Interview with Brandon Richie
Stemming from Philadelphia, Brandon Richie’s collective band of players delivers a tight, punchy breed of modern pop-punk that feels anything but formulated. The 4 piece are no stranger to the punk scene of the Northeast, having played everything from skate parks to festivals like Camp Punksylvania. Upbeat, high-energy rhythms combined with attention-capturing vocals make Brandon Richie’s band of musicians a refreshing stage presence. Stemming from the ashes of bands in both Pennsylvania and Florida, the group is seasoned not only in the routine of gigging, but in the art of standing out amongst contemporaries. With genre-bending moments spanning from skate punk to hardcore and more, Brandon Richie and his team of players will have your head bobbing whilst reconsidering what you know about modern punk music – and what it is to deliver a high-energy barrage of sound.
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
All of my cousins were big into 2000's punk rock and that's all we listened to together. And if I'm being honest, I don't think I'd be here at all if I wasn't into music. I would have probably got super into nose beers and weird fetishes. I know I'd be dead as a doornail.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
I am always thinking and doing music-related stuff. Even at my day job I am making arrangements for the next show, making a flyer, or anything I can to get something in front of you. But I really like to go to shows and meet all types of people. My music stems directly from how I see the world in front of me.
How long has music been your career?
I have been making music my whole life. I got really serious about it in 2016 when I went to FullSail University for music production. From then till now I have been playing shows and getting this thing off the ground. It's been a hell of a ride
Shout out Uncle Lou's Entertainment Hall in Orlando FL.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
We are from Philadelphia PA, There are so many great artists here. We are always going to the DIY Hardcore and Punk shows. This city is far from nice. Every day I take in my surroundings and sometimes I write songs about it. They happen how they happen. Anyone who knows my music knows it changes constantly. Just like my view on life, love and Philadelphia LOL!
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
Oh Jeeeeeez, One of the worst shows we ever played turned into one of the best shows. We were at Uncle Lou's in Orlando FL getting ready out back of the venue. The turn out was way less than optimal to say the least. These two drunkards were inside messing with our girlfriends. So we came out to polietly ask them to fuck off. They stopped and we went to our cars to do some fun things with lighters. We walked back in and they were playing with our gear. When I told them to leave all hell broke loose. This turned into me fighting both of these dudes. After one was down for the count I grabbed both by the belt and threw them head first into the door to get them to go. After the commotion we got on the instruments and played the best set we ever played and at least 50 people came in. Not the biggest show ever but one of the wackiest.
The best shows ever are at The Mosh Pit in Temple University. We always turn up with all the homies.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
My favorite venue is any house show! Mostly at The Mosh Pit. My goal is to play at the Franklin Music Hall in Philly. I know we would absolutely turn that place upside down.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
This is the hardest question. So I'm gonna go from opening to Closing.
Brian Quirk, Brandon Richie, No Pressure, Turnstile.
That lineup would thrash so hard they would have to call homeland security cause that shit would be the bomb.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?
PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and one day you will be good enough to see a 9 year old chinese boy play Through The Fire and Flames with his toes. And then practice some more.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
Stop worrying about your body! People will love you for you. And when you get older you have a super hot goth girlfriend who loves you very much.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
I'd like to plug a new song but I have to say "Baby Fuel". This song came to be when I felt I was at my lowest. I didn't realize how high I was. My old band broke up and I spent the better part of 7 years and $150,000 working on it. I felt I was left high and dry then. That song is me giving myself motivation to keep doing this. And that you don't need anyone or anything to do what you love.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
"If There's A God '' and our unreleased song "I Hope That Hurts" are the two that give me the biggest high to play. People always want Chickie Fingies and Quesadillas. They want that knuckle dragger type beat.
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
I like to wake up on a saturday moring after a long night of going out and watching the Chads of fisthown fight eachother cause jessica is secretly fucking both of them and reflect on what that all means to me and get to it. I sit at my computer and pump it out. I've spent years making sure my workflow is as easy as turning the computer on and plugging in. I'm a big convenience guy when it comes to producing music.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I just want to have a good time and I want you to have a good time with me. For about 45 minutes we can all hang together, bang around, and forget that your car payment is due. I live for the stage and I feel people see that in me. If I can communicate a good time to you then I did my job and we are all gonna be boulin.
Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?
All of the time. I try to listen to what the other person has to say and then do exactly what I want anyway. Makes for a much easier experience. No, we talk about it like adults and try to come up with the best solution. It's not always easy but that is the beauty of it. Nothing worthwhile ever came easy.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
You are going to be seeing us a lot. We have new songs in the oven right now that I'm getting really anxious to share. They are going to slap. We are going to do some good ole touring in 2023. Maybe Spring Break in FL. A few weekenders here and there. Can't wait to see you at the next one. COME TO THE MOSH PIT 11/19 DM FOR ADDY.