Interviews Next Wave

TCR Exclusive (BR)OTHERS Talk New Single “(Br)other”

Michael Bland and Sonny T of (BR)OTHERS are Minneapolis marvels—expertly applying their decades of experience to craft a fresh,

By TCR Staff

November 8, 2024

TCR Exclusive (BR)OTHERS Talk New Single “(Br)other”

Michael Bland and Sonny T of (BR)OTHERS are Minneapolis marvels—expertly applying their decades of experience to craft a fresh, soulful sound that resonates with music lovers of all generations. As alumni of The New Power Generation, Prince, Michael, and Sonny collaborated as a trio of sorts, working and performing together across numerous projects and tours in the early 90s. Michael, best known for his drumming talent and perfect pitch, has since worked with Soul Asylum, Vulfpeck, Paul Westerberg, and more. Meanwhile, Sonny’s electrifying basswork and vibrant personality contributed to projects in the Minneapolis music scene, including Back to Black, The Lewis Connection, and the Cory and the Wongnotes variety show. Coming together for the first time in years, these longtime friends are ready to showcase their funky, ebullient, original sound in an expertly produced debut single, backed by Soul Asylum’s guitarist Ryan Smith’s (The Melismatics, Ryan And Pony) new label, Hygh Tension Records.

“(Br)other” is a superbly crafted debut single for this pair—acting almost as a campy theme song to introduce listeners to Michael and Sonny’s personalities and brotherly bond. Their soulful and melodic voices complement each other perfectly—harmonizing together like they’ve been doing it forever. Though these two have never released music as a duo until now, the song’s ultra-groovy, undeniably funky sound showcases a giftedness and expertise that can only be developed through years of collaboration. This lighthearted track excellently illustrates Michael and Sonny’s style and swagger as they reintroduce themselves as a force of funk sure to capture the hearts of a new generation of listeners. “We’ve got a sound we just can’t hide,” they admit. The song leaves listeners with a fantastic first impression and gives them an exciting peek at what’s to come.

The “(Br)other” animated music video takes viewers on a vivid visual journey, artistically capturing Michael and Sonny’s lively nature and easygoing spirit. Jason East’s imaginative creative efforts, featuring stop-motion paper cutouts and animated avatars designed by Sarah Miscavage, brings viewers along for an out-of-this-world adventure reminiscing on the duo’s decades of friendship. It’s a visually stunning masterpiece meticulously designed and animated over a few months of patient work. This spectacle is not only a treat for the eyes but also fits perfectly with (BR)OTHERS’ smooth sound and invigorating funk—giving viewers an inside look at Michael and Sonny’s fraternal, warmhearted relationship sparked by a shared passion for making music. It’s a can’t-miss reminder that no matter what universe they’re in, Michael and Sonny will always be brothers.

What inspired you to come together to release music as a new duo?

The inspiration for Sonny and I to join forces on this project was the realization that we could not rely on anyone else to be the stewards or caretakers of our legacies as creatives.

Can you talk a little bit about the creative process for “(Br)other” from writing to recording? What inspired you to write a song about your friendship?

The pandemic. I was not able to hang out with friends or work together in the same environment. I missed Sonny more than a lot of people I know. And, it took me down a road, remembering great gigs and listening to certain records we worked on together. You don’t really know what people mean to you until they’re inaccessible to you. The song is really us reflecting on our real life relationships as men and as friends. I meant every word I wrote.

“(Br)other” is incredibly funky and soulful—who are your sonic influences?

Prince, obviously. Also, there’s Billy Preston, Beatles, Nilsson, War, and definitely Funkadelic and Sly Stone.

As artists with lots of musical experience under your belt, in what ways does “(Br)other” showcase your evolution as artists? What makes “(Br)other” different from music you have made in the past?

I think that as we mature, we appreciate the music we grew up with more. We weren’t measuring the sound or composition against anything modern, although we wanted to make a timeless statement.

“(Br)other” is lighthearted and shares a positive message—how important is it for you to spread positivity through your music?

Spreading positivity through music is our raison d’etre. It’s why we do hat we do.

How did you decide on animated visuals for the “(Br)other” music video, and how do these visuals convey the song’s message?

I had a couple of discussions with Jason East, the producer/director of the video, about several scenarios ranging from the corniest to the most abstract. He chose the ones he thought would be best. The ones that translated best to video. We also talked a bit about 70’s and 80’s buddy sitcoms. So, it’s a mixture of influences. But, the message is about the fact that friends go through things together that are not always pleasant, but experience, hardship and time can strengthen your bond.

The sentiment of “always being brothers” is inspiring—what do you hope listeners will take away from the song?

We hope to inspire honest dialogue between people about how much others mean to us, especially men. We live in an age where men think showing and expressing love is weak. Fraternal love is not something shameful or a threat to your masculinity. In reality, love is the strongest, most transformational force in the universe. Love can conquer anything, if you let it.

How do you see “(Br)other” fitting into your musical aspirations? What does the future hold for (BR)OTHERS?

I’ve written a lot of bad songs. But, “(Br)other” reacquainted me with something I’ve known for a long time, but sometimes forget. Tell the truth. Say something real. Share yourself honestly with others. That’s how you make a connection. This is all that’s required, and all we’ve really ever wanted to do. And, we shall continue, at our own speed and in the manner we see fit.