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• WPGU Band of the Week: The Brother Whys

From punk and synth-rock to indie pop, the once restless members of The Brother Whys, (not to be mistaken for the misnomer “The Brothers Why,”) have had their share of genre-exploring days. For now, the Weezer-inspired, Get Up Kids-esque sextet is focused on the prize: putting together an EP and expanding their fan and venue base. Best friends, three of whom are related, The Brother Whys embrace each others’ idiosyncratic quirks, bonding over such endearing rituals as pre-show dance parties. Though busy studying for finals, the band’s sole CU college residents, Tom Riordan and Dan Blabas, met-up with buzz to discuss their “indie pop” yearning to create music that “people can tap their toes to, and sing-along with, yet still find thought-provoking and meaningful.”

buzz:Rumor is that you have a new EP in the works. How will this upcoming release compare with your latest, I Wrote This With Our Bare Hands?

The Brother Whys: We’re definitely moving into new territory. The instrumentation will be more complex; it’s less about “playing it safe” anymore.

buzz: Your music has been described as, “emo, before that label became a dirty word.” What do you make of this characterization?

The Brother Whys: Although our primary influence is Weezer, I took that statement as a reference to The Get Up Kids, since our sound is definitely comparable. In terms of genre, I’d say we’re distinctly “indie pop.” Our band is willing to write music for the sake of it being catchy, and that gives it more universal appeal.

buzz: How do you balance being a developing musician and a college student? Is it difficult coordinating the different members’ schedules?

The Brother Whys: It can be pretty hectic. We have some nights where we’ll come into Chicago to record, and then have to wake up early the next morning to drive back for class. We usually try our best to get one or two solid practices in before a show. It works though, as we successfully recorded a full-length CD (I Wrote This With Our Bare Hands) while being separated for nine months out of the year.

buzz: What is your ideal venue to play?

The Brother Whys: Although we’ve played at the Iron Post, Courtyard Café, Canopy Club and Cowboy Monkey, among others, our favorite place on the whole is definitely the Elbo Room in Chicago. Since there are six members in our band, we favor places that have larger stages, especially since we all love to dance around [on-stage]. Our next step in terms of what venue to book would definitely be Chi-town’s Bottom Lounge. However, our next set gig is February 5th at Canopy Club.

buzz: How would you appraise the CU music scene?

The Brother Whys: It’s definitely a unique situation. The burgeoning scene makes it easy to meet lots of musicians from many different bands. Although it’s easy to get into the CU music scene, we find it hard to get out. The area provides a lot of resources and opportunities for bands to get their start, but once bands have made their initial mark here, it becomes hard to stand out.