Since middle school, the two bonded further over their shared interest in the artistry of songwriting. As Brick + Mortar, they began focusing more heavily on the use of electronic samples in their music as well as relying less on improvisation and more on structured pop songs. Brick + Mortar represent the underground, the oppressed, the disillusioned, and voiceless. Fusing driving percussion, grooving bass, eclectic samples, and anthemic vocals, the band creates a new world sound that is so fresh you truly need to hear it for yourself.
The roots of several of Brick + Mortar's songs stem from the incredible experiences of lead singer Brandon Asraf's childhood as the son of a international blood diamond smuggler. In the band's lead single "Bangs", the bass hits like a massive punch to the face, and the narrative of the ultra-violent accompanying video, based on the life of Asraf's father, is likely one of the more brutal stories you've ever bore witness to. "This video opened the door for us to be more than a band. People seem to wait for that song to sing their hearts out at shows," explains Asraf of the impact the single has had on the band. To quote Nylon Magazine, “There’s an undeniable energy that charges through New Jersey-based duo Brick + Mortar…Lead singer Brandon Asraf’s voice has a ferocious punch to it and effortlessly moves from solemn croon to savage cry without losing an ounce of passion along the way. Tensions build and tribal beats boom under biting lyrics. These guys will hit you like a delightful ton of bricks (pun intended).”
Brick + Mortar are set to release their 7-song EP titled “Bangs” on July 30th, and includes favorites such as “Bangs”, “Heatstroke” and “Old Boy” along with brand new tracks “Terrible Things”, “No I Won’t Go”, “Locked In A Cage”, as well as “Keep This Place Beautiful” which was co-written by Justyn Pilbrow (The Neighborhood - “Sweater Weather”).
Brick + Mortar's consistent performances quickly gained them a strong following as one of the best live bands in the Asbury Park music scene. Notable support for national acts include performances with Galactic, Jimmy Eat World, H.R. [Bad Brains], and Cymbals Eat Guitars. Their live show is a party that erupts like a magnetic sonic volcano catching the attention of everyone in the room, drawing them to the stage full of intrigue and energy.
Aside from touring Brick + Mortar will also be busy with several other projects this Fall, including putting out a fully animated music video created by artist Richie Brown and focusing on writing for their debut full length. "The goal is to make our album an audiovisual experience. I feel like the songs we are working on are our best yet. We are ready to make a full length record. We are not for the faint of heart. Our brash, gritty, whip-smart sound foregoes guitar in favor of bass, drums, and electronic samples. At our shows, the audience is part of the band. That's what makes playing each show uniquely exciting and inspiring. We will give you 100% every time because we truly love what we do. Hopefully, you give us 100% back".
Staying Gold
Brick+Mortar Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I can't keep hating on everything
I know this is a pointless conversation
I think I'm losing my mind
Who could I run to?
Who can I speak to?
How could i let you know?
That's why
I don't, I don't believe you
I'm never coming home
I wish I could believe like belief was is in my bones
I could do it my own way not ever coming home
But I don't think I believe you
Believe in staying gold
Believe in staying gold
Believe in staying gold
Believe in staying gold, gold, gold
I know that you don't got the answer
Still I open my eyes
Despite my moral degradation
In the shadow of a moment in time
Who can I run to?
Who can I speak to?
How could i let you know, that I need you now?
I got nothing now, I got nothing now, I got nothing now
That's why
I don't, I don't believe you
I'm never coming home
I wish I could believe like belief was is in my bones
I could do it my own way not ever coming home
But I don't think I believe you
Believe in staying gold
Believe in staying gold
Believe in staying gold
Believe in staying gold, gold, gold
He never bothered to
If God won't take you
We'll find a better place to call home
I don't, I don't believe you
I'm never coming home
I wish I could believe like belief was is in my bones
I could do it my own way not ever coming home
But I don't think I believe you
Believe in staying
If God made love he also made pain
And then he disappeared and never bothered to explain
If I'm gonna die and you're goin' die
At least I know the reason
The song "Staying Gold" by Brick+Mortar is about the struggle to believe in oneself and to find a sense of home and belonging. The singer is lost and unable to find answers, feeling like they are losing their mind. They are looking for someone to turn to or something to believe in, but they cannot seem to find it. They are torn between the desire to do things their own way and the fear of being alone. The chorus repeats the phrase "Believe in staying gold," which represents the idea of holding onto hope and finding the strength to persevere, even in difficult times.
The lyrics also touch on themes of morality and the unknown. The singer recognizes their own moral degradation and is haunted by the uncertainty of what lies beyond this life. They question the existence of a higher power and wonder why the world is filled with both love and pain. The line "If I'm gonna die and you're goin' die, at least I know the reason" suggests that the only certainty in life is death, but that finding a purpose or reason to live can help make the journey worthwhile.
Overall, "Staying Gold" is a powerful and introspective song that encourages listeners to keep pushing forward and to believe in themselves, even when the future seems uncertain.
Line by Line Meaning
I can't keep looking for the answer
I'm tired of searching for a solution
I can't keep hating on everything
I can't continue to feel anger and negativity towards everything
I know this is a pointless conversation
This discussion is not going to lead anywhere
I think I'm losing my mind
I feel like my sanity is slipping away
Who could I run to?
Who can I turn to for help?
Who can I speak to?
Who can I confide in?
How could i let you know?
How can I make you understand?
That's why
This is why I feel lost and alone
I don't, I don't believe you
I don't trust you or what you are saying
I'm never coming home
I'm not going back to where I used to belong
I wish I could believe like belief was is in my bones
I wish I could have unwavering faith and confidence
I could do it my own way not ever coming home
I can succeed without returning to my past
Believe in staying gold (repeated)
Have faith in staying true to oneself and not giving up
I know that you don't got the answer
I know that you don't have a solution
Still I open my eyes
Despite everything, I am awake and aware
Despite my moral degradation
Even though I feel like I am losing my moral compass
In the shadow of a moment in time
In the fleeting moment
How could i let you know, that I need you now?
How can I communicate that I am in need of support?
I got nothing now, I got nothing now, I got nothing now
I have nothing left; I feel empty and alone
He never bothered to
He never cared enough to
If God won't take you
If you are not accepted into heaven
We'll find a better place to call home
We will find a better place to belong
If God made love he also made pain
If God created happiness, he also created suffering
And then he disappeared and never bothered to explain
And then he vanished without providing any answers
If I'm gonna die and you're goin' die
If both of us are going to die
At least I know the reason
Then at least I will have an understanding of why
Writer(s): Aaron Accetta, Michael D Goodman, Brandon Asraf, John Tacon
Contributed by Joshua P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@reginaph.8630
My mom died of cancer a few years ago. This video reminded me of her. She loved life so much and stayed gold till the last breath.
Thank you, Brick + Mortar, for the great music!
@reinodeforaminia8322
This is such a great band.
This song reminds me of my grandma, she can't walk by herself but she still wants to do what she used to, I whish she could be happy and walk again
@tito10cuaderno
This one , One little pill, Bangs, and brighter than the sun are classics. This band deserves more views. their new music video bts looks interesting, hopefully it sticks with people.
@szoppracz6621
I love your music and Its really makes me sad that you have such a small amount of vievs. But stay strong guys, you are just great!
@Hangaroid
Yeah! They have what it takes, it's just that the Goddess of Popularity hasn't shined her light upon them! They should try and to a collaboration with someone
@gizemunal4955
So sad, underrated...
@Wangdalf
Not even a thousand views?? This is one of their best songs tho
@ghostomatic
10k now :)
@pizzaboy1314
Damn does this song strum my heart strings
@doha4886
So beautiful so underrated