My Stupid Brother is a smart bet in the valley music scene. The pop-punk-rock trio recently won a battle of the bands at the Catalyst, and they're looking to take their act on the road. Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner.
THE TRIO: Bandmates Jesse Wilkinson (from left), George Chadwick and Henry Chadwick are trying to make their mark under the name My Stupid Brother. Lucjan Szewczyk/Press-Banner
The pop-rock-punk trio of brothers George and Henry Chadwick and drummer Jesse Wilkinson won My Music Magazine’s “Your Music Olympics” battle of the bands on May 2 with a smashing performance at The Catalyst in Santa Cruz.
“Everyone has a stupid brother,” George said.
The win over 40 bands countywide, including seven bands in the final, netted the band $2,000 and may have put it on the fast-track to stardom.
“I was pretty surprised that we did it,” Jesse said. “I really didn’t expect it. It was our second time on the big stage (at The Catalyst).”
But it’s still only the beginning for the talented trio.
George, 20, is the oldest and plays lead guitar and does vocals, while Henry, 18, is the bassist and lead singer. When they found their drummer Jesse, 18, a former classmate at San Lorenzo Valley High, they were thrilled.
“When we got Jesse, the band kind of came together,” George said.
The band’s catchy melodies focus on cars and girls and the things teenagers go through.
“We try to write what we know,” Henry said. “Honesty is good.”
However, the band’s catchy tunes and the occasional hard-hitting riff have captivated audiences of all ages.
“We’re packing Henfling’s and other 21-and-over venues,” Henry said. “It’s good music. There’s not much to complain about.”
The brothers grew up listening to the Beatles and consider their music a cross between Green Day and The Ramones — with some Weezer sprinkled in.
They write their own music and lyrics and are focused on the future.
“We try to practice every day if we can,” Henry said. “If we’re not practicing, we’re doing something for the band.”
The band debuted with a self-titled album last year and is preparing the release of their second album, “What You Need,” which will feature guest producers Greg Camp, the guitarist and songwriter from Smashmouth, and Tony Sales, the bassist from Iggy Pop’s “Lust for Life” and David Bowie’s “Tin Machine.”
The Chadwicks have music in their blood. The boys were brought up listening to music by their father, Daren Chadwick, an acclaimed producer who has worked with the likes of Bob Dylan, Madonna, Michael Jackson and John Mellencamp.
The group is touring California in August, playing five to 10 shows over two weeks during its first taste of the road.
“We want to do this as a living,” Henry said. “I wanna make it big. It sure beats, like ‘work,’ work.”
My Stupid Brother forthcoming shows
Henfling’s Tavern: 8 p.m. May 29
Vets Hall, Santa Cruz: 8 p.m. May 30
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