Brainstory

Hailing from Los Angeles, Brainstory fuses jazz, funk, R&B, and psychedelic textures into a nimble, distinctive style. The group centers on brothers Kevin and Tony Martin together with their longtime associate Eric Hagstrom. An early self-released EP earned them a contract with Big Crown Records, a label known for its retro focus. Their first full-length effort, the 2019 album Buck, was followed two years later by the largely instrumental Ripe EP, which the band tracked on its own. Their second album, Sounds Good, arrived in April 2024 and reflected tighter arrangements alongside stronger melodic writing.

Kevin, who handles guitar and vocals, and bassist Tony Martin began playing together as children, initially favoring straightforward punk. Regular exposure to gospel services and their grandfather’s jazz and soul collection gradually steered them toward those influences. After attending different colleges, the siblings reunited in Los Angeles once their studies ended. They first performed as an acoustic duo, gaining experience on local stages, before meeting drummer Eric Hagstrom in 2012. The three operated for several years as a traditional jazz outfit until they chose to integrate psychedelic and soul elements, at which point they adopted the name Brainstory.

The self-titled EP they issued in 2017 led to a friendship with Chicano Batman, who invited them to open his national tour. Through that connection they met Leon Michaels and Danny Akalepse, who signed the trio to Big Crown Records. Michaels produced the debut album Buck, which featured vocals from both Kevin and Tony plus a guest appearance by their father, Big Tone.

During the 2020 pandemic lockdown, when live work and studio access were unavailable, the band converted its rehearsal space into a recording room and self-produced the seven-track Ripe EP. The largely instrumental set emphasized the group’s jazz foundation while touching on 1960s and 1970s funk, hip-hop, and a West Coast atmosphere; Big Crown released it in June 2021. As touring resumed, Brainstory refined its live presentation through shows alongside artists such as Lady Wray and began shaping material for its next record. Michaels returned as producer for the resulting sophomore album, Sounds Good.