Brendan Murphy, the lead singer of Counterparts, shares his journey through the music industry with humor and candor. He discusses the band's evolution over the past decade and how they've embraced being the underdogs of the scene. Brendan reflects on the challenges of touring, especially in Asia, and the nostalgia of MySpace's impact on music discovery. They also delve into personal losses and the band's resilience amid changes, emphasizing the importance of community and humor in their creativity.
Brendan Murphy of Counterparts discusses the band's decade-long journey, emphasizing their evolution amidst challenges in the music industry.
The departure of founding guitarist Jesse has led to new creative influences, showcasing Counterparts' adaptability to maintain their unique sound.
The podcast highlights the importance of community support and collaboration among local bands in Ontario, promoting a positive and thriving music scene.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Ulcerative Colitis Management
Treatment options for managing ulcerative colitis are emphasized, particularly the impact of Tramphia, a prescription medication. Many patients taking Tramphia have experienced clinical and endoscopic remission within a year, showcasing its effectiveness for moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. However, potential risks, such as serious allergic reactions and increased susceptibility to infections, highlight the importance of thorough medical evaluations before starting treatment. Patients are advised to consult their healthcare providers about possible infections and vaccine requirements to ensure safety during treatment.
The Rise of Counterparts
Brendan Murphy, frontman of the melodic hardcore band Counterparts, shares insights into the band's decade-long journey and recent tour milestones. Following a steady climb in the music scene, the band is set to embark on a significant tour with Parkway Drive, highlighting their ascent as key players in the genre. Having been labeled underdogs for many years, they discuss their strategies for overcoming challenges, showcasing their resilience and determination to grow within a competitive industry. Their evolution reflects not just personal growth but also a revival of interest in the hardcore scene, especially among younger audiences.
Insights on the Music Industry
The podcast delves into various aspects of the music industry, including the complexities surrounding financial negotiations for tours and supporting acts. The discussion reveals how some audience members might be unaware of the intricate financial dynamics at play when bands choose to tour together. Counterparts emphasizes the importance of understanding their role and the benefits of supporting larger acts, as it often leads to increased exposure. This candor provides valuable insight into the business, giving fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the decisions that shape their favorite bands' careers.
Regional Influence and Success
Counterparts reflects on the significance of their hometown scene in Ontario, which has witnessed a resurgence of notable bands contributing to a thriving musical landscape. Murphy expresses pride in the collaborative spirit among local bands, noting that some, like Rarity and Seaway, are gaining momentum and recognition. This collective growth is seen as a positive shift, reminiscent of earlier times when the Ontario scene was vibrant and supportive. Through their experiences, Counterparts aims to support the next generation of musicians, encouraging the continuation of this local music legacy.
Navigating Changes in Band Lineup
The departure of core member Jesse has raised questions about Counterparts’ future sound and songwriting direction. Brendan discusses the initial fear surrounding Jesse's exit but emphasizes the new energy brought in by guitarist Blake, who is eager to contribute creatively. The band is committed to maintaining its essence while evolving with new influences, showing adaptability in a changing musical landscape. With a strong desire to continue producing meaningful music, Counterparts is determined to carry their legacy forward despite lineup shifts.
Community and Personal Growth
Murphy addresses the importance of community support in the music scene, recalling how past collaborations helped Counterparts build their early reputation. He contrasts this with experiences of jealousy and rivalry from bands in their regional scene, showcasing the challenges faced by emerging artists. The conversation turns to how those experiences shaped their approach to support other local acts and foster a sense of camaraderie. With a focus on uplifting others, Counterparts aims to create a positive impact within their community by encouraging collaboration over competition.
Episode 44 - Lead singer and Twitter funny-man Brendan Murphy of Counterparts sits down with Shane to chat about the beginnings of Counterparts, the future without their founding guitar player and main songwriter, being the "underdogs" of the scene, and a lot more.
