I all started with Danny, @meemorp_ yes THE Danny. I met Danny at an art exhibition hosted by Aficionado, @aficionadobrand. Besides his art work I knew that he involved himself in music such as Lazer Hog. I believe that Danny told me about a project named "Toro Bravo" If I remember correctly. Time went on and I saw a flyer called "El Rumbo De Mi Sangre" with the name "Toro Bravo" on the list. At this event where Toro Bravo was playing I was buzzed after a couple of canned moscow mules and I was just thinking to myself "this goes hard as fuck." I recall that it was a short set, but once it was done I walked toward the stage and shook the man's hand, but once I looked more clearly on who it was. Well can you guess? Yeah it was Danny! I was surprised and happy. From that moment Toro Bravo has been apart of many other shows and I'm very happy for them. From art to more art Danny and his friends Brendon and Kolade are creatively expressing themselves artistically and philosophical through music and having fun. This feature is on Toro bravo, @torobravotx
Photo by Andres, @asiiiro @u_punk
We begin with the members of the band along with the respected instruments they play
"Brendon - Tubs
Danny - Pretending to play the guitar
Kolade - the Bass"
What's a Tubs? I'm going to imagine that Toro Bravo has a tuba player now.
If Danny is "pretending to play guitar" well it sounds pretty realistic!
The Bass most likely sees Kolade flex his finger muscles that it begins to play itself.
They continue by sharing what they've been enjoying as of recently as well "Brendon: I recently picked up Final Fantasy XII, completing my collection of the franchise. I've been having fun with that lately.
Danny: I've been enjoying time off from work to get back to doodling and recording.
Kolade: Getting those gainz; geometric analysis with all of its manifold mayhem."
I had to google which Final Fantasy that is, but the only ones I've played are the FF Remake part 1 and FF 8 on the ps1. I also own FF 5. but I haven't played it.
Ah yes GAINZ there's always room for GAINZ and geometric analysis.
We finish off by giving off a couple of shout outs as well
"Brendon: Shout out to Red Barn Studios - Thank you for working with us and assisting in crafting our vision.
Danny: To David "Bunny Man" Alejandro, Leo (Diseasefreak) and everyone else who has extended opportunities for us to perform live thus far. Also, shout out to Chris and Alex of Red Barn Studios.
Kolade: Bunny Man, my rig would not exist without your help!"
Starting off with the interview we begin by asking what it means to be TORO BRAVO?
"Brendon: Personally, to be in Toro Bravo is to express emotion, influence, and philosophy in musical form.
Danny: I would describe the core ethos of the group as pushing ourselves at our respective instruments while leaving the creative process open to hazard for the sake of keeping things interesting and organic. The group is named after the breed of bull used in bullfighting. It's a reflection, and reminder, of the struggles and sacrifices necessary for pursuing a craft which, at the end of the day, is for the entertainment of others.
Kolade: Trying to play weird stuff that hopefully sounds good altogether."
I really like what Danny has to say "The group is named after the breed of bull used in bullfighting. It's a reflection, and reminder, of the struggles and sacrifices necessary for pursuing a craft which, at the end of the day, is for the entertainment of others." In the end of the day they are putting a "performance" a "show" that does "express emotion" through as Kolade says "weird stuff that hopefully sounds good." They come out of the show sweaty, fingers throbbing, ears ringing, eyes stinging from their sweat. Like a bull they endure what the toreador has for them (the venue/audience.)
Before Toro Bravo were any of them a part of a different band? How did they form? How did they click together? As they say,
"Brendon: I've been involved with Kolade for a few years now. It has been an easy relationship since day one. As for Danny, I've actually known him longer than I have Kolade by virtue of being in the scene. I did have the opportunity to play a small part in one of Lazer Hog's (Danny's first group) albums. I'd always wanted to work with Danny in a project of our own, and already knowing the strong chemistry I had with Kolade, it only seemed natural to come together and work on something new.
Kolade: I played with a few groups in high school, which is how I got involved with Yruama. Through Yruama, I really got to vibe with Brendon. I met Danny by playing at the same shows and talking about random history stuff, or really listening to Danny to teach me the old ways. Danny and I formed a little group together, but it didn't quite work out. In a rather short amount of time, Brendon, Danny and I found ourselves jamming together - no expectations, just fun."
Woah woah woah "the old ways?" Philosophy? The old ways of music? What could this mean? I feel like just talking to Danny there's always something to learn. He truly has many things to say. Very Interesting. That's so cool that they all came together and in the end it's all just for fun. From Lazer Hog to Yruama I wonder that sounds or techniques they've taken from their previous experiences they've grown and adapted to their current project being Toro Bravo.
What kind of music would they say they make? If they could give it a name what would it be and why?
Brendon: We're kind of all over the place and we have so many ideas. If I had to put a pin on it, I'd say art-rock/fusion.
Danny: Whatever goes into the music is just an open and honest expression of the music each of us enjoy. I guess the common denominator in terms of influences have been Jazz Fusion, Post-Punk, and other genres which invite improvisation and experimentation.
Kolade: I would say that we play fusion. It really is a blend of whatever our tastes are for that season. Sometimes it's just Robert Fripp, some Jazz nonsense, and Punk having a go at it behind the venue.
It all really is blend of so many things as Kolade mentioned "Trying to play weird stuff that hopefully sounds good altogether" and you know what? It does SOUND GOOD. Even if there is a "common denominator" I'd say that instead of a genre I'll describe it as a toreador engaging with audience. The sounds of those witnessing, the mosh, the yelling, the steps being taken as they clash upon others.
What do they put about themselves into their music as they say,
Brendon: My emotions and experiences. It may be hard to tell what a player is feeling, especially in an instrumental context, but I hope I do my best.
Danny: Mostly the vocabulary I've developed on guitar after play shows for almost 10 years. I try to respond to whatever ideas Brendon and Kolade bring, and I write with their unique qualities and strengths in mind. Overall, it's my attempt to synthesize all of the music that inspires me.
Kolade: I try to complement whatever is being played. I think that my attempts to sprinkle some jazz on top of whatever is being played are successful.
I feel like instrumentals are a great way to still express emotion. We have amazing soundtracks that do just that. I mean Brendon is playing Final Fantasy so that is a great example of instrumentals that convey emotion. As Danny mentions "vocabulary" on guitar it has to be more than just the chords for sure especially as he mentions "I try to respond to whatever ideas Brendon and Kolade, and I write with their unique qualities and strengths" with this in mind does he take and think about their Vocabulary as well? With over 10 years of experience it sounds like it would be easy to have an understanding of sound and the style they are working with. Besides that I'd say that their biggest strength is their friendship <3
Do they have any favorite tracks they enjoying playing? If so which ones?
Brendon: I have many moving movements, but no singular favorite track in particular. I do tend to look forward most to new material, though.
Danny: Each song seems to have its own personality. I guess our track, "Silver-toothed Kid" is the most fun for me to play because its challenging but also kinda obnoxious.
Kolade: I enjoy playing our song, "Proper Exercise" the most because it's always different and has some very melodic elements.
There's always something to look forward too! Something new, something fresh! Something "weird" to experiment with. Hopefully when I see them Thursday, July 7th at Sauce House I'll be sure to ask which song is "Silver-toothed Kid" or do you think I'll just by the sound? Like yeah this definitely sounds like THAT song. Okay now I have another song to look forward to "Proper Exercise." Well you know what? I look forward to the ENTIRE set.
Do they plan on recording a single any time soon?
Brendon: As of right now we've record a single, and are currently the process of reviewing before publishing.
Soon I'll be having a Toro Bravo song on Spotify on repeat in my car. As I should.
If Toro Bravo could collaborate with any local musicians who would it be?
Brendon: The Blow Up Dollz, Glare, Pillowsnake and Terraplex.
Kolade: Oliver of Roche Motel and The Blow Up Dollz.
Danny: We'd definitely like to experiment with how other instruments might fit into what we do. Some people in particular I'd like to collaborate with are members of my other group Lazer Hog, my buddies Jesum Lopez, Salar Faraji, and everyone Brendon and Kolade listed. Yeah I too agree with Kolade, Danny, and Brendon it should be EVERYONE. Time to hit the studio!
When is Kolade dropping the chest workout excel sheet?
Kolade: Warm up with two sets of 12 chest flies at heavy weight. Do 2 sets negatives (eccentric-focus) at heavy weight on a chest press machine until failure. Do 2 sets of 1 minute of a 3-count-long concentric motion and a 4-count-long eccentric motion on your favorite chest press variation. Do 2 sets of 75 second, fast-paced reps on your favorite chest press variation. If you need more than that, DM me!
My chest will thank you on Saturday. I'm ready to tear that shit up. I'm currently learning/doing the Arnold Split and it's been interesting and I've seen some progress. Me and all the homies love GAINZ.
What sort of feedback have they received on their sets?
Brendon: All kinds of really heartwarming feedback, my favorite being called the RGV's Primus and having "Black Midi vibes".
Danny: Generally positive, for which I feel truly blessed.
Kolade: My favorite so far is "That was amazing music. All of that harmony was crazy!"
I mean it honestly does go crazy! It's an experience and if you haven't experienced Toro Brave today 7-7 is your chance to witness them at Sauce House.
I'm glad to read that the boys are getting good feedback from a project based on fun and just shredding.
What do they wish to evoke from those witnessing their set along with listening to their music?
Brendon: My only wish is those who catch us at a show leave feeling inspired.
Danny: The takeaway I'd hope for is to be unafraid of incorporating every part of yourself into whatever craft you're involved in. I think if people look outside of fitting in a particular 'scene' and find ways to infuse genres they love but may have nothing to do with one another, more original material may arise.
Kolade: I want listeners to feel happy and freed from their troubles for a while. Join us on an adventure.
While we may use music and gathering as a form of escape. I believe the different sounds in sets allow people to involve themselves with different groups and appreciate different sounds that they have not heard or share their interested/enjoyment with one another. While in the moment we feel joy and in a moment we will be leaving bummed that the show is over, but we can beat the hedonic treadmill as Brendon mentions "leave feeling inspired" as Danny mentions "I think if people look outside of fitting in a particular 'scene' and find ways to infuse genres they love but may have nothing to do with one another, more original material may arise" and as Kolade mentions "I want listeners to feel happy and freed from their troubles for a while." Let us have this moment of pleasure while also realizing that we can take something out of it. Not just from one show, but from many other things.
Can I be a Toro Bravo boy too?
Brendon: We'll send you an application.
Kolade: If you joined one of our adventures, you're a Toro Bravo.
I can't play an instrument fully, but I'm learning! Soon Toro Bravo will have their 4th member.
Toro Bravo band members share their thoughts on the local scene,
Brendon: I've been in many different kinds of projects, so I've got a few perspectives on what the scene looks like from multiple angles. There is constantly new life and blood being injected into it, keeping it diverse and fresh.
Danny: It's nice to emerge from the pandemic and see a new wave of very open-minded and ambitious people.
Kolade: I really want to attend more shows because there are so many brave people doing more than I am. I want to be inspired. Along with one final comment,
"Much love to our friends. Please take care of yourselves and get plenty of rest. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen!"
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