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The Ries Brothers (pronounced ”Rees”) are a brother duo that writes and performs their original material influenced by their love of rock, blues, funk, and reggae. They have twice toured nationally with the legendary band CHICAGO.
The duo’s full sound is a result of Charlie’s unique ability to do this. Kevin plays guitar, provides background vocals and is the co-writer on many of their original songs. For the past five years they have played their original music and creative covers extensively throughout the Central Florida area as well as making appearances at the House of Blues & Viper Room in Los Angeles.
Check our exclusive interview next.
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Hi guys, please tell us a little about you?
We have been out playing live since 2011, we started very young (Kevin was 12 and Charlie was 15) because we had enough material and we could get a few gigs. By 2013, we were opening for some very big names like CHICAGO. In 2014 we had the honor to tour with the legendary band CHICAGO and played in such venues as The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, a Hockey arena in Huntsville, AL and a basketball arena in Pikeville,, KY to name a few We also opened for such amazing bands as Daughtry, REO Speedwagon, Los Lonely Boys etc. We played in the 2014 Van’s Warped Tour. In 2015 we completed our second tour with CHICAGO, played 3 SOLD OUT Headlining shows at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Murray Theatre all while writing and recording more original music. The Ries Brothers- a rock, blues, reggae duo from Clearwater, FL who takes great pride in the ability to play live. Kevin plays guitar and Charlie plays keyboard bass with his left hand while simultaneously playing drums and singing. This gives the duo a very full sound. We have never met or heard of another musician who has this unique setup. It is a very difficult thing to pull off.
What is your musical background?
Kevin started guitar at age 9. Charlie started piano at age 6, drums at age 9, and singing at age 12. Also, one of our grandfather’s was a top rated bass player in Chicago. He and our Grandmother, both played in the Chicago Symphony. Our grandfather even opened for the Beatles in Comiskey Park and played with Sonny & Cher, John Denver and The Jackson Five to name a few. Our other Grandfather had an amazing voice.
How would you describe your music?
A blend of rock, pop, blues, funk, and reggae
How did you get started?
A combination of inspiration from our favorite artists and also musicians in our family led us to want to do this. We formed in 2011 and went out and started playing at any venue that would take us. We have since played over 500 shows all across the state and the country.
What is your next goal as a musicians?
To have an album out and to constantly be on tour. Also to earn respect from the music community as very hard working and humble players.
Who was your music inspiration at that moment, and who is now?
(Charlie)- Jim Morrison, John Mayer, Morrisey… (Kevin) – Slightly stoopid, Jack Johnson, Stick Figure, Tim Reynolds
What is next for the Ries Brothers?
A tour in April with Butch Trucks (of the Allman Brothers) and his Freight Train Band.
Which artists would you like to collaborate with?
Foster the People, John Mayer, Black Keys, Slightly Stoopid, Rebelution, Royal Blood
Any exiting news you want to share with us?
We are very excited that we will be opening for The Wilson Van in St. Pete, FL on April 9th. The drummer is famous actor Patrick Wilson, and his brother Mark Wilson is the top rated news anchor in our area and their other brother Paul Wilson is also a very accomplished actor. We are also really looking forward to the upcoming spring tour!
Your favorite song? Why?
“Run to the Sea”; we wrote it together and I love the music and lyrics. It is a song that really speaks about just getting away from what is really bothering you and taking a break, preferably with a really good friend.
Any loves, other then music?
Sports, skim boarding, surfing
What do you do in your free time?
Sports, surfing, skimming, eating. We have a lot of really quirky restaurants in our area that we like to go to with our friends. Or if its late night, after a gig or something we just like to go to our local Taco Bell where we have really gotten to know the staff there.
What do you like to watch on tv?
Curb Your Enthusiasm, Seinfeld, True Detective, The Office, Family Guy, Always Sunny in Philadelphia.
Best advice ever given?
Keep blowing away crowds and keep doing your job, and we’ll find a way. -our Dad
What kind of music we can find in your iPod?
Rock, reggae, blues
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s very important for a music career and reaching new fans and truly connecting with them. It means so much to us when someone we’ve never even met tells us they like our music!
Where we can follow you?
@RiesBrothers – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Quote: ”Where’s your will to be weird” -Jim Morrison
Song: (Charlie) Riders on the Storm.. (Kevin) Heartland.
Movie: Star Wars
Travel Destination: Paris, Hawaii
Celebrity Crush: (Charlie) Rachel McAdams. (Kevin) Lelani Wolfgramm.
Food: Tacos
Sport Team: Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Rays
Drink: Red Bull or Sweet Tea
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