With dark hair falling over his face, freshman Jesse Zakarin looks a little more like he belongs at Van’s Warped Tour, not in the HOVA residence hall. But perhaps that’s because it’s in his blood. After all, Jesse’s 24 year old big brother, Michael, plays guitar for The Bravery.
For Jesse, The Bravery’s D.C. performance tonight is one of the many cool concerts that he’s seen at the Black Cat. He describes his relationship with his brother as “very close, he has a big influence on me.”
Jesse has toured with his brother in Europe while continuing studies here at GW. He lives in the Press Room CLLC in Hova and is possibly considering a career in music. Although Jesse is the lead singer in his own band, Notes from Underground, he was very serious when saying “I will always be interested in music, but I will never ride his back for anything.”
With sold out concerts all across Europe, word of The Bravery is quickly spreading coast to coast. Jesse understands the impact of The Bravery in Europe, saying, “It’s only a matter of time before they blow up (in the US).” And it’s true, after being called in 2005 Spin’s “Next Big Thing” and MTV’s “Artist to Watch”, things are looking good for The Bravery. Jesse comments on their success, “fame is the last thing on their mind. They write great songs and that’s what really matters. It’s all about the music.”
The Bravery’s music is simply refreshing. After posting wanted ads on Craig’s List and uploading self-recordings on the Internet, their music was widespread in just a few months. Their Internet success eventually landed them a deal with Island Def-Jam and a tour in Europe. Jesse was quick to compare their sound to that of The Killers. Their sound is dark. It is new wave with a definite rock edge to it. Instead of crowd surfing, one might find themselves dancing in the mosh pit.
Jesse is excited about them performing so close to GW, but he says “they aren’t going to do like anything special for me. They aren’t going to jump out of a cake. It will be nice to see them. I haven’t seen them in over a month.” So, come to the Black Cat this Thursday, and maybe get a little Rockstar rubbed off on you too.
The Bravery will perform with Ash and The Crimea tonight at The
Black Cat. Doors open 8:30 p.m., $13.
