Music moods

If there was a list of bands whose music can be described as “Music of the big city” - My Brothers Banned  surely would have been there and not at the last position. My Brothers Banned - it’s easy, harmonious indie sound with small patches of country music in the style of the legendary R.E.M.

This is the music that you whant to listen touching your cheek to the cool  bus window and watching the evening lights runaway from you. And feeling absolutely happy and peaceful at this moment…

We chatted with frontman and inspirer of My Brothers Banned Lyle Puente.

-First of all introduce yourself and you’re band mates. How did you met ich other and found the conception of the band?

-My name is Lyle Puente. My brothers Banned is really me. My friends sometimes will add in on a recording. Notably Hillary Levitt on harmony vocals, Quinn Murphy on Bass guitar, and my brother Eric on drums.

The band concept was to create melodic music based on harmony. I adore many instruments and wanted to include as many as possible within the confines of melody.

-You started playing as a My Brother Banned  in 2003, isn’t it? And what was your first steps as a band. And how do you feel now? What changed for all this years?

-I started a live open music event and met several people who shared the same love I did.

We decided to form a band, but people moved on due to life, jobs, and school.

I kept writing and started building a studio to be a constant. As time went on, it became just me.

I open my studio to all my friends and many come here to record. I act as recording engineer and producer and never charge a fee. Sometime other musicians offer to play in my recordings and I end up working with a couple people when they have time.

Meeting Hill was pivotal and changed everything.

After the initial period of deciding this was good and felt right, I made a five year plan. I stay disciplined and work hard in the studio everyday.

My goal was 5 albums in 5 years. That period ends with the release of my 5th album his fall.

-What are you trying to say to listeners with your music? “Cause when I’m listening your music I don’t know… For me it sounds like romantic of big city. Like when you coming back home after hard working day and just dissolving at this sounds. It’s really soulful… How are you doing this and what is you secret to find a way to people hearts?

-Often my songs aren’t what they seem. I adore melody and repetition. Sometimes a song is presented with this simple ideal in mind, but hides a deeper inner secret.

Sometimes the secret isn’t pretty. As in all humanity people have secrets.

One song, “Time to go Home” is very much what you speak of. It is about being tired and wanteding to get home. But when they are home, hmmmmm…. love sparks a desire! hahaha

This is to be human, and life.

-Oh… It’s really great)  But 5 albums in 5 years isn’t it hard? And how do you get the inspiration for doing music?  And what can you say about your earliest album and about latest? What do you feel changed? And which one is your most beloved and just the best?

-I work very hard and in this respect it isn’t as much hard as it is focus. It is frustrating trying to find people to play with live. I have trouble finding people who are willing to commit.

That makes live performance hard, but recording happens no matter what. I keep acquiring and learning new instruments as needed. 

For inspiration I listen to people talk everywhere I go. I write things down and create stories from my perception of these snips of conversation. 

In the chronological series of my albums, the change is significant from the first release. That first album was of 4 guys whose input I begged for. After that I was working alone and found the sound I desired and worked over time to develop. I adore the big sound of Phil Spektor, but even more so the ambient lush sound of Brian Eno.

-Ok… You told that you have ukrainian roots. Have you ever being here or listened ukrainian music or may be even think about use some ethnic motives in your own music?

-Yes! I have great interest in this and have been experimenting with several instruments, including Tsyambaly. This year I met Russian musician Bulat Gafarov who has had a profound effect on me. He works with many instruments from around the world and he showed me somethings that has really awaked the sleeper. 

My motives have always been inclusive. I adore all musical instruments and admire their design and construction. I am currently building a hurdy gurdy.

Before I was a full time musician, I was a visual artist. I had great interest in pysanka. Every year before Easter I would set up my tools and make these detailed eggs. I thought of my grandfather and the meaning behind this tradition, as well as adding my own imagery respectfully.

Ok… What is your nearest career plans?

As I finish my 5 year plan with my 5th album, which I will call “Five”, I decided to enact a two year follow up plan. In these two years I will release three albums. Two following the course I began, and one that is instrumental. I do love instrumental music as well. I end every album with one.

I want to focus for one album on this side of music.

I also want to play live and tour. I really want to visit the places my heart needs to see and feel, the Ukraine being one very important place for me personally.

- Do you have some other interests or hobbies or activities except music?

My other interests hahaha this is another whole interview! I am very involved in Herpetology, and visual art.

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