BRAD MARINO
One On One…BRAD MARINO
with David Kasheta
Brad Marino is a rock ’n roll lifer with a catalog that straddles the line between punk rock grit and power pop melody. It’s equal parts swagger and sincerity.
From his early days tearing it up with The Rydells, helping define the modern power pop revival with The Connection, or to his ever-evolving solo output, Marino has built a canon that’s as hook heavy as it is hard hitting.
Fresh off a triumphant European tour and riding high on the buzz of a new compilation album called “On the Brink: Rarities, Remixes and Unreleased” (Rum Bar Records), we shine a light on his prolific and electric career. Brad Marino isn’t just keeping the rock ’n roll flame alive - he’s a master craftsman turning his influences into something unmistakably his own.
You’ve got such an outstanding and deep catalog of quintessential power pop, melodic punk and energetic rock and roll. At what point did you decide to remake and remaster certain selections for this compilation album?
BM I realized that I had several songs out that had not made it to vinyl or onto any physical release. I thought it would make sense to put them all together as a collection. The comp started with tracks like “Girl, I Want You” and “Baby Doll” which hadn’t been pressed on vinyl.
From there I filled in the rest of the comp with other songs, focusing on rare or unheard cuts. There is a couple of alternate versions of some well known tracks like “Lucy” and “C’Mon”. I also included two tracks from my first solo release, “Four Track Attack”, which came out in 2018, figuring it’s been a bit since then and since I have a large audience. Why not get a fresh mix and reintroduce some good material?
Lastly, my cover of The Ramones “Subterranean Jungle” is in demand and super rare so I used it as a chance to tack on a couple tracks from that with fresh drums and a new mix.
You produced and released a song by song synopsis of each track selected on your
YouTube channel which is invaluable for those who both followed your career and who are new to your scene. Which song is most personally meaningful and why?
BM That was a fun little exercise actually. As far as a specific song being personally meaningful; “Not Fooling Me”. It’s the one brand new song on the record which was recorded last year. It’s a nice sounding song but also a self-reflection on some personal relationships and how a public persona put out into the world isn’t always the reality.
These tunes are selected from four studio albums and numerous EP and single releases. There are fifteen songs on the album and four extra tracks on the CD and appears equally representative of your whole solo career. Was there a specific reason you placed these songs in the specific order?
BM Picking the track list for any release is hard for me and this one was no different. It doesn’t go in chronological order, it’s broken into 2 sides - the first being more rock n roll/power pop and the second side being more focused on my Ramones sounding “punk” stuff.
Describe your relationship with
Rum Bar Records?
BM I’ve known Lou (Mansdorf) since 2012 from the early days of The Connection and the very beginning of Rum Bar Records. I’ve been fortunate to work with him on several releases both of the old band and he’s released each of my solo albums on at least one format.
Lou works hard at promoting his bands and propping people and artists up. I have a real appreciation for every label that has supported me and my releases - there are many! Lou has been the one constant and, as I said, his hand is in each solo release to this point.
I’m glad to see Lou expand the roster with other great bands and releases the last few years. I like real labels that are rooted in the music and who are like us artists - just trying to carve out a niche to as many people as possible.
I don’t like corporate backed labels run by millionaires because it goes against the “underground” trying to break out. Rock ’n roll labels like Rum Bar,
Ghost Highway,
Spaghetty Town, and
Beluga are the real rock ’n roll labels whose owners are doing everything they can for their artists. Their labels are their own art! I see these labels as “brothers in arms” with underground music and authentic purveyors of rock music.
You’ve appeared to have enjoyed success in both the quality and quantity of infectious, melodic and ear worm inducing material. The sheer number of songs that’s been produced both with bands and as a solo artist is enviable. What’s your creative process in developing the music?
BM Well, thank you! I feel I really hit my stride as a songwriter a few years ago at the end of The Connection. I wrote some songs for our last album I really like such as “In The End”, “Mechanical Heart” and “You Know”. I feel I carried that momentum into the solo career.
Honestly, my process is to sit down with a guitar and start strumming a melody, chord progression or idea that just comes to me. It’s totally random. I could sit down for minutes and something comes right to me or I can sit for an hour and nothing - it's hot and cold songwriting. For me, I usually start with a few chords and a basic melody and then sort of develop the lyrical ideas.
I’m more of a music first then add lyrics creator. Sometimes I have a specific refrain like “False Alarm” or “C’Mon C’Mon C’Mon” and I can build the rest of the words around that. I then make a demo as soon as I have the basic structure - verse/chorus/verse/bridge/solo. Then I can develop ideas for other parts or harmonies and listen back and critique or send to the band for feedback.
I really like making home demos. Songs are very interesting in that they just sort of appear then manifest themselves in some way – you can almost feel it coming on.
As a musician, how do you define success?
BM Success in music is different for everybody. I’m thankful to have a very solid discography that I look back on proudly. I also am very flattered and thankful for the great reviews, radio plays and streaming plays.
Success in music and life is about balance. I have lots of interests but my family is my first and foremost priority. I’m successful in music because music is not the “be all end all” for Brad Marino. Music is my “cherry on top” of life - not to say it’s not important because it is - it’s just not everything. I especially am thankful to all the fans who come to shows, especially in Europe and it's truly incredible.
Spain is really the number one place on Earth that “gets it”. To sell out a room in Madrid, Spain on a Tuesday night - that is success to me. Ultimately, I hope I’m leaving a legacy, however big or small, of nice records that people can enjoy now and in the future.
What’s an instrument you’ve never used in a song but would love to experiment with?
BM I love the sound of a pedal steel guitar. I would love to do a real country style tune with that in it. The Connection had a couple tunes that featured it but it would be great to use on a solo recording.
Which emotion is the best to tap in to when writing a song?
BM That’s a tough one. I feel like great artists tap into all emotions like happiness, melancholy, sadness, anger. It’s all there. You can have a great song that is really an angry song and you can also have a happy sounding song that is actually about a break up or something darker. It all depends on your mood as a listener.
As a writer I think a song expresses how you feel at the time. I sometimes use the songs as a way of venting emotions or saying something out loud that might be a personal thing for me. The listener may think it’s just a song or disguised as a song about a girl or whatever. I think as a writer you tap into whatever emotion you’re feeling at the time, there is no “best” emotion to tap into.
What are the non-musical influences that affect your songwriting?
BM Probably just life. Life happens around music. Living can inspire songs and their content. I think also wit and the written word are important. I’m big on a witty and intelligent lyrics. Don’t get me wrong because I love dumb stuff, too.
Give me a song about a girl or drinking beer on a Saturday night anytime, Lyricists like Ray Davies, Mick Jagger, Ben Weasel, and Dr. Frank (MTX) use their wit and I think most of that comes from being well read and curious about history, events or just the written word.
What’s the most unusual inspiration you’ve used to write a song?
BM My dog Moose inspired the track “Lucy”. I make up songs all the time about my dogs and sing them. One was “Moosey” which is where I got the melody. I just had to change it to a song about a girl, hence “Lucy”.
If you could refer to one Brad Marino composition to represent your music career, which would it be?
BM Picking one is tough. I’d probably say “C’Mon C’Mon C’Mon”. It has a lot of elements that make up my musical DNA, which is sort of the perfect mix of punk/power pop and rock n roll. I also wrote it entirely and played every instrument so that would be my pick!
If you could advise young Brad Marino about the music business, what would you offer?
BM
Well, music has been rewarding and still is, however it also causes a lot of stress. My life would certainly be easier without it. I know young Brad would be super impressed with what has gone down the last 10 plus years! Multiple albums, touring, playing and meeting some real musical heroes and influences that, all in all, has made it a great run! To paraphrase Tom Petty, I’d tell young Brad (and current Brad) “most things you worry about won’t happen anyways”.
What’s the one musical creative path you have not gone down but would want to try?
BM I’d love to work with a producer who has similar influences and understands what I’m going for but who also would come at it with a different mindset. I usually produce everything myself but it would be nice to have someone else to bounce ideas from or to add a different touch to the songs, maybe even push the songs to places I wouldn’t imagine.
That all involves budgets and time, neither which I have much of these days, so its not likely but maybe for a single or EP would be cool.
A lot of your solo album artwork was created by Caity Marino. How did she become involved?
BM Caity actually just takes photos. She’s pretty good though! She took the one for “On The Brink”. I kept hounding her that one of these days we need to take some photos in front of those cars. We finally did last September and so glad we did. Glenn Robinson actually does my artwork, and takes Caity’s photos and adds all the graphics and layouts. He’s real good at it to boot!
The Rydells, 2003 - 2009, were a combo of muscular power pop and cool
Ramones grooves and included an early version of Dame Darcy. I love the
cover of an overlooked Ramones guttural classic, “Wart Hog”, expertly spewed by Dee Dee Ramone from their “Too Tough To Die” album. It was also mastered by the incomparable Mass Giorgini (Billie Joe Armstrong, Screeching Weasel, the Queers, The Two Tens).
Tell me about your time with this band.
BM I joined The Rydells at the ripe age of 17 back in 2004, who were around for a year or so before I joined. I played drums in that band which is something I’d never done before. I was always the singer/guitar player so it was new for me being behind the kit.
Right after I joined we recorded an album at The Electric Cave in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, which is a legendary studio as it had produced records by The Queers, The Jabbers and more. I was just kind of thrown into drumming and joined the band. I only knew drums from messing around on various drummers kits at practice with other groups.
Basically I was a natural at keeping a beat, a very simple straight forward beat, which is what I liked when I listened to Tommy Ramone or Charlie Watts. Denny Rydell, the main guy, was a Johnny Ramone clone, so we definitely did “Ramones” style punk.
We played around New England for a few years and did two records, “Go Mental” and “Rock ’n Roll Is The Answer”. I’m not a huge fan of the “Wart Hog” cover. Actually, this guy George Tabb of the band called Furious George sings it. I think he was a roadie for the Ramones, too. It’s fine but my main issue with both Rydells albums is that the production is god awful.
The Connection (debut album “New England’s Newest Hit Makers", 2011) gained international success with its British Invasion rawness and garage rock sonics and impacted bands far beyond the New England area. Many compare the body of work to early Kinks and Rockpile.
Jesse Bordeaux of France’s power pop groups The Bopp and Shake Some describes the discovery and excitement of that debut album. “I thought it was very intense and full of soul. A kind of American Pub Rock, inspired by Rhythm & Blues…with an accurate sense of melody and energy”.
The Connection connected with so many in the power pop scene during is tenure and it’s influence continues to this day. Why do you think that is?
BM I think that record perfectly captured a moment, a very fresh and exciting moment for the four guys recording those songs. For me, it was an awesome
time in my life. I living in downtown Portsmouth (New Hampshire) as a 23 year old bachelor which was not a bad way to live. Me and Geoff (Palmer) wrote almost all the songs together. The writing was very Lennon/McCartney-esque which is what we were going for. Early Beatles, 60’s mod/garage power pop.
Coming from a punk background it was all new for us, which made it exciting to do this type of music. In a sense, we were learning the ropes as we went. We recorded it live in the studio, same as The Rydells did at The Electric Cave in Portsmouth over two different sessions in May/June of 2011.
We even recorded in our little Beatle suits and skinny ties, which, to me, was the only real authentic Connection recording. It’s the one that represents the original idea of what the band should be - from the suits to how we recorded, live in a studio. We did overdubs but a lot of it was tracked live with no click.
That line up only lasted about 9 months before it imploded and from there we slowly started leaning back into our more punk influences and dropped the suits but for that brief period we captured something almost perfect and that’s why I think it resonates still. Not to say we didn’t do other great songs or records but this one is the REAL Connection!
The New Trocaderos formed in November 2013, consisting of Geoff Palmer, Kurt Baker, Kris Rodgers and Rick Orcutt. They released several EP’s, the last in 2016. They were regarded as a “mini supergroup” by Goldmine Magazine and drew props from Ed Stasium. Michael Chaney has an influential hand in this band. Describe his role(s).
BM The Trocaderos were all Mike Chaney songs. He was a fan of our music and had started writing tunes and although he was very primitive on guitar, knew melody and what notes and chords we should play. Very impressive, honestly. The songs were great.
The Trocs were a vessel to record and release his music with proper musicians and I’d say it worked pretty well. Mike and I still collaborate from time to time on my solo stuff. For instance we co-wrote “Girl, I Want You”.
I read a review about your 2024 EP Hot Rod Rampage which consisted of surf and four wheel speedster tunes drenched in sun and fun. You described the emotion and influence of cruising down the coastline of New Hampshire and hanging at Hampton Beach. Don’t know if there is colder ocean water on the planet!
How do you know when a track has that perfect salt drenched sun-soaked energy?
BM New Hampshire has a seriously beautiful 17 mile coast line for those who don’t know. I just loved being younger and cruising to the beach with friends and listening to Jan and Dean and The Beach Boys. To me, you know it when you hear it.
There is a certain “hot rod” or “surf music” sound. I just always wanted to do a record in that style because that kind of music really speaks to me. It’s just fun and light hearted yet also really rocks if you listen to the guitar tones and drums, etc..
Ever play Club Casino, Hampton Beach, New Hampshire?
BM Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom? No, sadly.
Your successful European tour just wrapped and included stops in The Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. Do you have any pre-show rituals?
BM Drink a couple beers, and a lot of water. I also avoid eating at least 2 hours before the show.
What’s the most memorable thing you’ve eaten on tour?
BM When you tour in Europe usually the accommodations and dinner are included with the guarantee. They treat bands very well there so we’re lucky to eat some fantastic local cuisine. In Belgium during 2012 or 2013 there was a great Italian place next to the club and it was run by an Asian family. It was some of the best lasagna I've ever tasted!
(L > R) Craig Sala, Brad Marino, Bobby Davis
Can touring change the chemistry of a band?
BM Certainly it can. You can bond and become a closer unit or you can experience the personal flaws of others i.e. body odor, bad breath, bad attitude, drinking problems, etc.. Touring can be fun but it’s also work. You’re waking up in a different city or country everyday, driving for hours, load in, sound check, and merch set up. Playing, commiserating with fans and others, packing up, loading out, driving to a hotel or hostel - which can be great or can be a horse barn (literally in France one time).
I suggest bands that tour even for short tours like 8 to 10 shows should go with people you know, trust and like. The Connection have had to kick bad people out of the band in Europe on tour before which it happens and it can affect the entire band’s chemistry. Not just on the rest of the tour but permanently.
I enjoy playing with Craig (Sala) and Bobby (Davis) from my current solo band because I’ve known them both for so long and they’re easy going guys. We have fun but not too much fun and we’re all Dads so we are grown ups, not drinking ‘till 4 am and puking or being a hungover pain. So yes, touring definitely does change chemistry at times.
Do you ever write while on the road?
BM Not really, no. In 2013 The Connection were in France and had an off day so we knew we were going to a recording studio in Lyon. I had a song called “Don’t Talk to My Baby” that was just about written and we sussed it out at sound checks before we hit the studio. That’s as close as I've gotten to writing on the road. I’m too focused on the task at hand and getting through the tour.
Who would be the dream band to open for?
BM I’ve been so lucky to actually play with some all-time faves like The Flamin’ Groovies, The Real Kids and various members of The Ramones. Obviously, the real dream would be The Ramones themselves, but they broke up when I was 10 years old.
Honestly, one of the best shows I’ve ever played was just this past December in Woodstock, New York, opening for Marky Ramone and his band. If the Stones are able to do one more run let’s hope Mick reads this, so at least we maybe can open the Foxboro, MA show!
Where did you play your first gig?
BM I believe my first gig was in January, 2002 at a rented Knights of Columbus Hall in Wells, Maine. My band was called “No Remorse” and we just did covers that night with maybe one original tune. Lots of Misfits, Ramones, NoFX and Pennywise which was the stuff we were into back then as 15 and 16 year olds.
First concert attended?
BM I think it was The Offspring in 1998 or 1999 on the “Americana” tour. Saw it at the Cumberland County Civic Center in Portland, Maine with my Dad! MxPX opened the show. It was awesome!
How did you listen to music as a kid?
BM Growing up in the early 90’s it was radio and MTV/VH1. That’s how I’d discovered stuff. I remember before school in middle school I’d sometimes watch VH1 and they’d be running videos and that’s where I’d hear and see random classic videos like “Dream Police” or “Whip It”, stuff like that. I remember mostly listening to cassettes until about 1998 when I switched to CD’s with The Offspring’s “Americana” and Smash Mouth’s “Astro Lounge”.
First album purchased?
BM I actually think the first album I purchased would’ve been “What’s The Story Morning Glory”. On cassette no less! That’s the first one I remember listening to in the back of my parents mini-van with my Walkman. Another would be “Dookie” but I think I actually got Oasis first. Two great albums!
What’s the weirdest thing you’ve been asked by a fan on tour?
BM BM Not exactly weird but I’ve taken several photos over the years with all family members included - Mom, Dad and the little kids which is actually awesome. A girl from Basque Country (Northern Spain) reached out via Instagram recently and asked me to record a “Happy Birthday” video for her Dad’s birthday as her parents are big fans.
Honestly, it’s just amazing and sometimes “weird” to me to see how many people want photos and autographs from a guy like me. I’m very appreciative of all my fans and that’s always flattering and nice. If it means something to someone to talk for a few minutes or get a photo I will always 100% do it!
What’s the one item you bring on tour that’s not music related but feels essential?
BM My Ray Ban’s!
Who were some of your early influences?
BM When I was a little kid I’d listen to CD's my mom had in her collection like Aerosmith or The Eagles. When I started developing my own musical tastes I gravitated towards modern rock of the 90’s like Smash Mouth, Offspring, Green Day, Lit, The Verve. Mostly 90’s classics.
By the turn of the century I was transitioning mostly to punk exclusively like NoFx, Bad Religion, stuff like that. Once I heard the Ramones everything else was obsolete for a while. It was Ramones/Misfits and Pop Punk stuff like The Queers, Riverdales, Screeching Weasel, etc..
Top 5 albums?
BM BM I can’t/won’t put them in order but something like this:
1. Ramones “Ramones”
2. Rolling Stones “Let It Bleed”
3. Ramones “Rocket to Russia”
4. Rolling Stones “Exile on Main Street”
5. Beatles “A Hard Day’s Night” (UK version)
Are there any new or recent bands you’re most excited about?
BM I do try to stay up to date on current music. I have a yearly playlist which I use for myself to check out new stuff from favorites and new bands alike. A great LP I discovered last year was by a band called “The Circulators” called “Insufficient Fun”. Really good stuff!
What does the future hold, musically, for Brad Marino?
BMBM Right now I’m working on a new record that will be out in 2026 so I’m excited to keep chipping away at that the rest of 2025. I plan to do a Spain tour as well in 2026 to promote the new record as that’s just where I have the biggest fanbase and at least one of the labels involved in the release will be Ghost Highway Recordings from Madrid.
After that, who knows? Mick Jagger famously said “I’d rather be dead than singing ‘Satisfaction’ when I’m 40”. Maybe I shouldn’t be singing “C’Mon C’Mon C’Mon” when I’m 40?
Where can listeners grab your music?
BM BradMarino.Bandcamp.com is the best spot to support me directly. Of course, I am on all the streaming sites so just look me up! Also, I’d suggest giving my
YouTube channel
a follow as I’m starting to add odds and ends there as well!
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