Eight-piece urban funk brass act Stomptown Brass have released their debut album, It Did Went Down. We asked James O'Leary and Luke Byrne from the band the BIG questions . . .
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Since their formation in 2014, the expansive band line-up of two drummers, two trombones, two trumpets, sixteen hands, one sax and one tuba have played gigs across Ireland and abroad.
It all started for Stomptown Brass when the band decided to unofficially march the route of Dublin's St. Patrick’s Day parade after the last float had departed.
After a few friendly discussions with the authorities, the band decided to take their show to the stage first before hitting the road and embarked on the Locomotive tour in 2016 to promote their debut EP of the same name.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
James: The band was set up ten years ago, kind of to give me a chance to get used to trombone which was still new to me. Ten years later, we're finally releasing an album, It Did Went Down. It took us a while but I think it's enriched by dipping into ten years of pretty varied projects on the way. We've played in some of Ireland's (and Norway's) most interesting churches touring the Requiem for the Truth show - a kind of jazz funeral for the truth complete with coffin and voodoo preacher. We had incorporated organ as part of the score so trying to dig out and operate all these totally different, often barely used, church organs was an invigorating challenge!
How would you describe your music?
Luke: I'd describe our music as a dynamic blend of urban street funk and explosive brass rhythms that truly sets us apart in the Irish music scene. Our sound is characterized by a powerful brass section, driving rhythms, and a unique energy that resonates with audiences at live performances. We're known for our lively, high-energy shows that engage and entertain, making our music not just something you listen to, but something you experience.
Who are your musical inspirations?
James: It sounds a little grandiose but the main inspirations are probably not that easy to hear in the music at all: Beethoven for a sense of drive and development and Stravinsky for rhythm and colour. Also, Brahms directly inspired our album track, Different Plains. Inspirations closer to our style are harder to put a finger on as there's a bit of everything but honourable mentions have to go to Youngblood Brass Band and in later years Meute for both taking a very tradition-rooted medium (the New Orleans band setup) into interesting places.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Luke: In the spirit of Stomptown Brass and the diverse musical tastes that fuel our performances, first gig experiences as individual members definitely range across the spectrum. For instance, my first gig for me was seeing a very questionable Busted at the 3Arena in Dublin. The energy, the crowd, the sheer volume - it was all intoxicating. The band? Let's just say they're not exactly what you'd expect to lead to brass-driven funk and street music. Picture this: a sea of enthusiastic fans, and there I was, completely absorbed in the moment, even if the band on stage was more likely to appear on a pre-teen playlist. But hey, we all start somewhere. The embarrassing taste of music aside, it was an eye-opener to the power of live performance, something we strive to embody with Stomptown Brass at every show.
What was the first record you ever bought?
James: The Stadium Techno Experience by Scooter. I was pretty young so no apologies! It's a long time since I've had a listen and I'd be a bit worried to give it another go...
What’s your favourite song right now?
Luke: Our musical tastes are as varied as the instruments we play, but right now, enjoying the new Kamasi Washington tracks Prologue and The Garden Path. The sheer musicianship Kamasi and his band exhibit is enough to send us all scrambling back to the practice room! His work, with its rich textures and intricate rhythms, is a masterclass in speaking a whole other musical language but don't worry, we're taking notes (and maybe a few lessons). It's both humbling and inspiring, pushing us to explore new musical territories.
Favourite lyric of all time?
James: I think maybe Radiohead's Lucky - it's a weirdly uplifting song considering it features a plane crash and it kind of has that perfect level of abstraction for lyrics so it gives the listener room to decide what they think about the song.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
James: I'm always tempted to think of the least stimulating song I can which would grind me down the slowest in this situation. But putting that pedantry aside, I'll say Aaron Neville's Hercules: there's something very soothing about the groove in this song.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Luke: You can find our music and more information about us on all the regular spots like Spotify, Bandcamp, and Apple Music. Also, make sure to check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under StomptownBrass and check out our website www.stomptownbrass.com. We're really excited for everyone to hear our debut album It Did Went Down, a project we've been passionately working on over the last few years.
Alan Corr
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