Boasting a mix of alt-country roots, Northwest pride, and dueling guitar vs violin solos, The Brooders deliver smart songs about life in the Northwest. Led by singer-songwriter Jay Waltmunson and drummer Matt Galloway, The Brooders are known for their stage banter and audience-inclusive interactions.
With guitar, piano, violin, bass, and drums, The Brooders entertain with harmonies, heart, and well written songs. Their original tunes stand out with upbeat, catchy, sing-along melodies while the songwriting fully embraces (and yet lovingly pokes at) life in the Northwest and all that we hold dear.
Jay (Vocals & Guitar)
“Real world stuff.” Jay prides himself on writing songs that both embrace and tenderly jibe living in the Northwest. You know, stuff like falling in love with the barista, the under-recognized virtue of lumber-sexuality, and pondering what it means to live on the “East Side.”
Matt (Drums)
“The only thing better than playing Jay’s songs are playing my own,” says Oklahoma native Matt I-mostly-play-with-brushes-and-it-still-rocks Galloway. Matt originally wrote Dog Gone from The Brooder’s 3rd album “We’ll Be Your Friend” as well as The RV Song – often played live and sometimes referred as the ‘Seattle Real Estate’ song.
Pete (Lead Guitar)
It’s still not clear why Pete sometimes plays in his socks. And he will also on occasion bite into his guitar. Pete “Nice” is recognized as one the best guitar players in the Northwest and more than one inebriated fan has asked if he’s actually Santana or Jerry Garcia in disguise.
Beija Bailes (Vocals and Keys)
Born and raised in Seattle, there’s nothing better than Beija Bailes who brings a jazzy vibe to this Northwest twang – you won’t want to miss her incredible voice, singing original music as well as bluesy classic jazz and pop standards. Like Stevie Stevie Ray Vaughn? Like Soft Cell? Like Etta James? Beija brings them to life from new angles of sonic swing.
Jon (Bass)
A man of many talents – and lucky for The Brooders – one of Jon’s talent is playing bass. He’s soooo good he does it standing up, and sometimes even with an extra sixth string. (And always with a smile!)
Sarah (Violin)
Trained in classical violin, Sarah will wow you with her call and response solos, musically bantering with a lead guitar, simply by using her finely tuned ear. Nothing better than a violin solo to to keep the groove and get those feet a dancing. Oh, and she sings too!