fyrium<\/span>@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n <\/p>\n
Brian Moody \u2013 \u201cBrian\u2019s Brain\u201d Interview<\/strong> KJAGRadio.com \/ The Mic<\/strong><\/p>\nGetting Started<\/h3>\n
1. For readers just discovering Brian Moody for the first time, tell us about your musical journey. How did a kid from Louisville, Kentucky, evolve into a one-man melodic heavy metal force?<\/strong><\/p>\nMy musical journey started as a child, first with piano lessons, and later with guitar lessons. If I remember correctly, I think I only did maybe a year of both, so after that I started to learn songs by ear. Once I was in middle school I got my first guitar, and later in high school I picked up a bass guitar since my friends had a metal band forming and they needed a bassist as they already had two guitarists. After I graduated, years later I was a guitarist in a two-man instrumental metal band for a while and that\u2019s where I started to teach myself how to write riffs and stitch them together into actual songs. We\u2019d get together once a week in my drummer\u2019s shed and just jam for hours. When that dissolved and I was on my own, deep down I had the desire to take some of those song demos and flesh them out. When I saved up enough money, built myself a computer, and obtained a Focusrite Scarlett audio interface, I finally had the equipment to take my hobby to the next level. When I found the time and focused on learning Reaper DAW and programming drums in EZDrummer 2, things started to accelerate as I updated some old demos from the past while also making new songs. Those became what is now my debut album Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em>.<\/p>\n2. Congratulations on the release of Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em>. What emotions are you feeling now that this album is finally out in the world?<\/strong><\/p>\nReleasing this record, my first full album, brings a profound sense of validation and creative release. I feel ecstatic and very proud to see this vision all the way through to its completion. There were a ton of hours just learning how to use Reaper DAW from the ground up, programming drums, and learning to record all the instruments myself, and mix them into a listenable demo. To hear what started as guitar riffs to a metronome or drum beat evolve into a fully realized song is very rewarding and like creating a monster in a laboratory. To start from scratch with just a dream and a vision to now being recognized in Denmark\u2019s Metalized Magazine<\/em> and UK\u2019s Powerplay Rock & Metal Magazine<\/em> is absolutely wild.<\/p>\nThe Album<\/h3>\n
3. You wrote, recorded, and performed every note on the album yourself. What inspired you to take the one-man-band approach rather than work with a traditional lineup?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe choice to become a one-man band was born out of a desire for absolute creative control and efficiency. I could work at my own pace and not have to worry about any compromises with how I wanted the vision of the songs to form, and I didn\u2019t have to worry about any scheduling friction on getting together with band members for practicing or writing. Operating solo allows me to move at my own speed in my home studio \u201claboratory,\u201d jumping from tracking guitars straight to mapping vocal duality layers without a single creative speed bump.<\/p>\n
4. The title Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em> suggests that listeners are stepping directly into your creative world. What does the title represent, and what can fans expect to experience when they enter your musical universe?<\/strong><\/p>\nBrian\u2019s Brain<\/em> represents a raw look inside the psychological and sonic architecture of my mind. It encompasses my past with where I\u2019ve been with where I was mentally when I wrote the songs. There are no boundaries and I don\u2019t contain myself into a single genre. I make what I want to hear no matter where it goes. Listeners can expect to experience a sonic landscape built on a dense wall of sound layered with melodic hooks. I love rhythms and melodies and wanted to make music that makes you want to nod along or headbang as that\u2019s what I grew up attached to. It is a continuous journey designed to challenge the traditional boundaries of modern heavy music.<\/p>\n5. You describe the album as bridging old-school 502 heavy metal roots with a modern production sound. How important was it for you to honor your Kentucky roots while pushing your sound forward?<\/strong><\/p>\nI think it\u2019s important to honor or remember where you came from, but at least these days the metal scene in Kentucky and especially the city of Louisville is very niche and underground at the moment. Louisville in general seems to gravitate more towards Indie Rock or Punk, or at least it seems that way to me. But by being a solo studio project, I don\u2019t feel bound to the borders of the city or state, and with the internet I think it\u2019s more effective to try to go global and find the right ears of fans that will dig what I\u2019m putting out. Heavy metal is already a niche genre with thousands of sub-genres within it, so everybody\u2019s taste is particular and sometimes specific, and I think it\u2019s best to branch out worldwide as much as possible. The good and bad thing about the internet is that it\u2019s easier than ever to get your music out on platforms and countries that you\u2019ve never stepped foot in, but the flip side of the coin is that thousands of songs get released every day now so it\u2019s an endless ocean of music floating out there continuously competing for a chance to be heard.<\/p>\n
Influences and Sound<\/h3>\n
6. Fans of Ozzy Osbourne, Mastodon, In Flames, and Strapping Young Lad will hear elements of those influences throughout the record. Which artists and albums helped shape the sound of Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em>?<\/strong><\/p>\nWhen I was younger, once I flipped the switch from Grunge to Heavy Metal, after being into Alice in Chains and Deftones, I was first inspired by Strapping Young Lad, Fear Factory, Pantera, and Type O Negative. Later I got into Gojira, Mastodon, Dax Riggs, Scar The Martyr, and Devin Townsend\u2019s solo work. In more recent years I\u2019ve gotten into VOLA, Autumns Eyes, Four Stroke Baron, and Evergrey. But I still listen to everything and anything when I\u2019m in the mood for it\u2014old school influences like Black Sabbath, Mot\u00f6rhead, The Misfits, and King Diamond, or 80\u2019s pop songs. Music in general inspires me and helped shape the sound of my record. I don\u2019t limit what I listen to or what I create; it\u2019s just built from a heavy metal framework.<\/p>\n
7. There\u2019s a cinematic quality to the music with layered vocals, keyboards, and atmospheric textures. Were you consciously trying to create a visual or story-driven experience with these songs?<\/strong><\/p>\nYes, every track was engineered and came together as a visual screenplay for the listener\u2019s mind. Once the songs and album started taking shape I realized the mood it was taking was apocalyptic at times. But it does make sense because the writing and mixing occurred between 2020 and 2023. It was a strange chaotic time and I think that comes out in the music. The goal ended up becoming building a dense wall of sound layered atmosphere that could be listened to from front to back as a mental journey. At times, to me the album was about overcoming darkness within and outside of one\u2019s self.<\/p>\n
8. Heavy metal has evolved tremendously over the years. Where do you see your music fitting into today\u2019s metal landscape?<\/strong><\/p>\nMy project occupies a unique space without borders that bridges uncompromising ever-evolving vision with studio obsession. A lot of modern heavy music has become overly sanitized and some of it all sounds the same. It can be hard to differentiate tracks or albums because it all starts to blend together at times. I aim to never box myself in to a specific sound, or try to always perfect a take on automated software grids which can kill the human element. If there is a slight timing error on an instrument or vocals that sound too raw or unrefined, they can add to a song\u2019s soul instead of deleting and aiming for perfection. By keeping my recording process organic and performance driven, I am offering listeners an authentic, multi-layered alternative that honors legacy roots while pushing modern limits.<\/p>\n
The Moscow Connection<\/h3>\n
9. One of the most fascinating aspects of this album is the collaboration with Theodor Borovski at Slaughtered Studio in Moscow, Russia. How did that partnership come together, and what did he bring to the project?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe partnership with Theodor Borovski at Slaughtered Studio was forged entirely through the global underground digital network after I discovered his mixing work online. I networked with him through the SoundBetter website. He had a background with working on many metal projects and brought an experienced mixing sensibility to my demos that perfectly complemented my dense arrangement structures. His engineering ear helped balance the massive vocal walls and multi-layered guitar tracks while also humanizing my drum programming as he himself is a drummer, so the match was perfect.<\/p>\n
10. Did working with someone from another part of the world influence your sound or broaden your perspective on metal as a global community?<\/strong><\/p>\nIt absolutely proved that heavy music is a universal behavioral language that completely transcends international boundaries. Despite the geographic distance between Kentucky and Moscow, Theodor and I spoke the same dialect when it came to tracking tone, audio dynamics, and heavy metal production. That seamless workflow completely broadened my perspective, inspiring me to market my brand directly to international territories.<\/p>\n
Studio Obsession<\/h3>\n
11. You have described Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em> as the culmination of years of studio obsession. What does \u201cstudio obsession\u201d mean to you, and how much time went into crafting this record?<\/strong><\/p>\nStudio obsession means locking yourself away in a room for months or years spending the majority of your free time hyper-focusing on learning the process of writing, recording, and mixing every layer until you are satisfied with the end result. This debut record is the final calculation of hundreds of hours spent inside my home laboratory tweaking mixes, recording tracks, and layering the sonic landscape I was chasing. It represents an absolute refusal to rush an asset or quit in the face of adversity or setbacks, ensuring every single second of audio carries total artistic intent.<\/p>\n
12. As someone handling every instrument and every arrangement, what were some of the biggest challenges and rewards of being entirely self-contained?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe biggest challenge is the mental exhaustion of having to act as your own objective editor, tracking engineer, and multi-instrumental performer simultaneously. Another challenge was learning about ear fatigue and knowing when to quit mixing and to become satisfied with a song or demo. At some point the smallest tweaks became overly obsessive while I\u2019d critique them endlessly in my studio headphones, on the monitors, or in my car speakers. I found it hard to let go at first. However, the ultimate reward completely obliterates that fatigue when you bounce the final master file. Knowing that every single scream, guitar riff, and bass groove came entirely from your own physical execution gives the project an undeniable, pure unique identity.<\/p>\n
Independence and Creative Freedom<\/h3>\n
13. The album was released independently and self-managed. In an era where artists have more tools than ever, what advantages do you see in maintaining complete creative control?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe single biggest advantage of maintaining complete autonomy is the freedom to completely insulate your art from outside commercial influence and dilution. Operating independently means I answer to zero corporate shareholders, allowing me to release uncompromising arrangements exactly when and how I see fit. It transforms the project from a standard commercial product into a pure, direct-to-consumer artistic statement.<\/p>\n
14. Do you feel that independent artists today have more opportunities than previous generations, or are there new challenges that come with doing everything yourself?<\/strong><\/p>\nWe have unprecedented access to global distribution and hyper-targeted advertising networks that completely bypass traditional industry gatekeepers. However, that massive freedom creates a brand new marketplace challenge where everywhere is now flooded with digital noise. While it\u2019s easier than ever to put your music out to the world, the competition to actually get heard has never been tougher in my opinion.<\/p>\n
Songs and Themes<\/h3>\n
15. Are there particular songs on Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em> that hold a deeper personal meaning for you or best represent the vision behind the album?<\/strong><\/p>\nI believe the lead single \u201cMadness Remains\u201d serves to best represent the vision behind the album as the sonic pillar for the entire record. It came together without any friction while I was out west during a historic wildfire season where I witnessed fires on the horizon and ash fell from the sky in our neighborhood. The image was completely apocalyptic and I think that bleeds through on the track. The track \u201cMoodswing\u201d holds a deeper personal meaning to me because it was an old riff that was updated into a full song, but the music and lyrics represent a time of battling through depression to get out on the other side of it. My mind was its own worst enemy for a period of time and the song is about the journey out of that state to a healthier place. Perseverance was the key.<\/p>\n
16. What themes run throughout the record? Were there any concepts or emotions you wanted listeners to walk away with after hearing it from beginning to end?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe album maps a psychological exploration of internal mental landscapes and chronicles the chaos of obsessive creativity. It marks the mental journey of all the highs, lows, and everything in between that it took me to get to the finish line by pure willpower and stubborn determination. What first started as a collection of songs or demos became engineered to act as a continuous sonic journey for the listener. To me it\u2019s ultimately abstract art and I hope people take away from it something unique and personal to the individual. I want fans to walk away with a sense of empowerment, realizing that intense mental friction can be harnessed to construct a satisfying final product or achievement.<\/p>\n
Live Possibilities<\/h3>\n
17. Since Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em> is currently a one-man project, have you considered putting together a live band to bring these songs to the stage, or do you envision this remaining primarily a studio endeavor?<\/strong><\/p>\nRight now, my project is operating strictly as a studio engine dedicated to its original vision. While I love the potential for the explosive energy of a live stage, assembling a session lineup that can replicate the sound to the album\u2019s vision would require networking, more money, and operational precision. If I eventually transition these arrangements to a live environment, it will be carefully calculated, but for now, my focus remains entirely on studio creation.<\/p>\n
18. If you could share the stage with any three bands, past or present, who would they be and why?<\/strong><\/p>\nIf I could, I would share the stage with Gojira, Devin Townsend during his late 90s\/2000s era, or Soilwork. A show with Devin Townsend or Strapping Young Lad would be the ultimate celebration of sonic intensity and wall of sound complexity. Showcasing my music alongside Soilwork I think would work great as they are masters at blending heavy and melodic music together perfectly. The heavy rhythmic pounding of Gojira would be an amazing experience as their music crushes and hits squarely in the soul.<\/p>\n
Looking Ahead<\/h3>\n
19. Early engagement around the album has been impressive. Have you been surprised by the response so far, and what has feedback from fans meant to you?<\/strong><\/p>\nThe initial reception has been deeply gratifying because it proves that original heavy music still cuts through the digital noise. Seeing feedback across the world from Scandinavia, United Kingdom, and South America to my hometown of Louisville, KY has been incredible. Knowing that my work is successfully resonating with listeners across global boundaries drives me to continue to work on music creatively as a hobby while also trying to expand my brand as a business.<\/p>\n
20. As you look ahead, what are your goals for Brian Moody Music? Is this just the beginning of a larger vision, and what can metal fans expect next from Brian Moody?<\/strong><\/p>\nThis debut album is just the beginning. I am currently back in my home studio laboratory tracking the foundations for a follow-up EP album slated for release later this year. Metal fans can continue to expect no boundaries, no compromises, just pure artistic vision taking me wherever it goes. There are no rules and no committees, only the passion for music and the determination to create.<\/p>\n
Bonus Question<\/h3>\n
21. Heavy metal has always been about passion, individuality, and refusing to compromise. What message would you like Brian\u2019s Brain<\/em> to send to both longtime metal fans and the next generation discovering heavy music for the first time?<\/strong><\/p>\nMy message is that you do not need a massive corporate record label budget or outside permission anymore to build music or a band. Longtime purists and the next generation of listeners need to see that artistic individuality can be achieved through pure discipline and obsession. If you love what you do, then the grind is secondary. If you stay true to your sonic identity, block out the mainstream noise, and master your execution, you can build whatever creative vision you put forth.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
\u00a0FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Release Date: November 24, 2023 Artist: Brian Moody Release Title: Brian\u2019s Brain Genre: Melodic Heavy Metal \/ Progressive Metal FFO: Ozzy Osbourne , Mastodon , In Flames Rooted in the forests of Kentucky, sharpened in the mountains of Colorado, and forged back home in Louisville, Brian Moody emerges as a one man […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[482],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-41154","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-written"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41154","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41154"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41154\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41155,"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41154\/revisions\/41155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41154"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41154"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kjagradio.com\/themic\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41154"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}