Prince Alumni (BR)OTHERS Talk Debut Collaboration (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.
How did (BR)OTHERS come to be?
I wrote the song as a kind of tribute to my relationship with one of my favorite people, Sonny. One day, I had the bright idea to ask him to join me on it. Then, it dawned on me that we should be doing this project together. Sonny agreed, and here we are.
Was there a specific experience that inspired the song title and lyrics for “(Br)other”?
The pandemic was the catalyst. It was a period of a kind of forced reflection. There’s nothing like being in a prolonged state of isolation to show you who means what to you.
Can you talk to us a little bit about the production process for the song? How was the experience of recording original music together?
This is one that I wrote on my own. I started on Logic Pro X with building the arrangement, laid down some scratch vocals, etc. Once I had enough of a musical statement to show it to Sonny, he came over to my house, sang some parts I was looking for, and overdubbed bass and guitars. Then, I tracked the drums in Soul Asylum’s rehearsal space and asked Ken Chastain and John Fields to add some “Beatles flavor”. They did. And, the last addition to the recording was an organ track, played by Brian Ziemniak. Jeremy Tappero, my bandmate in SA, mixed the song.
“(Br)other” is playful yet personal—why was it important for you to create a song that celebrates your friendship?
The song is the result of catharsis, brought on by the pandemic. It just kind of bubbled to the surface and wouldn’t leave me alone until I did something about it. I think most songwriters will tell you that songs happen when they want to. We don’t have a say.
Can you take us through the creative process for the “(Br)other” music video? What visual elements were you passionate about incorporating?
It’s just things that friends do together. The inspiration is somewhere between the sci-fi of P-Funk and buddy sitcoms from the 70’s and 80’s. I let Jason East, the video director/producer, do his thing. He did a great job.
How did you collaborate with your team to ensure the video for “(Br)other” captured the essence of your sound and message?
Jason and I had a couple of conversations. He showed me a couple of things he worked up to show me the style and intent. I approved and let him express himself.
Did you face any challenges during the production process for the song or music video? How did you overcome these challenges?
Surprisingly, everything went pretty smoothly, from start to finish. the secret is knowing who to work with. I know several very capable people who know how to deliver. And, they did.
What was your favorite part of creating the song and the music video?
The fact that we finally have gotten around to doing something by ourselves for ourselves. We’ve been mostly known as sideman sausages.. lol- This was a real chance to show people what else we’re capable of.
What do you hope listeners will feel or understand from the song? In other words, what impact do you hope “(Br)other” and the “(Br)other” music video will have on your audience?
If it makes just one person smile, sing, or whistle along, we’ll be happy.
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About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
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