Скачать или смотреть Cory Brandan Interview: Norma Jean, Ross Robinson & DIY Punk Days | Ryan Minic, Ryan's Rock Show

In an interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Cory Brandan of Norma Jean shared stories about recording Redeemer, early DIY punk shows, and working with producer Ross Robinson. He opened the conversation with a bizarre memory from 2006 when the band was recording in Weed, California, a small town near the Oregon border. During a snowboarding trip on Mount Shasta, their merch guy stumbled upon a dead body—later revealed to be a woman who had gone up the mountain and taken pills. Brandan, who wasn’t there at the time, only heard the story afterward but described it as one of the strangest things to happen during the recording sessions.

The conversation shifted to Brandan’s early experiences in the music scene, recalling his first punk rock show in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in a small venue called The Center of the World. He reminisced about seeing bands like At The Drive-In, Melt Banana, and even The Flaming Lips play in front of fewer than 100 people in run-down buildings with bricks falling off the walls. He described the DIY nature of the scene, where abandoned houses were often turned into makeshift venues, and bands performed in flooded basements with whatever PA system they could piece together.

Reflecting on working with Ross Robinson, Brandan credited the producer with teaching Norma Jean how to inject raw emotion into their music. He explained that Robinson pushed them beyond technical perfection, forcing them to bring real feelings into their performances, even if it meant stressing themselves out. The lessons they learned in those sessions—especially about avoiding overproduction and keeping music organic—still influence the band today.

Brandan also expressed his love for early ‘90s hardcore and emo, citing Gravity Records bands like Angel Hair, Honeywell, Indian Summer, and Born Against as major influences. He explained that while he appreciated old-school hardcore, he was drawn to chaotic music that blended melody with intensity, a style that still impacts Norma Jean’s songwriting.

When asked about longevity in the music industry, Brandan emphasized that bands should never stop learning. He believed the key to staying relevant is expanding musically, not just technically, and constantly being open to new ideas. He encouraged musicians to collaborate more deeply, bringing in other artists to help write songs rather than just doing guest vocals. His philosophy was that music is a continuous learning process, and Norma Jean remains dedicated to evolving and pushing their sound forward.

Posted here: http://www.ryansrockshow.com/intervie...