Credit: LA Rodgers
Smooth Brain have been dazzling with a series of hook-laden, anthems, whilst championing underdogs everywhere and raising the collective voice of the queer community.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
- Izzy Gunn – Vocals
- Hera Andre-Bergmann – Guitar
- Ben Schaare – Guitar
- Maryn Czajkowski – Bass
- Jordan Mel – Drums
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Smooth Brain? How long has the band been around?
Izzy sang in choir growing up and was in a cover band with her dad. Jordan, Maryn, and Ben were in a metalcore band called Souls Are Hidden. Jordan and Ben were in an alt rock band called Zombie Sundae. Hera was in a band with Zombie Sundae’s singer called Glittervvitch. Following so far?
Then the band formed in 2020 when Ben wrote “Thread” and invited Jordan and Hera to be a part. Later on, Jordan invited Maryn. And in 2021, Jordan reached out to Izzy on TikTok (cold!) and asked her to sing for the band. The rest is history!
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
The origin of the name “Smooth Brain” is that meme about how smart brains are wrinkly and have lots of thoughts, whereas ours … not so much. And if you can’t think, you won’t be sad. Ez
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?
One of the instrumentalists usually presents a full demo and the rest of us tweak it into oblivion. Then Izzy writes the lyrics and melodies. A lot of the songs are about growing up and having realizations about people and the things around you, namely that they suck really hard. (Other songs are about being gay and having friends. Kind of no in between)
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
- Izzy: Honey Revenge, Sweet Pill, Thin Lizzy, and Briston Maroney
- Hera: Paramore, Stand Atlantic, Another One Down!, and Guns N Roses
- Ben: Fall Out Boy, Hot Mulligan, Neck Deep, and Militarie Gun
- Maryn: Carly Rae Jepsen, Paramore, Guilt Trip, TWRP, and Reneé Rapp
- Jordan: Honey Revenge, Koyo, Issues, Green Day, and 5ever
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Izzy wanted to be in a boy band like 5SOS. Maryn started with drums on Beatles Rock Band and then moved to bass for another band. Ben started playing guitar after hearing Ocean Avenue by Yellowcard and American Idiot by Green Day. Jordan plays drums in the band because the band needed a drummer :)
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc …
- Izzy: Breathing exercises, vocal warmups, stretching, yoga, and lots of tea/water
- Hera: Stretch, work out, warm up, meditate
- Ben: Drink a beer
- Maryn: Stretch, practice a full set, panic on the way there, eat a burrito
- Jordan: Carry gear up the venue stairs for about 9 hours, mosh in place, play show, go home
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
You’ll find out soon ;) Otherwise definitely playing a show with Pinkshift and SPACED, that one was very very cool. Doing our first tour was also a major highlight, and we want to do it a lot more.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Green Day, Paramore, Fall Out Boy, State Champs, Neck Deep, Meet Me @ The Altar, Honey Revenge, Pinkshift, The Home Team, Action/Adventure, Goalkeeper, Like Pacific, Fluorescents, Seaway, Charlotte Sands … basically all of our favorite artists and people on one giant festival would be a dream come true.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
If you’re reading this, please take us on tour :)