artists » Vinnie Accardi of Brand New

It’s been over three years since anyone has heard anything new from Brand New. Yet, their two upcoming July 2006 dates at New York City’s Webster Hall sold out within days. Billboard Magazine, upon the band’s 2003 release, Deja Entendu, had this to say, “This sophomore effort finds Brand New maturing, reaching for textures and song structures instead of cliches. They still, however, alternate their full-on blasts with slower acoustic work, which doesn’t hurt.” We can only guess where they’re going with their next album, as lips are tightly sealed.

Formed on Long Island, Brand New appeared on the scene in 2000. The band began making a name for itself among the local clubs with a self-released four-song demo and shows alongside bands like Midtown and Glassjaw. In 2001, they emerged with their first full-length release, Your Favorite Weapon, on Triple Crown Records. The touring schedule also picked up, and they played with bands like Taking Back Sunday and Finch. The band made a stylistic leap with Deja Entendu, a decidedly mature follow-up release in the summer of 2003. Mass radio airplay for the singles “The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows” and “Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades” garnered esteem on-air as well as lifting Brand New into heavy rotation on MTV. At which point, the once fledgling band earned tours with A New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Dashboard Confessional, and blink-182.

Vinnie Accardi, guitarist for Brand New, has had his taste of the local music scene. “To say that I ‘did’ the hardcore thing is a funny way to put it. Yes, I went to hardcore shows and went through a period of only listening to 7-inches and four-song demos, but I would be lying if I said that I don’t listen to any of those bands anymore. Over time my musical tastes have grown but never to replace music that I was listening to… only to add to the collection.” He continues, “As far as my influences go, I’m not sure that I could name any bands or artists specifically. Any type of song or style of music may strike a bolt of inspiration at any time.”

Accardi got an early jump on the guitar, “I started playing at age ten. From the beginning I took lessons and continued them until I was eighteen.” And, some of his peers and influences helped to make the decision clear about which amps he’d eventually play. “VOX is a name I’ve known for some time now. I became familiar with the amps after seeing musicians such as Brian May playing them, and through other bands that I have toured with,” states Accardi. “The AC30CCH’s (Custom Classic heads), V212BNX (cabinet) AND V9168R (Pathfinder) are all fantastic. They were all used often making the new album. They all have a very distinct sound. I’ve been able to use them for any sort of guitar part – rhythm or lead, loud or soft. There is a sort of bite and grittiness that you can achieve with these amps that really makes them exciting to play. I look forward to touring with these amps. After all the time I’ve spent in the studio with them I can’t imagine not using them to tour.”

Brand New is about to embark on their sold-out 2006 summer tour. Want to know when Vin Accardi and the guys are going to be headed to a town near you? Check them out online at www.fightoffyourdemons.com or www.myspace.com/brandnew. The new album, yet to be titled, is due out this fall.

By Jenn Plonski
Photo by Mike Sapone, taken at Longview Farm Recording Studios. North Brookfield, MA.