A stark departure from Darlin’ Brando’s traditional country sound, “Don’t Make Me Move (Again)” channels the smog-covered lights and power pop history of Brando’s new digs in Los Angeles. The song has a driving beat and desperate, vocals-forward sound: lovers of Big Star, Petty, and M Lockwood Porter will find lots to love here.
The song is partially autobiographical and draws from Brando’s life with his ex, whom he followed to various places around the US (Brooklyn, Long Island, and Bloomington, IN) and his subsequent moves to Nashville and Los Angeles. With bass and lead guitar provided by Dylan Rodrigue, and Jordan Bush providing pedal steel, “Don’t Make Me Move (Again)” channels the cool, clean early 80’s sound of country artists like Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell while maintaining a current flair. Tyler Cash’s piano performance adds an additional layer of drama and sophistication to the title track. While being the least traditional country song of the EP, “Don’t Make Me Move (Again)” retains an air of soulful southern charm to compliment the album’s other tracks. Brando’s sophomore release, Don’t Make Me Move, will be out in July.
Who are some of your musical influences?
The perfect brand of country music for me is what Joe Ely was doing with those first couple of records. I love the wild arrangements and the Tejano music influences he utilized. I also love his voice. I’m definitely influenced by him vocally. For songwriting, I’m probably most influenced by some of the more humorous writers like Roger Miller, Loudon Wainwright III, Kristoffersson, Mike Stinson, Tom T. Hall, etc. Lucinda Williams also blows my mind and I’m constantly challenging myself to simplify my writing and let my melodic choices and delivery fill in the rest and bring the emotion in the way that she does so well. But underneath all of that is the constant influence of the “4 Bs”: Byrds, Beatles, Bee Gees, and Beach Boys, particularly their harmonies and catchy melodic hooks. Oh, and don’t get me started on my fav British folk- and prog-rock bands…
Tell us about the first song you wrote.
The first GOOD song I wrote, in my opinion, is one called “All I Ask,” which I did with my Brooklyn folk-rock band Money & King. Speaking of Lucinda Williams, I’ve always thought this song would be so right for her voice and delivery. I like to think I was at least somewhat successful in doing what I mentioned before about getting more with less. I’ve considered adding the song to my own set since we went pretty country with it anyway.
What have you missed about touring?
The number of tours I’ve been on as Darlin’ Brando is exactly zero. In fact, as Darlin’ Brando, I’ve only performed live three times (one of which was virtual). And all three were in LA! That said, I do miss touring. I’ve toured quite a bit as a drummer and it’s a good time! The last touring I did was with Tommy Ash when I lived in Nashville. Some of the highlights were our shows opening for Dwight Yoakum in the midwest and the big country music festival we played in France. That kind of higher-profile touring is very addictive! I do hope to do some selective touring as Darlin’ Brando, but having just had a baby with my wife, it may be a little while before I can do that.
Do you have any go-to albums to listen to in the van?
I still stand by my long-held assertion that one of the best ways to get through a long, painful traffic jam is to put on the Kinks album “Arthur (or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire).” Roy Harper’s “Stormcock!” is another good one to pass the time on the road and is a journey of its own.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
Cover one of my songs and make it a hit! Or…simply just tell a friend about my music.