Brandon Kellum
Brandon Kellum | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Born | November 1, 1985 (age 38) Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Origin | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Genres | mathcore, hardcore punk, Metalcore, Southern Metal, Screamo, Post Hardcore |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, songwriter, author, philanthropist |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Guitar, Bass |
| Years active | 2002-present |
| Labels | Victory |
Brandon Kellum (born November 1, 1985), is an American musician, author and philanthropist from Phoenix, Arizona best known as the vocalist of the metalcore band American Standards. He's revered for his charismatic live performances[1] and philosophical lyrical content [2]. He is an advocate for local artists, businesses and charitable causes. [3]
Early Life and Education
Kellum was born in Phoenix, Arizona[4]. He attended Trevor G. Browne High School[5] and later Arizona State University. He works as a business consultant for a fortune 500 company.
Musical Career
Vera Lynne/Movie Script Ending
He began his musical career in 2002 as the guitarist for the post hardcore band Vera Lynne which originally performed under the name Movie Script Ending.[6]. Vera Lynne was the first of many Monster Energy sponsored artists that went on to play the Vans Warped Tour[7] and play tour dates with bands such as It Dies Today, Still Remains, The Used, As Cities Burn and Avenged Sevenfold. The group disbanded in 2007 after releasing one EP and one LP.
The Hostage Situation
After disbanding, Brandon formed the southern metal band The Hostage Situation assuming the position of vocals. The band had a tongue in cheek demeanor and was know for its high energy, fun live shows.[8]. After releasing the LP "When I Say Go..." and touring extensively in support of it, Hostage called it quits in 2010.
American Standards
In 2011 Brandon joined American Standards. American Standards was when Kellum started incorporating sociopolitical views into his lyrics which included satire and social commentary.[9] This quality found him as a guest on several media outlets. American Standards has label backing and distribution through Victory Records[10] and has shared the stage with several bands that Kellum has sited as influences, such as; Every Time I Die, The Chariot, Refused, Comeback Kid, Atreyu and Emery.[11]
Heart Shaped Canvas
During this time he also founded Heart Shaped Canvas, a nonprofit organization that acts as a collective of artists using their art to raise funds and awareness for the causes they believe in. Through Heart Shaped Canvas, Kellum has hosted benefit shows and released compilation albums supporting organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Teen Lifeline, Halo Animal Rescue[12] and the American Cancer Society.
Side projects
In 2014 Brandon joined Your Young for on bass touring, recording and opening for bands such as Converge, Glassjaw[13]and Norma Jean. He is seen playing on the music video for the song 'The Sad, Sad Stories of Sadder Men'.
Family
He has a older brother named Joe Kellum and mother, Melissa Kellum. His father and grandparents passed of cancer in 2015.
References
- ^ Punk, Johnny. "American Standards Still Life". For The Love Of Punk. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
- ^ Shearn, Tim. "Exclusive Interview With Hardcore Punk Trailblazers American Standards". Welcome To The Darkside. Tim Shearn. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
- ^ Cubillos, Mike. "American Standards The New Shape Of Punk". Top 40 Charts. Earshot Media. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
- ^ Frieman, Richie. "American Standards". Pens Eye View. Pens Eye View. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
- ^ Pink, America. "Trevor G. Browne High School: Facts". America Pink. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
- ^ Cizmar, Martin. "Fest Aims To Raise Funds". Phoenix New Times. New Times. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
- ^ Lyman, Kevin. "Vans Warped Tour Past Artists". Vans Warped Tour. Retrieved March 2, 2005.
- ^ Hendrickson, Raquel. "Hard Rock... and Fun". Kudos Magazine. Verde News. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
- ^ Turner, Travis. "Brandon Kellum of American Standards". As The Story Grows. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
- ^ Brummel, Tony. "Victory Records Artists". VictoryRecords.com. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
- ^ Brown, Matt. "Interview With American Standards". Noise Barrage.
- ^ Fossum, Melissa. "The Underground". New Times. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
- ^ Hughes, Howard. "Phoenix Events". Eventful. Retrieved June 10, 2016.