Balkun Brothers - Redrova (2015)

Balkun Brothers is an American blues-rock band hailing from Hartford, CT. Originally formed in 2010 by brothers Nick and Steve Balkun. Balkun Brothers has been described as “… Spectacular torch-bearers for rockin’ American blues… The band brings a raw, soulful and energetic personality that is a fresh sound for blues and rock ’n roll.” -Theday.com. Mixing traditional styles of delta and electric blues, with heavy modern rock and funk grooves, the Balkun Brothers are crafting a unique sound and style all their own. The trio is fusing the past with the present and pushing the sonic bounds of blues into the future. Though the band’s sound is deeply rooted in blues tradition, Balkun Brothers draw from a vast range of influences. The band’s live shows and in-studio recordings seamlessly transition between blues, rock, funk, jam, psychedelia and everything in-between.

Currently, the band consists of founding members Steve Balkun (guitar/vocals), Nick “The Hammer” Balkun (drums/percussion/vocals) and Caleb “Dr. Jiggles” Battersby (bass/vocals). Gaining followers with their gritty hard-rockin’ swagger, Balkun Brothers are becoming known for their explosive live shows and are quickly evolving into one of New England’s premier blues-rock acts.

Balkun Brothers was voted the ‘Best Blues Band In Connecticut’ two years in a row, in 2013 and 2014, by CT.com and the Connecticut Music Awards. The band was nominated in three categories in 2013 and five categories in 2014 at the Connecticut Music Awards (a CTMA record). The group also won the 2014 Connecticut Blues Society Band Challenge and the 2013 Massachusetts Blues Society Solo/Duo Competition. As a solo act, Steve Balkun was named the winner of the 2012 Connecticut Blues Society Solo/Suo Competition, as well as being a grand finalist at the 2013 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Steve, was also hand selected by blues-rock great, Joe Bonamassa, as a top ten finalist in the 2013 Guitar Center Bluesmasters Competition and played with Joe Bonamassa and his band in Los Angeles, CA.

The band released their first self-produced studio EP “God Bless Our Fallout Shelter” in September of 2013. The collection of only six songs was nominated for album of the year along with the first single ‘Control Yourself’ for song of the year at the 2014 CTMA’s. The EP was also named one of the top 50 albums of 2013 by LonesomeNoise.com. This album has been followed up by two more EP’s, “Bluesch Metal Live From The Baeschment” and “WE. IN. DETROIT.”, both recorded live and proving the strong musicianship of the band and the vast array of musical genres that meld into Balkun Brothers’ unique sound.

As Balkun Brothers continues to grow and progress, their following has expanded and an impressive touring schedule has featured them at a variety of festivals including: Summerfest (Milwaukee, WI), Strangecreek Campout Festival (Greenfield, MA), East Petersburg Blues Festival (East Petersburg, PA), 2 Left Feet Blues Festival (East Hartland, CT), Harry Brown’s Hill Festival (Starks, ME), Yellow Phone Music Festival (Milwaukee, WI), Launch Music Festival (Lancaster, PA), and various others. Balkun Brothers has performed at countless legendary clubs including Toad’s Place (New Haven, CT), The Bitter End (New York City, NY), Nectar’s (Burlington, VT), Black Eyed Sally’s (Hartford, CT), Rum Boogie (Memphis ,TN), B.B. King’s Blues Club (New York City, NY) and Infinity Music Hall (Norfolk, CT). They have also been a featured act alongside well-know artists such as Johnny Winter, Joe Bonamassa, James Cotton, Popa Chubby, Eric Sardinas, Dopapod, Melvin Seals and JGB, The Mike Dillon Band and many more.

The band released their first full-length studio album, “ReDrova”, in January of 2015 and will continue to perform extensively throughout the U.S. and beyond.