A four-piece blues, rock band from Coolbellup in Perth, King Brown deserve your immediate attention.
Current single 'Way Down' is a crusading indie rock jam bristling with a laidback attitude and a rhythm section screaming "an ice cold beer would be pretty alright, right about now!".Inspired by artists as diverse as Californian surf rockers Allah-Las to the classic rock of the Rolling Stones, 'Way Down' is the first single from King Brown's debut EP (that's due later in the year).
The quartet is comprised of brothers Ash Kennedy (lead guitar) and Shaun Kennedy (rhythm guitar), Brendon Cross (vocals/ drums) and newest member Ben Salmin (bass). King Brown launch 'Way Down' at Jack Rabbit Slim's (Perth) tonight, 16 April.
Here, the band steps up to the plate to answer a few music-related questions as well as some bigger picture stuff, like the chores they dislike the most and what they'd cook us if we were coming over for dinner (make it 7pm!).
Who is King Brown... We're a four-piece blues, rock-inspired band out of Fremantle, Western Australia. We formed in a spare bedroom in about mid 2018, jammed for a few months, then finally took to the stage for the first time in early 2019 and have been rocking on ever since.
It first sort of started when me and another mate went around to Brendon's house for jam, just mucking around; we had a few of our different mates come through here and there and eventually I brought Ash down, and then it kind of snowballed from there.
Ben is the latest edition to the band, he joined once the lockdown ended and we were able to gig again, he also records us too, shoutout to Bum Chic Studio.
We all have both different and overlapping tastes in music. I'd say our music is inspired by artists like Californian surf rockers Allah-Las to the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin and so on.
2021 is shaping up to be our biggest year yet. We got our first triple j play with 'Bones' and also the upcoming single 'Way Down'. We've sold out our past four headline shows over the last year, slowly creeping into bigger rooms each time.
Our next gig is at Jack Rabbit Slim's in Perth for the launch of 'Way Down' on 16 April; this one will be our biggest headline show yet so we're super excited for that. 'Way Down' is the first single off of our debut EP, which is due out in a couple of months.
We're also going on our first regional tour here in WA, so make sure you keep an eye out for it.
We sound like... Blues inspired rock & roll.
Our first gig was... In Brendon's backyard in Coolbellup. We collected so many milk crates over a period of weeks, zip-tied them together and had ourselves a makeshift stage. Overall was a solid night. Our first real pub gig was supporting one of our favourites, Verge Collection.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... The name 'King Brown' is a double entendre – first being a deadly snake in Australia and second a tall beer you wrap in a brown paper bag.
We'd been spit-balling names for a few weeks, and once that one came up, I think we all knew it was the one.
In the studio we usually... Get down to business.
If we could tour with anyone... Past: Led Zeppelin. Present: The Black Keys.
My favourite app at the moment is... GuitarTuna Or YouTube; so easy to fall into the rabbit hole that is the recommended videos algorithm.
Life on the road can be... Ask again after June.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains... Ice cold beer.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Performing CPR in a real world situation.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be spokesperson of the band... Both Liam and Noel Gallagher. At the same time. Only allowed to communicate through Twitter.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? Manhattan, New York. Love skyscrapers and the city has a rich historical tapestry. Also California – a lot of pools to skate.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Not sure what we would cook, but it'll definitely be served with a ice cold beer.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover, definitely a lover. However, Ash is more into pets that have eight legs.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Swan Draught.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... When we walked past one and saw a glimpse through the door.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Dishes and tuning a 12-string guitar.
Best local takeaway joint for a 2am feed that will leave you with a food coma? Chicken meat box. Most places.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Brooklyn 99'. The show is elite. And 'Formula 1: Drive To Survive'.
