The Brave

The concept of ’The Brave’ evolved from a shared passion between songwriters Matt Griffith and Rodger van Raalte to create something refreshing and original, molded from their own musical tastes and creative ambitions. What started as a handful of brief writing jams from 2004, developed into a conscious decision in early 2007 to make a tangible attempt at recording an EP and forming a band.

Matt’s musical background includes the successful indie release of his collaborative effort in 2003, ’Sum of Us’ with collective band The Henrys. The band included several members of other successful local bands, including Steve Drinkall (Rhubarb) and Col Hockey (Tunjip and Brown Bear). Griffith penned all songs on this critically lauded independent album which was produced by luminary locally based producer, Caleb James.

Quite a different path defined Rodger van Raalte’s journey to this point, having cut his musical teeth playing in various covers bands, including LMNTRI, Starfish and Somersault, and session playing on a number of other artists’ recordings.

From this conjuncture in their combined musical experience, Matt and Rodger sat down to pen some new songs and develop existing musical ideas. The sound of The Brave quickly developed from these early demos and sketches, and before long a disk full of promising but rough gems were able to be presented to producer Caleb James. The formula was near completion as Caleb saw the richness in these unfinished creations, and third and fourth members of the band were sought to round out the sound and the vision.

Good friend and up and coming songwriter and musician, Mikey Mann was approached about filling the shoes of drummer, and accepted quickly upon hearing the EP demos. Mikey also has extensive experience in various musical projects and bands, including Nagasaki, The Henrys, and Magnify.

So the scene was set and pre-production commenced on the debut EP for The Brave, with Caleb James taking up the pilot’s seat and also providing bass duties until a suitable permanent member appeared on the scene. Pre-production quickly ran it’s course and the recording period loomed. A certain degree of nervous expectation was soon replaced by excitement as the recording process proved to be an extremely creative and rewarding experience.

Recording was complete, and just prior to Christmas 2007 the EP mixes were mastered by renowned and widely regarded engineer, Matthew Gray. The songs truly came to life and the process was near completion. The finishing touches were made by Mikey, a graphic designer by trade, who with the help of Rodger finished the EP artwork.

With the ensuing EP completion and subsequent gigging on the radar, Callum Galloway was approached about taking up the vacant bass player position. His musical background is as varied and rich as all the other members of the band, including playing in bands to audiences of thousands.

Following the completion of the mastered EP, advance releases were circulated within the social networks of the internet. These resulted in rapid recognition including songs reaching as high as 5 on the top Australian youth radio competition, Triple J Unearthed, debuting at 6 on Indie charts of www.mp3.com.au, and inclusion on a compilation album in the US.

So, the scene is set and after rehearsals and the addition of a fifth live member in the form of Matt Larner (also of The Minors and Saint Lucia, amongst others) and a first live show to an audience of 1000+. 2008 holds much promise for the band as potential is consolidated and a solid fanbase is grown, so watch out for The Brave live or on the airwaves soon!

MATT | RODGER | MIKEY | CALLUM | MATT

THE BRAVE