Prior to the gig at the venue Luxor Live in Arnhem (NL), I meet up with the band members and have a conversation with singer/guitarist Jason Barwick of the English (blues) rock band The Brew. To begin with, I let him know that we were also present at the memorable performance by The Brew at Luxor Live earlier this year. And that we were impressed by their amazing live show.
Although The Brew is quite known in England and other European countries, where they already enjoy adequate publicity, this is still lacking in the Netherlands. So this is a great opportunity to learn more about the band.
You’re from Grimsby, England. Where is that? Is Grimsby a town or more of a village?
“Grimsby is located in the North East of England, near Hull. It’s actually a small town. But Hull is a well-known place in England because of the ferry connection to Rotterdam. “
Are you all three from Grimsby? I mean, do you know each other from there?
“Yes, we all come from Grimsby. That’s how we know each other. As I said, Grimsby is such a small town, that everyone knows each other. “
During your last performance at Luxor Live (March 2014) Kysmet Ryding was the support act. I know they’re from Grimsby as well. How is the music scene in Grimsby?
“To be honest, there are quite a few indie bands and Britpop groups but there are not many bands that play rock music. Actually only Kysmet Ryding and us are engaged in sixties and seventies rock. In Grimsby there is also incidentally a folk scene with many acoustic jam sessions.”
“I was alerted by different people to check out Strange Brew
The band Tim and Kurtis played in.”
You indicated that you all know each other from Grimsby. But how did The Brew arise? How did you come together musically?
“Tim and Kurtis played in a band called Strange Brew and I played in a number of bands. At that time I was alerted by different people to check out the band Strange Brew. They all said that I definitely should check these guys out. And although I was at that time more interested in the blues, I actually wanted to go more in the rock direction, so I became interested in this band. One evening I was in some small club with my band The Swamp Snakes when Kurtis Smith’s mother approached me and said that her son was a drummer in a band called Strange Brew. That same night I met Kurtis and Tim. And a few weeks later, Strange Brew was looking for a new guitarist. That’s how we met. “
Okay, when did this all happen? And when did you guys start performing and recording?
“I was fifteen, so it must have been about ten years ago. Soon after we met, we started with performances and recording. I think this was in 2005 or 2006. “
Your music is sometimes clearly based on the psychedelic rock of the sixties and seventies. Why is that?
“That’s the music we grew up with. And Tim saw similar bands playing that kind of music back then live. That kind of music is in our hearts. And in that area we are still discovering beautiful things. “
Your music is often called modern blues. Do you feel okay with that?
“Of course. People may call our music whatever they want it. But I think it’s more close to rock. “
I’ve noticed that, in addition to many other European countries, you play a lot in Germany. I assume that The Brew is better known there. Is that because you have already played twice at the famous German music show Rock Palast?
“Oh yeah, that was definitely a big factor. We played already a lot in Germany but after Rockpalast it went suddenly very big. Especially after that time the management of Joe Bonamassa decided at the last minute that his show was not allowed to be broadcast. Then Rockpalast decided to broadcast our whole show. This indeed helped us to make an impression in Germany.”
“We are particularly proud of our last album Control”
In the past, bassplayer Tim Smith was the lead singer of The Brew, and now you are. Since when, and for what reason?
“Back then I was just doing backing vocals and Tim was the lead singer indeed. Actually, I was always too shy to do the lead vocals. I don’t think that I am such a good singer. Although it is a challenge, I still see myself more as a guitarist than a singer. The first time I did the lead vocals was in 2009 on the album Joker.”
On what song or album you are most proud?
“Every song or album has its own strengths and weaknesses. But we are nevertheless particularly proud of our last album Control. We are very happy with the sound on that album, which was produced by Toby Epson and mixed by Steve Harris. That’s how we want to sound.”
The art-work on your albums is very beautiful and psychedelic. Who is responsible for this?
“Our drummer Kurtis is the creative brain. He is responsible for all our album covers.”
Finally, is there still something you want to say to the Dutch fans?
“Well, first of all, thank you very much for making us much welcome here. We hope to come back soon!”
When we finish the interview, Barwick adds: “Keep supporting Rock & Roll! Keep supporting live-music! And keep supporting The Brew!” And on that, we fully agree!
