Skip to main content
Young Hollywood
MusicRockalternative

Brick + Mortar: Backstage Diaries

Brick + Mortar: Backstage Diaries

2:35·By Gemma G
Share

About this video

YH gets to know the rock duo known as Brick + Mortar (Brandon Asraf and John Tacon), who tell us about their pre-show rituals, which one of them takes the longest to get ready, and the best things about their home state of New Jersey. The "Locked In a Cage" twosome also reveal which female vocalists they would love to collaborate with and share their thoughts on the advantages of being a part of a 2-piece band! (Btw, guys, it's Beth Gibbons!)

CHAPTERS

KEY MOMENTS

FULL TRANSCRIPT

Read alongShow ↓
Brandon Asraf

My name's Brandon Asraf.

Jon

I'm Jon. I play drums for Brick and Mortar. Program samples, play live, guitar, live bass, lead singer, uh, well, co-lead because he pretty much makes me sound not.

Brandon Asraf

My pre-show ritual is basically to have everything I need for the show laid out. I always have my set list laid out. I do it all custom kind of a thing. I allow myself like 10 minutes of not talking to anybody and kind of going and doing my own thing before I go on.

Jon

The setup process for us is super easy. The instrumentation is drums, bass, and samples. But it's loud as sh- and play. And uh, it's super fun.

Brandon Asraf

Three best things about Jersey, I would say, are pizza, subs, and uh, that's pretty much it. Everything else is just whatever. The beaches are cool.

Jon

Out of the two of us, Jon Take-on takes the longest to get ready. Because he's part metrosexual and he fixes his whole face. I'm like a Neanderthal monster and I don't give a sh-.

Brandon Asraf

What female vocalist would I collaborate with? Um, the chick from Portishead. I don't know her name, but I really like her voice. I've been listening to them a lot lately and she has this really cool creepy voice.

Jon

If I could collaborate with any female vocalist, probably be either Grimes, because I like the way that she writes songs beyond just her vocals, or like, like he said, the singer from Portishead, which I'm also ignorant and don't know what her name is, but she's got amazing voice and without her, I don't think most of these female vocalists would have the style they have.

Brandon Asraf

It's a show. A little drop of dreams. The reason why I enjoy a two-piece band is because I get to play with my my best friend every show and we get to make music that, you know, is able to transcend through through generations and be able to connect with people on a certain level.

Jon

Brandon and I know, we've been playing together for years. I play with my best friend and that's pretty much it. Brick and Mortar: Hey, we're Brick and Mortar and you're watching Young Hollywood.

Timestamps are approximate — click one to jump the player.

PEOPLE MENTIONED

  • Brandon Asraf

    Member of Brick + Mortar, lead singer

  • John Tacon

    Member of Brick + Mortar, drummer

  • Beth Gibbons

    Singer from Portishead, mentioned as a dream collaborator

  • Grimes

    Artist mentioned as a dream collaborator

FAQ

Who are the members of Brick + Mortar?+
Brick + Mortar is comprised of Brandon Asraf, who sings and plays guitar/bass, and John Tacon, who plays drums and programs samples.
What is Brandon Asraf's pre-show ritual?+
Brandon Asraf ensures everything needed for the show is laid out, including the setlist, and allows himself 10 minutes of quiet time before going on stage.
What does Brick + Mortar consider the best things about New Jersey?+
The band states the three best things about New Jersey are pizza, subs, and the beaches.
Which member of Brick + Mortar takes longer to get ready?+
According to the band, John Tacon takes longer to get ready, as he 'fixes his whole face'.
Which female vocalists would Brick + Mortar like to collaborate with?+
Brandon Asraf and John Tacon would like to collaborate with the singer from Portishead (Beth Gibbons) and Grimes.

MUSIC SHOP

SHOP ROCKALTERNATIVE · MUSIC

Related in Rockalternative

View all →