Built on an energetic live show and equally hard hitting songs, Bullhorn are about as far from an atypical brass band as possible.
“As far as brass bands go, we've been compared to a rock band because it's all modern material, we're playing a lot of hip hop, drum & bass, funk and soul. It's all just upbeat, high energy shows,” sousaphone player Stevie Buchanan says.
An eclectic group formed in 2011 from various other Brisbane bands, they've proven to be a dynamic force bringing a modern twist to a traditional style of music.
“We all played in a lot of Brisbane bands over the years, old bands such as Darky Roots, we've got members from Dubmarine and Pelusafunk. So we have a lot of experience playing in these line-ups. [But] it takes a while to adjust and really understand everyone's different role in the band.”
With most people typically expecting a classical performance when they picture brass instruments, the recent addition of Roman MC to the group has helped dissuade that perception.
“It's hard because people can be a bit standoffish just because of the instrumentation. It really helps having Roman MC. He's just great at communicating with crowds. He's really good at warming the crowd up and getting them comfortable with the idea of this weird instrumentation, but then by the end of the set we've always sold everyone.”
Bullhorn are not a band afraid to experiment; alongside the inclusion of Roman MC they also play with sample pads and different amps.
“Our drummer Joel often works with a sample pad that we put different samples in and I run my sousaphone through a bass amp with just bass pedals. So definitely we're open to anything, that's been the real concept of this band, just being open to any instrumentation and any tools that are at our disposal.”
Despite not being together for an extensive time, their sound has already begun to evolve significantly.
“Definitely it's evolving, it's just as everyone gets used to it, it is a strange instrumentation to work with so it takes a while to adjust and really understand everyone's different role in the band and how to write for that. Also Roman the MC has only been an addition to the band this year so it's been adjusting to writing with him.”
While most bands find a formula that fits and keep it, Bullhorn attempt to change their style every time they record.
“When we come to the studio we usually take a different tactic in and are always keen to get some guests in and do different things when we're in the studio. We're fairly prolific writers so it's constantly changing and evolving.”
Bullhorn's latest offering, 'Roll Off The Top', highlights their tremendous stylistic diversity over two tracks. 'Roll Off The Top' is a heavy R&B piece, with vocals from Roman MC and Laneous, which is highly contrasted by the second song 'Beach Party'.
“They could not be more different, 'Roll Off The Top' has some R&B style vocals over the chorus. Then the second track is completely different, it's like an instrumental old school sort of soul tune called 'Beach Party', it's just upbeat, catchy, good times sort of old school soul tune basically.”
Subverting the traditions of the stereotypical brass band, Bullhorn are quickly making a name for themselves as a band anyone, no matter their genre of choice, can enjoy.
“Most of it is just sort of hard hitting upbeat tunes so we've never failed to really get people dancing, so it's just all about the material you work with. It shows you can work with nearly any instrumentation, it just depends on the tunes you're playing basically.”
Set to launch their single next week, the band will embark on a tour to promote it throughout October and November.
“We're touring for the rest of the year and then we're looking at releasing another single in March next year and then dropping the album halfway through the year.”
Bullhorn perform at The Zoo Oct 11, Solbar Oct 12, The Great Northern Nov 15, West End Block Party Nov 17 and Sound Lounge Nov 29.
