To contact us about booking or other show related topics, please e-mail us at thebricksmusic@yahoo.com ~ You can also reach us through our website by sending us a message here on our MySpace.
Influences
Sam:
After first hearing the Dave Matthews band, I have been amazed at the unique combination of jazz, funk, and rock that Carter Beuford combines in his playing. He is by far my greatest influence for drums. Other influences include Neil Peart of Rush, Don Henly of The Eagles, and numerous bands such as The Raconteurs, Credence Clearwater Revival, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and John Mayer. None of these inspirations compare, however, to my high school band director Bill Alexander. He is by far my greatest influence on not only my musical passion, but much of what is my life. Thanks Mr. A!!
Nick:
My influences come from many different places. Some of the bands I'm currently listening to are Pink Floyd, The Doors, Kings of Leon, The Black Eyed Snakes, My Chemical Romance, Queens of the Stone Age, Kyuss, Blink 182, Flogging Molly, Interpol, Nirvana, Muse, Violent Femmes, Gnarls Barkley, Common, Smashing Pumpkins, The White Stripes, The 88, Taking Back Sunday, and the Zutons. My biggest bass influence is probably Scott Reeder of Kyuss, one of Josh Homme's earlier projects
Lauren:
Hey! As for myself i think "the Bricks" influence me the most. When creating origional music with this band, it is definatley a group effort. One of the guys will create a sound/feeling and the lyrics just happen!
However, being the only girl in the group my influences are a bit different. Although I did grow up listening to the Beatles, Pink Floyd, The Eagles, and many other amazing rock artists. I love jazz more than anything! Ray Charles is my all time hero. I will soon contribute music and lyrics influenced by Norah Jones, Alison Krauss, Harry Connick Jr., Alanis Morissette, Jewel, Michael Buble, and of course John Mayer. All of my lyrics come to me spur of the moment. I rarely wright anything down. I think that music should express emotions, so all of my songs are felt not forced. A saying to live by: Music enlightens the soul!
Jason:
My influences range all over the place: I love everything from classical to metal. From The Beatles, Miles Davis, Van Halen, Bob Dylan to Nighwish, Dimmu Borgir and infinitely beyond. Music is music whether I get influence from an old Stax recording to a new underground band I hear about. I guess you could say that my favorite genres are FUNK JAZZ and METAL which does not make sense at all but all I can say is ..m/ ROCK ON!
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Buy a song!!! New one's are on their way, but for now, you can support us by buying these great tracks! Thanks all!!
The Bricks are often asked what they sound like. The truth of the matter is this: The Bricks are a variety band performing original music that is rooted from funk and rock music. Since the recent addition of lead guitarists Jason Munns and Reuben Verdoljak, they have included new compositions that have only furthered their creative art into the realms of jazz and metal music. They perform all original music while pushing themselves musically with infectious grooves and improvisation. One more question arises: who do they take inspiration from? Lauren Verhel who takes on lead vocal duties is inspired by everyone from Jewel to Anette Olzon of Nightwish. Jason Munns and
Reuben Verdoljak, the guitar tandem of the group, are inspired by Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai and The Allman Brothers. The drummer Sam
McKinney is influenced by Carter Beuford of The Dave Matthews Band, Don Henley of The Eagles, Neil Peart of Rush, and many other great drummers. Finally, the group would not be complete without Nick Spielman whose influence falls on one person, Scott Reeder of Kyuss. As a whole the group draws inspiration from the funk styles of Earth Wind & Fire and The Red Hot Chili Peppers, the rock styles of The Allman Brothers Band and Van Halen, the smooth guitar styles of Steve Vai and Stevie Ray Vaughn, and the symphonic metal styles of Nightwish and After Forever.
This fitting quote sums up The Bricks: When words leave off, music begins.
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Please help us get our name out! Copy the link below and paste it on your own myspace as well as your friends!!!
Our friends at Public Access Television have completed our 102 minute DVD from the April 20, 2008 Battle of the Bands Show. The DVD includes all the music from the CD with video of course, plus bonus chapters: Slide show from PACT with music from the show Back stage band interviews and career expo with music from the show What is JA Fitz Photo slide show with music from the show.
These bonus features (PACT TV, Career Expo and Fitz Photo slideshows) contain Music NOT on the CD, but performed by the bands during show.
Before the "closing credits" roll, you get to hear.... "the winner is "The Bricks" and see you all on stage.
DVD's are available now at PACT - $19.95 PACT TV 411 W. 1st St., 328 (City Hall) Duluth, MN 55802 (218) 723-3686
You guys are really good, I know most of you are in High school, but is sounds like you guys play really well with each other and hopefully you guys can stay together for the long haul. Do you guys have CD's out for sale?
I really hope you guys are gettin er done... im spreading the word about you guys out hear in California..Rock on Lauren.. love always... Orange Pumkin. you know what im sayin.lol max
I just so happened to be lucky enough to catch you guys on the fourth.. I just wanted to let you know I think that youv'e got something special.. Asian invasion on guitar, a non crazy drummer, and a hot lead singer? Sounds like someones going places..
So when's the wrold tour begin? I'll be there when you guys hit st pete Florida...
hey hey guys so if you guys have any shows that you need more bands for please feel free to contact me so we know! i had talked to some of you guys at grandmas after you guys were done so it would be sweet to start playing shows with you guys!! and if you guys havent you should added us you should totally add us at
Thanks sam, that was nice of you to say. We'd be more than happy to play shows with you guys, either you guys can set them up or we can, doesnt matter, we'll keep in touch. -Brandon; 19:11
Grandma's Sports Garden on Sunday, May 18. Cover charge is $5, doors open at 6:00, show starts at 7:00. Each band will be playing a 45 minute set.
Due to a scheduling conflict, "Aphamy" -- the 3rd place band representing Ashland High School WILL NOT be playing. So the 5th place band has been invited.
This is the order of performance:
"HydroWizard" representing Superior (WI) High School "Amauros" representing Hermantown (MN) High School "Colmekill" representing East Range Academy of Technology & Science (Eveleth, MN) "The Bricks" representing Marshall School of Duluth (MN)
By the way, it that a picture of the back panel for a DigiDesign 002 or 003 - when the "nothing left / new version"song is showed?
Hey. Thanks for the add. Hmmm, back when I was in technical training for the Air National Guard, one drunk guy was on a barracks balcony, razzing some peeps below. Said he was gonna toss a brick at 'em. Then he asked, wanna see my brick? He was all talk, though.
Kenny B Productions sends Congrats to a talented group! Very deserving of the 1st place title! Keep up the great work. We are proud to have you on our team! Way to go DJ SAM!!
Hey Guys, Got mentioned in a Big Music Business magazine/blog, check it out:
"As an interesting side note, the lead singer of last year’s winning second place group, The Bricks, is attending McNally Smith College of Music this coming fall."
