Interview with A Brave Face

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

• As a band and as individual members we embrace a lot of mediums for our art. From music to painting to photography to digital art and video. So even if music wasn’t in our arsenal we would be doing something creative as an outlet. And of coarse like most unsigned bands we have day jobs and families too, so we stay pretty busy.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

• A side from our music we have many interests and hobbies. I my self like to paint and do graphic design projects, for the band and other side projects as well. And our other member likes do photography and paint as well. Also we are both huge video game nerds.

How long has your band been around?

• A Brave Face was formed in 2021 by Richard Hardy and Jonathan Robinson. It started out as a side project to a metal/core band we where both in and during the pandemic shut downs became our main musical outlet and eventually our main focus.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

• We are from Albany NY, this area is known as the Capital Region and has a huge diverse music scene. Everything from Metal and hardcore to Rap and pop/rock, and indie and jam bands. Lots of great musicians and talented people. With lots to draw inspiration from.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

• A Brave Face comes from a popular turn of phrase “putting on a brave face” typically as a way to cover up something more emotional going on below the surface. This symbolized what we as a band wanted to convey in our music. Topics like growing up, having a family, dealing with things like depression anxiety and addiction. Both personally and watching friends and family go through it. All while trying to put on a brave face.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

• We are looking to start booking shows around the Albany area this summer, that said there are many venues large and small we would love to play.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

• Fantasy line-up would be old school acts like Phil Collins, The Beatles, or any 80s cock rock band. Realistically we would love to do a show with Charlie Puth or local Albany rocker Frank Palangi.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

• Always have fun otherwise it’s not worth it. And write music you enjoy playing and that means something to you.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

• Don’t let the small stuff bother you, and always keep moving forward.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

• “You Will Always Be Loved” is probably the most personal to us because it’s about our kids, and letting them know that no matter what they do in life, they always have a place to call home and they will always be loved.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

• Our favorite song to play is “Running Away From Here” because it’s got some nice rocking out parts especially the ending.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

• There is only two of us, and we are on the same page musically and messege wise so writing usually goes pretty smoothly. Plus we grew up together so we have a life long friendship outside of the band as well. We have both been in full band scenarios before so we understand how heads can butt when ideas differ creatively. But luckily we have a pretty good dynamic worked out.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

• Overcoming adversity, while remaining positive. Finding and holding onto love. Learning to love one’s self.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

• Usually we work pretty well together, but since we’ve known each other for so long you can tell when someone is being adamant about something. We also always hear each other out when a new idea comes up.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• Currently we are getting ready to release a Piano and vocal version of debut EP “LOVE, PASSION, HOPE, ESCAPE” that’ll be coming out in the new year. Also we are recording two new singles that’ll be released this coming spring.