New Jersey is known for a lot of things — and while pork roll, The Sopranos, or traffic might spring to mind immediately — however what it should be known for is its wealth of musical talent.
Go through any part of this state and you’ll find artists working hard at their craft, performing their hearts out, and discovering more and more about their art. Brianna Musco is one of those musicians who’s out there, playing where she can, putting out music, and winning over fans show-by-show.
We caught up with the singer/songwriter as she gets set to play The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ tonight along with her band.
The Band Formed In (Year): 2018
Where We’re Based Out of: North Jersey
Put a Label on Your Sound: Definitely Pop Rock.
Our Biggest Musical Influences: Stevie Nicks, Paramore, John Mayer, Taylor Swift, Pink, James Taylor.
Cool/Famous Bands We’ve Shared the Stage With: We opened for Robyn Adele Anderson in New York City this past summer.
You dropped The Demo back in January — any plans to release new music?
Yes, actually the only thing we are working on right now is finishing our debut EP, Forever. Looking to release it end of February early March.
There’s so many bands in the NJ music scene right now — what do you think separates your band from the rest of the bands out there?
I think what separates us from other bands is that we all come from different backgrounds. Lucas Jones (guitar) comes from a more metal/punk background. Nick Cela (Drums) comes from a more jazz based background and Kory Hilpmann (Keys) comes from a more classical upbringing. I also think it helps that I am a classically trained guitarist. At our live shows, I enjoy switching off solos with Lucas and Kory and try to make the show as much fun as possible.
For some who may have never heard you perform before, what’s a song you’d recommend they’d check out in order to fully understand what the band’s all about, and why?
I would recommend listening to our original song “Forever” or our cover of “Chained To The Rhythm” – Those show our use of pop writing with rock instrumentals.
What’s been your favorite moment being with this band? The craziest?
Definitely our tour over this past summer was the best/craziest. We had a great time playing the midwest and east coast and filled our off days with some free Pittsburgh Pirate games, rooftop hangouts in Boston, and some great Chicago deep dish.
What do you love about being in this band?
I love my band mates. They are honestly some of the best people I’ve ever met, they drive easily an hour and a half minimum round trip every week for practice, always bring new ideas for songs and their efforts never go unnoticed. I am very much looking forward to the release of our debut EP and this upcoming winter tour.
The Brianna Musco Band performs tonight at The Brighton Bar in Long Branch, NJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BszE096Fd8Y
