CD Burners 83: The Album That Took Brand New from Pop Punk to Poetic w/ Dan Lourenco
Dec 2, 2025
Dan Lourenco, the CEO and Founder of the lifestyle brand Ghost and an advocate for emo culture, joins to delve into Brand New's transformative album, Deja Entendu. He reflects on the poignant, cryptic lyrics and the band's shift from pop punk to deeper themes. The discussion touches on the album's grunge influences, its resonant songwriting, and how it shaped a generation's musical journey. Dan also shares personal anecdotes tied to the album and his efforts to bring Brand New back for their fans. A fascinating exploration of music's cultural impact!
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Episode notes
Major Artistic Leap
- Deja Entendu marked a dramatic leap from Brand New's pop-punk debut to a darker, more poetic sound.
- The shift reshaped emo by proving a band could evolve without losing its core audience.
Emotional Reunion Show Memory
- T.J. and Morgan flew midweek to Dallas to see Brand New open with Quiet Things.
- Dan said he almost cried when the band played that opening riff live.
Timeless Guitar Tones
- Deja pulled sounds from late-'90s grunge and alternative rather than chasing 2003 trends.
- That mellow anachronism gave the album a fuller, more timeless production.