The name LucaBrasi rolls of the tongue nicely but the band rolls out the rock n' roll, hard. There are some prominent St. Louis music scene natives behind the band, LucaBrasi. With former members from The Urge, Adair and Ulcer Inc... these veteran rockers bring a great show to every venue they play. Opening for such acts as Helmet, LucaBrasi is on the straight path to success. You can check out this band of henchmen at their upcoming performance for the Play: STL Fest at Blueberry Hill’s Duck Room on September 18th.
How long has the band been together?
Matt McInerney: On and off since 2002-2003.
How did you come up with name like that?
Matt McInerney: We were originally playing out as Seven, but quickly found out how many bands had that in their name. When we began recording our first full length in 2007, we really wanted a new name and a fresh start. LucaBrasi came about after going through a slew of other names. It's the name of the henchman in the first Godfather film - a film we all dig. And once we made it one word, it rolled off the tongue and started to stick.
It seems like every person in a St. Louis band came from another band. Is that case with your band? Where did you come from?
Matt McInerney: Jerry Jost and Bill Reiter (guitar player and keyboard player) came from The Urge. Mike Jost and Josiah Werner (drummer and bassist) came from Adair. I played in a crazy art-punk band called Ulcer Inc.
Are you for or against the Guitar Hero and Rock Band craze?
Matt McInerney: I really know nothing of it. Most musicians I know do not dig on it...but I have also heard that 'real' musicians aren't all that good at the game. I'm more of a sports game guy, myself.
What television show do you consecutively agree on? What do you think is the best show on the tube today?
Matt McInerney: The band?? I think everyone likes Curb Your Enthusiasm, The Sopranos and The Simpsons. We all seem to splinter off from there...
If you had the opportunity to open for a national act that happens to be rolling through St. Louis, who would it be?
Matt McInerney: Luckily, we just rocked with Helmet which was awesome. I think we'd be a good fit on a Stone Temple Pilots show, maybe Rage? Then again, I am a huge fan of mixing genres on a bill...maybe Mars Volta? Radiohead? The Hold Steady? We'll take any of those, thank you.
With varied musical styles and genres in today’s music, is there one artist or band out there that has impressed the hell out of you?
Matt McInerney: Without trying to be too obvious, I have to say that as a live band, it hardly gets better than Radiohead. Personally, I really dig Death Cab. They write great songs and lay them out nicely. If you asked any five of us, you'd get five completely different answers...
One thing that I think is great about the St. Louis’ music scene is the friendships that are made between bands. Who are your band buddies on the scene?
Matt McInerney: We are friends with The Incurables, Thom Donovan (formerly of Lapush) Tobi Kai and the Strays and Ready the Cannons. I really like Gentleman Auction House, but we aren't really buds. We have no beef, we simply don't know each other. Maybe someday.
What music venue do you like playing the most/do you want to play?
Matt McInerney: We have had great experiences in a lot of different rooms for different reasons. The Duck Room is good, the Old Rock House is very nice as is the new and improved Off Broadway. If the stage is decent and the sound is great, we are down.
