By Tate Luckey —
One University of Louisville duo is bringing authenticity to their music in hopes of connecting with listeners.
Murphy Lamb and Andrew Chapman, both U of L School of Music seniors, started their band, The Brothers’ Mother, around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
So far, the self-described acoustic folk duo have cultivated a debut EP, Oasis, and multiple live streamed performances.
The pair, whose influences range from bluegrass and country groups like Tony Rice and Nickel Creek, to old school contemporary christian singers like Rich Mullins, have an authentic, folk sound that includes acoustic guitar, delicate harmonies and lush piano tones.
“We have a real simple, ‘stripped down’ vibe,” Lamb said.
Lamb and Chapman know too that if there’s a time where authenticity is needed, it’s now.
“We wouldn’t exist if the pandemic didn’t happen,” Chapman said. The roommates-turned-musicians recorded all their songs on nothing more than a USB mic in their apartment.
“We had been playing music for a while, but didn’t start writing until the pandemic,” Chapman said.
They collaborate on both ends of the songwriting spectrum, meaning both can come to each other with ideas or lyrics.
Like a modern-day Lennon/McCartney, if Chapman comes to Lamb, he usually has a lyric or concept he needs to flesh out. If Lamb comes to Chapman, he almost always has some sort of chord progression or musical idea.
The recording process itself is where both share a mix of excitement and nervousness.
“It was actually pretty convenient because of the limitedness [of the setup], but also super challenging because we hadn’t done it before or had had a time limit,” Lamb said.
Their 5 song EP, Oasis, is about getting to know someone and their feelings. An underlying theme present in their songs is a fostering of familial connection with the listener.
“‘Making it is not a goal of mine or Andrew’s,” Lamb said when asked about their future careers as musicians. “We’re just hanging out and writing songs.”
Chapman agreed, saying his biggest goal is to make the type of music people will love. His favorite song from Oasis is “Feeling Known.”
“To me, the whole idea is about a connection through music,” Chapman said.
Oasis is available on all streaming platforms. The band recently performed live in the Red Barn as part of SAB Concert Committee’s “SAB Live!” You can catch the recap of that performance on Youtube here. Interested in keeping up with The Brothers’ Mother? Follow them at @thebrothersmother on social media.
Photo Courtesy // The Brothers’ Mother
