Feature: Brendan Healy Decodes ‘Bonkeytown’
Can you talk about any specific themes or motifs that run throughout 'Bonkeytown?'
I wanted it to be a cyberpunk/industrial vibe, but still wanted to keep simple grooves throughout the song, whilst blending high-level chops—the blend of simplicity and chaos.
What impact do you hope 'Bonkeytown' will have on your audience?
I want 'Bonkeytown' to open up people's ears to hearing music of a unique structure, while also maintaining a cohesive record. My goal was to display an album with a unique feel for my audience.
Which track(s) do you like the best and why?
My favorite tracks on the record are: “Tunnels,” because of how the songwriting process flowed, the synth melody (which set the tone for the rest of the album), and the use of timbales and African drums.
What do you enjoy most about being a musician?
All of it. I love the creativity, the grind, and the unpredictability that can cause you to veer off course, but makes your motivation stronger.
Can you share an instance where you felt a strong connection with the crowd during a show?
"\When I was a kid, I played a show that my band sold out at a popular venue in NJ. There was a moment when the house lights went on in the venue, and I saw everyone in the crowd. I was so tired and working so hard; it was brutally hot. When I looked out at the crowd, I felt like time stood still. This was such a special moment because after all of the years playing at this venue in front of my community, this was the last show that would ever happen there. I remember starting to almost feel emotional in the moment, and even as a kid, I knew music was what I was created for.
