Where did your band name come from? Boys having an ale after our first jam together.
Group members: Cameron Smith and Zach Raffan (trumpets), Michael Bailey and John Gosling (trombones), Nathan Sciberras (baritone sax), David Abkiewicz (tuba), Robert Nesci (drums) and Courtney Stark (vocals).
Describe your sound: Jazz and funk rock in a brass band wrapper.
Who are your influences, musical or otherwise? Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Hot 8 Brass Band especially, but anything with a groove. Anyone who is enthusiastic and has the courage to see things through.
What’s the weirdest experience you’ve had whilst performing? Seeing the wide age range of people who dig our music.
What’s your biggest achievement/proudest moment so far? Converting the crowd in a certain Southside beer garden. One flanny-wearing, rum-drinking punter came up afterwards and said “you guys are farkin’ awesome!”.
What are your plans for the future? Writing more songs and playing as much as we can.
What makes you laugh? See proudest moment. Also a dog relieving itself on Nath’s sax case was funny for all but him.
What pisses you off? People seeing a trumpet and immediately thinking we’re going to be too loud.
What’s your opinion of the local scene? There is a lot of great music for all tastes in Canberra. Lots of bands and people taking the initiative and making things happen.
What are your upcoming gigs? Friday July 23 live on Art Sound FM92.7 at 8pm; Saturday-Sunday July 24 and 25 at The Sheriff’s Daughter at the Canberra Irish Club with Miss Kitka’s House of Burlesque; Wednesday August 4 at Hippo Bar; Friday August 20 at The Front with Lady Grey.
Contact info: www.myspace.com/brassere and also Brass’ere on Facebook.
