By Sean Maldjian, Contributor

Meet Mark Bucci of Brewster

Get ready to tap your feet and snap your fingers because Mark Bucci of Brewster is here! As the head of operations and heartwarming member of the Y'allternative band, Mark gives us insight into their latest album, Honey Shake Me, and how the group approaches creating music. From revealing the inspiration behind the tracks to their favorite pieces of clothing, this interview is a must-read for any Brewster fan. Plus, find out Mark's thoughts on being slippery or flashing like a strobe light in the fun "Would You Rather" section.

A self-portrait by, Mark Bucci of Brewster

Would You Rather…

your skin flash like a fast strobe light, or be incredibly slippery? Why?

I would rather be incredibly slippery for two reasons: so my friends with epilepsy can still hang out with me, and to clown all the fools at the slip-n-slide.

Some questions with Mark Bucci of Brewster

What is going on members of Brewster? Could you introduce your project?

This is only Mark speaking, head of operations and heartwarming here at Brewster. But the gang is well. Fully rested after our first tour since the pandemic. Brewster is a Y'allternative band, alt-country for the hip kids. The only cosmic country band that isn't afraid of heights. We just put out our second album Honey Shake Me, I like it a bunch.

Brewster has been described as a band that blends the sounds of the past with a fresh and modern approach. How do you balance these different influences, and what do you hope to achieve with your music?

Wow, that's awful kind. I think that's an accurate description-- although I do think there is a lot of great twang-influenced alt-country and indie going on right now. Said influences luckily come out balanced naturally for me, mostly because all I listen to is country music and 80's Dylan and 90's Leonard Cohen. I'm exaggerating, but it's honestly not far off. That's what resonates with me, and it comes out a little more modern I think just cause I don't like to repeat myself, or repeat what I've heard before. Whether that's in arrangement or my voice, I hope my own spin is coming across. Sounds like it might be!

If you had to create a song based on the last text message you sent, what would it be?

A very boring song about talking to my booking agent about this summer's tour and playing in Delaware. Actually, playing in Delaware might be a pretty nice tune. No one sings about Delaware.

Can you talk about your songwriting process and how it has evolved over time? What inspires you to write, and how do you approach creating music as a group?

I'm older than I once was, so now I can't write unless it's first thing in the morning over my first cup of coffee. That's when I find I can express myself freely without self consciousness and without editing too much as I go. I like to "meditate" as it were, fingerpick or strum through something pretty that I'm feeling at the moment and mumble some nonsense until a melody comes out-- which is usually something rooted in the type of music I like to listen to. If some words come from that mumble, I see how they make me feel and where that feeling takes me. For Honey Shake Me, it took me back to memories of being on the road with the band and living with my art in my head from town to town. It came out like a debaucherous, heartbroken road trip. Speaking of the band, playing as a group this past year has elevated even the new album. The camaraderie within this group is so special and powerful. We have all come to the same musical decision, that we like to be tight and friggin rock. A novel idea for a band, I know; but it's so easy to get in your own head as a musician and hold your ideas too close to your heart. We have figured out that what we want is simple, and I have figured out that what I want is this band rocking together.

Was there a concert or song that inspired you to want to make music?

My first concert ever was RHCP and Queens of the Stone Age in 2002, but I think it was just watching my friends play guitar in the hallway in 6th grade that made me want to do it. It just looked so effortlessly cool. Then, turns out, it's really the only thing I liked doing.

Your second album ‘Honey Shake Me’ is out everywhere now. How do you feel about the reception to the release so far?

I've been flattered. It has been really nice meeting new fans at the shows. I'm very grateful that people are jamming out to these songs the way we do. I think on this last tour we convinced a bunch of younger people to not write off twang-adjacent music, which feels like the role I was born to play.

Do you have a single favorite article of clothing? What makes it your favorite?

My wingtip whiskey-colored boots. Whoever said black and brown don't go together has never been to a Brewster show. The gang looks great. My bolo ties gets a lot of compliments too which is always a hoot.

Of all the tracks on the new album, what is your favorite to play live? Why?

For a long time it was You Got to Give It When You Got It, because that song was our first to just truly let loose. Recently, though, we last-minute whipped out An Easy Love to Leave for some shows; wow oh WOW do I love my band members because they elevated that into a 3-guitar attack banger. I think that might be my favorite right now.

Do you have an unpopular opinion you’d like to share? What is it?

Egg salad is the underdog royalty of the mayonnaise-and-protein-based salads.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Do you like deviled eggs? Of course you do, it's always the biggest hit at the barbecue. Well, imagine you could have deviled eggs, but chopped up and put on bread. That's what egg salad is. It's literally the same thing. It's so good. Listen, I get it. The name is weird and kind of funny. But have you looked at the prices of other salads at the grocery store? They are literally double-egg salads. 12$ for a pound of chicken salad, 6$ for a pound of egg salad. These are tough times and you deserve to live a little. Give it a shot.