Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
JB Brisendine- Guitar and Vocals Nick Johns - keys and vocals James Fedigan - Bass Allan Carson - Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Brother Hawk?
How long has the band been around? JB and James were in a band called Crossbearer, Nick was in Mice in Cars, and Allan was in Mississippi Shakedown. We formed in 2010, Allan joined in 2016.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The origin is from my (JB) parents. They’re real into nature, and the animals were always “Brother” or “Sister”. Brother Hawk is one that always sounded cool to me.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
I write all the lyrics and the basic shell of most of the songs, but everyone writes their individual parts. The theme is always just life and love. I’m not very good at writing about anything but personal experience so it’s always about my life, my family, relationships etc.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
The most heavily rotated things in the van are The Black Crowes, The War on Drugs, and Hiss Golden Messenger.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Nick and I started our first band together in 3rd grade mostly because of Nirvana, but Stevie Ray Vaughan is the reason i play guitar. I saw him on Austin City Limits when i was 8 and he blew my mind. I got a guitar a few months later
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
Nick eats candy, I take edibles, James smokes and makes us coffee, Allan hydrates and stretches, then i get a big hug from everyone before we go on!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Opening for Blackberry Smoke at the Ryman, or really any of the shows with them. The Tabernacle was probably my actual favorite.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
The Black Crowes, The War on Drugs, and Hiss Golden messenger, so we could watch them every night!
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks so much for taking the time to interview us!