft rock acoustic to visceral breakdowns.
What is next for Guard of Martyrs?
Releasing the full album, God willing.
What do you hope fans take away from Guard of Martyrs music?
There is hope, Do not give up! You’ve got this!
If it was easy it wouldn’t be worth it!
What are your thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in music production going forward?
It has its benefits and drawbacks. I don’t think it’s possible to fully replicate a human sound yet.
How can people listen to Guard of Martyrs?
We are available on all streaming platforms, and anywhere you can purchase music (Apple, Amazon, Spotify, etc.).
What advice do you have for young musicians just getting involved with music?
Do not give up, practice daily, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for this opportunity to share who we are.
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Seems pretty down to earth.
ReplyDeleteGreat interview and enjoyed learning more about this band. They say never give up on your dreams. So don’t stop believing and dream big.
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