The Unbranded was by no means meant to suit neatly right into a single class. What started as Kyle Pivarnik’s basement undertaking has grown right into a power that pushes towards the expectations of style and conference. Now a full band with bassist Michael Rose and drummer Daniel Brawley, The Unbranded channels the punch of ’90s punk, the load of alt-rock, and the introspection of post-hardcore into one thing uncooked and uncompromising. On this interview, we talk about the band’s refusal to chase perfection, the influence of spiritual trauma and sobriety on their songwriting, and why making music at 40 is extra related than ever. For those who’ve ever felt such as you don’t fairly belong, The Unbranded has one thing to say—and it’s value listening to.
The Unbranded, welcome to A&R Manufacturing unit, it’s a pleasure to have you ever with us. Earlier than we get into the bottom you’re presently breaking, we’d like to know the origin story of your band and the way it developed from a solo undertaking.
The Unbranded began as a solo undertaking in my basement in Colorado. On the time, I struggled to seek out musicians who shared my musical style. The native scene leaned both towards folky, hippie music or excessive metallic—there wasn’t a lot in between. So, I began writing and recording music by myself.
Even now, I really feel like The Unbranded nonetheless lives in that in-between area. We’re usually instructed we’re both too heavy or not heavy sufficient. That problem grew to become a part of our id—the band exists to discover these margins and push past the confines of any single style.
Once I moved to Oregon, The Unbranded developed right into a full band. We’ve been by means of a number of lineup adjustments through the years, however we’ve lastly landed on the proper chemistry. Studying to share one thing that began as such a private undertaking was a problem at first, however I wouldn’t return to doing it alone. There’s a inventive vitality that occurs once you collaborate—William S. Burroughs known as it the “third thoughts”—the place the concepts that emerge are ones none of us may give you alone. That’s what makes The Unbranded what it’s in the present day.
Your sound appears to withstand being confined to a single style whereas channeling up to date and nostalgic influences. How did you come to form The Unbranded sound?
The identify The Unbranded was a direct response to not figuring out the right way to categorize our music. I used to be writing songs that pulled from punk, alt-rock, grunge, and even components of prog and metallic. Somewhat than power a label on it, I simply determined, that is unbranded rock. That and I’ve no tattoos, and I work in advertising!
All of us come from totally different musical backgrounds, however for me, ’90s punk and different have been foundational. Listening to Kerplunk by Inexperienced Day in 1992 was a defining second—it cracked one thing open. Rising up exterior of Cleveland, I didn’t notice till a lot later how a lot the Bay Space punk scene formed me. Bands like Operation Ivy gave me a way of id, whereas NOFX performed an enormous position in shaping my political beliefs. Sonically, Instrument and Incubus had a considerable affect on my guitar tone, and that blend of grit and melody nonetheless runs by means of every little thing I play.
Michael and Daniel herald components of metallic, post-hardcore, and even jazz. That vary means we don’t restrict ourselves to a single sound. Every tune is impressed by one thing totally different. For instance, Majesty has a little bit of a Coheed and Cambria vibe, and we even reference Claudio Sanchez within the lyrics.
Somewhat than chase a signature sound, we embrace the liberty to evolve. The present album has a sonic id, however I make no ensures that the subsequent one will sound something prefer it.
In an period the place many go for hyper-polished manufacturing, what drives your choice to retain a uncooked, unfiltered high quality in your recordings?
A variety of trendy music has had the humanity processed out of it. Auto-tune and algorithmic perfection have pushed issues up to now that every little thing sounds too clear.
For us, it’s about stability. We nonetheless document in a high-quality studio—No Angels Right here was achieved at Jackpot! Recording Studio, the place bands like Sleater-Kinney, Pearl Jam, and The Postal Service have recorded. Larry Crane, who runs the studio and publishes Tape Op journal, has a recording philosophy that basically resonates with me. You may actually really feel it within the area. It felt very pure taking part in in that room.
We needed our album to sound uncooked however intentional. Among the tune constructions are bizarre, even awkward, however that’s a part of what makes them ours. We didn’t wish to chase perfection to the purpose of shedding what makes the music really feel human.
Making your mark at 40 is not any small feat. How do you consider your maturity and life expertise contribute to the emotional depth of your music?
I’d be mendacity if I mentioned I didn’t really feel self-conscious about my age in a scene the place loads of the bands we play with are nonetheless of their early 20s. However I bear in mind studying that Dave Wyndorf of Monster Magnet was 40 after they began blowing up, and pondering, “OK, I’ve nonetheless bought time.”
I’ve come to understand that getting older means I’ve a clearer sense of what actually issues. The themes in our songs replicate that. We’re not simply writing about relationships or rebel—we’re tackling greater questions on id, function, and survival in a world that doesn’t at all times make sense.
And on the finish of the day, I remind myself that music isn’t about how previous you might be—it’s about connection. And I believe, greater than something, we’re in search of to induce an emotional response.
The challenges you will have encountered offstage seem to have performed a big position in your inventive improvement. In what methods have these experiences influenced your songwriting?
Non secular trauma has been a recurring theme in my writing, and it’s one thing all three of us have handled in several methods. Rising up in an setting the place music was censored and managed left an enduring influence, and taking part in in punk bands grew to become an act of defiance.
One other large affect has been my journey with sobriety. I bought sober at 29 and performed in a punk band in Denver whereas navigating the dive bar scene as a sober musician. A variety of our lyrics take care of the wrestle of habit—not simply the non-public battle however the broader societal influence.
We wish our songs to be anthems for individuals going by means of exhausting occasions. To take these emotions of disgrace or wrestle and switch them into one thing communal—one thing that reminds individuals they’re not alone.
As you put together to launch a brand new document and embark on stay performances, what key messages or feelings are you hoping to speak to your viewers?
We wish to create the identical expertise that our favourite bands gave us. I at all times say I write songs for my sixth-grade self—to indicate him that even when the world round you feels hostile or isolating, music is usually a refuge.
That’s what we wish to supply our listeners: a way of belonging, a reminder that issues can get higher, and an excuse to scream your lungs out at a stay present.
Reflecting on the ups and downs of your profession, how do you envision the way forward for The Unbranded, each musically and when it comes to connecting together with your followers?
The plan for 2025 is easy: document the subsequent album, play as many exhibits as attainable, and hold placing out music that feels genuine.
We’ve talked about doing a West Coast tour from Seattle to San Diego. Greater than something, we wish to get our music into as many ears as attainable—whether or not that’s by means of streaming, stay exhibits, or no matter comes subsequent.
One factor’s for positive: we’re simply getting began.
The Unbranded is a rock band that refuses to be confined to a single style, mixing components of punk, alt-rock, and grunge with a uncooked, dynamic vitality. Based by Kyle Pivarnik (guitar and vocals), the band developed from a solo undertaking right into a full-fledged trio with the addition of Michael Rose (bass) and Daniel Brawley (drums). Drawing from a variety of influences—from the Bay Space punk scene to post-hardcore and metallic—The Unbranded thrives within the inventive area between nostalgia and innovation, delivering music that’s each pressing and deeply private.
Uncover The Unbranded on Spotify.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast