When multiple genres collide, interesting things happen. BR and TIMEBOMB is an example of that. Classical instrumentation with a modern style make for powerful and soulful music. It’s definitely something that perks your ears up and makes you take notice. Be sure to listen to “Fuegissimo”, it’s a great combination of rock drumming, staccato violin, and smooth rap vocals.

Members/Instruments:
Shanelle Jenkins – trumpet
Olivia Martinez – violin
Karnage – guitar
Stacy Beatty Jr. – bass
Jibrail Nor – drums
BR – vocals

Year Formed: 2002

1. Past: What is your musical background? What has led you to this point?
The musicians in TIMEBOMB were trained in different styles from a young age. Olivia (violin) studied classical music. Shanelle (trumpet) studied jazz with BR and Jibrail’s father and classical music in school. Jibrail (drums) has played jazz, classical, rock, steel pan, West African drumming, etc. Stacy (bass) studied jazz and played soul and funk from a young age with his uncles who are also bass players. Karnage has played guitar in hardcore heavy metal and hip-hop bands all over NYC and he is also a DJ. BR has been rapping in groups and solo since he was a teenager.

Jibrail, Shanelle and Stacy have been playing together since high school. BR and several high school friends started the group Higher Circle in 1995 (Jibrail joined in 2000). BR and Jibrail seperated from Higher Circle in 2002. BR began going to open mics and recording with different artists while forming plans for the band that would become BR and TIMEBOMB. Jibrail, Shanelle and Stacy were obvious choices for the band. BR saw Olivia perform with another band and asked her to join TIMEBOMB. The band has had a few other guitar players and singers who were vital to the band but are no longer with us. Karnage met us in February ’08 at a show that we did when we didn’t have a guitarist and he joined soon after.

2. Present: Where are you at now in your career? What are you currently working on?
We are currently recording our first full length album while performing as much as we can.

3. Future: What’s coming up for you? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
We see ourselves touring the world and recording more music. We’ll also continue pursuing our individual interests, e.g. other bands, visual arts, teaching, martial arts, sports, families, etc.

4. Where can people find more of your music?
We have a 3 song EP available on Itunes and Cdbaby. You can hear more of our music on myspace and there are a lot of videos of us on youtube.

5. Anything you’d like to plug?
We are also members of The New Amsterdam Musical Association, created in 1904 for African-American musicians when they weren’t allowed in the local musician’s union.

www.myspace.com/brdaone

www.myspace.com/brandtimebomb

www.cdbaby.com/cd/brtimebomb

Coming soon: www.brandtimebomb.com