BAND: Brainpan
INTERVIEWER: Liz@bandvibe.com
DATE OF INTERVIEW: 04/20/2006

BAND MEMBERS:
Clint Woodard - drums
Ed Sacco - vocals
Jason "Sleddog" Sleder - guitar
John Jungblut - bass

Rumbling out from the shadows of the Rocky Mountains, Brainpan has set forth on a mission of audio enlightenment. Forming in the summer of 2004, Brainpan took an uncommon approach to creating aggressive music.

Their unique fusion of musical flavors has caught the scene by surprise, and by storm. Almost overnight, Brainpan has graduated from supporting to headlining some of Denver’s most prestigious venues through the simple fact of packing the house and then tearing the roof off the place. In addition to the incendiary live shows, Brainpan’s recorded works immediately garnered praise and recognition, receiving regular air play on Denver’s top rock radio station, 106.7 KBPI (a Clear Channel affiliate) on its weekly Metal Licks segment. Thanks to MySpace, Brainpan has gained thousands of fans from around the world.

Brainpan released their widely accepted, The Gothic Demo, in Spring 2005 at their Gothic Theater (Denver, CO) showcase. Brainpan self-produced and gave away over 300 of these demo CDs at the show. This demo ignited our word-of-mouth, opening the doors for Brainpan by showing the Rocky Mountain music scene what we are capable of. This demo was produced, mastered, and mixed by Brainpan in their home studio. Brainpan’s full-length debut, The Reckoning, was released in Winter 2005, at the Ogden Theater (Denver, CO) with simultaneous radio support. This CD is available through several retail and online outlets.

If this all seems like a lot to achieve in a relatively short time, consider this: While the band may be ‘young’ every member is a veteran of numerous bands. Collectively, Brainpan has over 500 shows under its belt. Further, the members of Brainpan come from all walks of life and from all over the United States. Our gig experience was gained in the fertile music scenes of Austin, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, and St. Louis before converging to revitalize heavy music in Denver.

Brainpan is a band that knows what it takes to succeed and has all the tools to make it happen. We are here to innovate, to seek, to create, to lead, and to bring our unique form of music to the world.

Influences Miles Davis, Tool, Opeth, Faith No More, Sepultura, Slayer, Soulfly, Public Enemy, Run DMC, Robert Johnson, Acid Bath, Grateful Dead, George Clinton and P-Funk, Rage Against the Machine, Prince, Crematory, Killswitch Engage, Commodores, Butthole Surfers, Mr.Bungle, Clutch, C.O.C, and Mastodon to name a few.

Questions

Bandvibe: Your bio states Brainpan was formed in 2004. How did you all meet? How was Brainpan formed?
Brainpan: Jason came from Michigan and put an ad in Westword. Clint responded and they formed a unique style. Several of the songs on The Reckoning were actually written by Jason and Clint, just as a twosome. Then we met Ed. He is a really strong frontman. After several lineup changes Brainpan as it is today was formed. We really found each other through ads.

BV: Your CD, The Reckoning came out last year. What was it like recording the album?
BP: We waited until we had ten songs until we even went into the studio. We recorded in John’s house. All production on the album was done by Brainpan. Ed wrote all the lyrics. We actually had to record everything twice. After the first recording, Clint got a new drum kit. It sounded so much better so we decided to rerecord. Even the layout and all the artwork on the album was done by Brainpan.

BV: What’s your favorite song or the one you’re most proud of?
BP: (Ed and Clint): Probably Seraphim because we played the whole song at once, one time through. (John): Trip ‘da Pan… it’s the most spontaneous. Our single that currently plays on the radio is The Reckoning, same title as our album.

BV: If you were trapped on an island, what is the one album you’d have to have?
BP: Clint- Tool: Aenima
Ed- Acid Bath: Pagan Terrace
Jason- Mr. Bungle: Mr. Bungle
John- Led Zeppelin: 2

BV: Favorite movies and/or TV shows? Favorite pastimes?
BP: Blade Runner and Star Wars. We like to be outdoors. Those of us with children really enjoy being dads. (Ed): I’m an avid scuba diver.

BV: Earlier today you participated in the SAFER (Safer Alternative For Enjoyable Recreation) awareness meeting at the capitol building. What is SAFER’s premise?
BP: Decriminalizing the use of marijuana for responsible adults. We think there are better ways for taxpayer money to be spent than sending people to court for using marijuana.

BV: Why are you supporting SAFER?
BP: It’s good to have a voice, to stand out and fight for something that consenting adults should be able to do. Our actions will send a ripple effect through the state and soon the rest of the nation.

BV: You had an interview on the Uncle Nasty show this afternoon. How did that go?
BP: We prerecorded it with him a few days ago. But it was a blast. He really supports SAFER and the fact that people need a voice. He’ll be at the show tonight

BV: What is your ultimate goal to accomplish with the band? Where Brainpan you be in 5 years?
BP: World domination! Naw… A world tour would be cool. Whatever, as long as we’re exposing our music to people.

BV: Have you been submitting to record companies? How has the response been?
BP: We have, but it’s not a huge focus for us. We try to sell CDs. That way we actually kind of have a bartering tool for labels. Kind of this “We’ve sold a lot, let us help you make money,” type of thing.

BV: Do you all live that typical rock and roll lifestyle?
BP: Hell no. Again, that’s not a huge focus for us though. John and Ed are fathers. Half of us are married. (Clint): I’m not though… put that down.

BV: Any tours planned currently? Did you tour to support “The Reckoning”?
BP: We’ve mostly toured through Colorado. We have a show in La Junta, Colorado in about a week. We’ll be going up to Wyoming and playing in Cheyenne soon. We didn’t really tour in support of the album. We lost our second guitarist and all the songs needed to be reworked for us to play as a four piece. We’d love to though.

Visit Brainpan online at:http://brainpanweb.com
On MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/brainpanmusic
For more information on SAFER, visit: http://www.saferchoice.org