A lot went into writing your favorite song, but how much do you really know about it? This week, we talked to guitarist Mike Gentry of Port Orchard metal band Vessels, before the band plays El Corazon on Friday. Here he delves into the instrumental “Brothers.”
Band: Vessels
Song: “Brothers”
Album: Beyond Overcoming
Release Date: May 2011
SW: What was your inspiration for writing the song?
Gentry: It was the last song I wrote with my brother before he passed in 2006, and I felt it was the right time and place to use it. We also had a sound we could incorporate into it that I like, which would be the parts that are heavier.
When was your favorite time performing it live?
People have grabbed onto this song and its meaning in a major way. We usually give a speech about it before we play it. It draws a lot of emotion out of people, and we have seen people cry and join hands. People in the bar area will come all the way up front and put their hands up, and some people have told me they just came to hear that song. The vibes in the room just go spiritual for those few minutes. It truly is amazing.
What is the meaning behind the song?
All we say live about it is that it was the last song I wrote with my brother and that everyone shouldn’t take for granted the times we have with each other and our families. We’ve all lost someone or something special in our lives, and it’s not easy, but, for me at least, music and songs like this give me the strength to go on.
This song is a legacy for me and my family, and it’s also a legacy for the guys in this band, and what we have gone through to get to where we are today, and how five guys can join together with a common passion and create something so special that brings us together not only as friends but as brothers.
