The Brewer Boys’ superb harmonies and excellent arrangements made them fan-favorites on the first season of “X Factor” and they have continued to grow as artists. (Photo provided by the Brewer family.)
By: Jacob Elyachar
Tonight, the Top 12 will be performing for America’s votes for the very first time on X Factor.
One group that is familiar with the intensity that X Factor can bring onto contestants is the Brewer Boys. 18-year-old Justin and his 15-year-old brother, Nathan, competed on the show’s inaugural season and made it all the way into the season’s Top 17.
I recently had the opportunity to correspond with the Temecula, California-based brothers and they discussed their time on the FOX hit show, their thoughts on social media and how it has helped them in the music world plus their thoughts on touring.
JE: When did you guys get interested in music?
Brewer Boys: We grew up listening to music. Justin was eight-years-old when he started taking formal voice lessons and Nathan was 6 years old. We have been going to the same voice teacher since then. At the same time, we were also exposed to various musical instruments like violin, piano, guitar, drums and even banjo, although the guitar and mandolin became our favorite musical instruments.
JE: Why did you guys wanted to audition for X Factor?
BB: We auditioned at the first season of X Factor because some friends wanted us to go with them to try it out. We did not even hear about it until the day before registration. But when we started advancing to different rounds we realized this was for real. We were very fortunate to be given this chance and will consider this as one of the best accomplishments.
JE: How has X Factor helped you as artists?
BB: The X Factor experience was probably the most challenging and life-changing adventure for us – both as individuals and of course as artists. It really pushed us to be the best that we can be and made us be aware of our weaknesses in areas we needed to improve on. The exposure not only on national television but also worldwide also helped us get the supporters and followers who encouraged us to keep doing what we’re doing.
JE: How has social media helped your band connect with the music world?
BB: Social media thru Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and of course, our website, have made it easier for us to reach out to different kinds of audiences – here in the United States and even internationally. The ease and simplicity of being present for every opportunity that may happen or the chance to be seen by people at a click of a button has helped us in conveying our music to a broader spectrum of music lovers. Social media has also helped us by getting our unique sound and style be heard across the Internet.
JE: What do you like best about touring?
BB: So far, the touring we have had the chance to do was our recent trip to Manila, Philippines, where we were invited to do mall shows across the city. The best thing we liked about that experience is the fact that we got to go and saw different kinds of people and personally reaching out to them with our music. Also, we had the awesome experience of seeing a new place and getting to know about the customs and cultures of other places.
JE: Who are your dream collaborators?
BB: Our dream collaborators probably start with our current inspirations right now – which are Mumford & Sons and the Avett Brothers – we really like their style and the seriousness of their songs/music – however, we want to make sure that we can still be ourselves and be our original style. Of course we both do work hard and continue to encourage each of us to dream together and work together to reach our goals.
JE: If you had any advice to give out to aspiring singers, what would it be?
BB: Our advice to aspiring singers would be to be patient and work hard on your craft. Success doesn’t happen overnight so keep on singing and help yourself to be a better person with every experience you encounter. Although, it is great to learn from others and also try to be different and original.
For more information about the Brewer Boys, visit their website: http://www.thebrewerboysmusic.com/home.cfm
The Brewer Boys impressed then judge Paula Abdul and superstar producer Pharrell Williams when they performed a Bluegrass-infused cover of “Only Girl in the World” during the Judges’ Houses round.
