How’d the band get started? How long have you been together?
Jonathan, Soup: Soup has been together for over 3 years. It started as a solo project and over the years different players have filled the different parts.
Jim, The Inheritance: The band started a little over a year ago when April and Ian decided that they wanted to do a fun little acoustic project which eventually blossomed into a full-blown band. They played with the idea of writing music and playing live, but after writing "The Escape Artist" it was instant family music chemistry and they knew it in their hearts, to pursue it further.
Ruslan, TheBREAX: We got started by playing a lot of local shows in the San Diego open mic scene at venues like Elevated, Hot Monkey Love cafe and hosting our own open mic called theVessel. That quickly led to performance opportunities at local college and eventually venues like The Belly Up, Onyx Room and Boar Cross'n. There's also a faith component to our vision that brings us together. We all met in church and our music was birthed out of a small group that we started in 2005 that led us to doing music together and forming theBREAX in 2006 and releasing our first project in 2007.
What originally made you want to submit to the House of Blues New Music Nights program?
Jonathan, Soup: The HOB is a venue that everyone knows. Whether you are a musician or not you have heard of the HOB. It is an iconic venue.
Jim, The Inheritance: We submitted to House of Blues New Music Nights to have the opportunity to work with such a formidable and amazing venue. We have all been to House of Blues and had an amazing time watching our favorite bands, having dinner and going to events etc. So as soon as the opportunity arose, we jumped at the chance to be associated with such a legendary venue and grace the same stage as our favorite acts.
Ruslan, TheBREAX: The House of Blues is a major staple in the music community. Some of the biggest names in any genre frequently tour or have toured the different venues. We wanted to submit because we knew it would energize our fan base by seeing us play at an established venue and also open us up to a bigger audience that hasn't heard of us yet. Possibly developing a relationship with LiveNation is a great opportunity as well.
Do you have any band pre-show rituals? A secret handshake? A super long band practice?
Jonathan, Soup: We always have a nice long rehearsal before every show. We typically sit in a circle as a band before shows and discuss/visualize what we want to achieve at each performance. A good cup of coffee is usually in order as well.
Jim, The Inheritance: One band ritual we have is huddling together before a show and improvise a funny saying and end it with an all hands in and a "Hoorah!". Usually Ian says, "We were brought here to eat sandwiches and Rock and Roll...and it looks like we are fresh out of sandwiches!". We typically won't rehearse before a big show. We feel like that that energy of seeing each other for the first time in a few days is a very kinetic and intimate energy and we like to share it with our fans. Gets us stoked!
Ruslan, TheBREAX: We practice and get prepared a few weeks out. We do have a special BREAX handshake that only the three of us know and do. Before we go on we usually pray.
What does playing the House of Blues mean to you and your career?
Jonathan, Soup: As mentioned before the HOB looks great on a resume because of its’ stature. Getting a foot in the door in a venue like HOB is good.
Jim, The Inheritance: Playing House of Blues to the band is very significant and we feel very honored. With such a legendary venue that has had so many amazing acts, the experience of gracing the same stage as so many greats, it is a very surreal feeling and we can't be more honored and humbled. We still remember about a year ago, playing small venues to about 15 kids, and to now play the legendary House of Blues, we feel like we've taken that next step in our musical careers and we can't be more appreciative and grateful. It gives us goose bumps!
Ruslan, TheBREAX: Playing the House of Blues is another piece in the puzzle that helps us establish credibility in the music industry. It's like having physical distribution in stores, getting featured on ITunes, or having a music video air on MTV. None of these things in and of themselves mean we've "made it" but the right pieces assembled in the right way at the right time will help us reach our ultimate goal.
Be sure to check out these three amazing acts at the San Diego House of Blues on July 11th!
