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Brandon Kellum
BornNovember 1, 1985 (1985-11) (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
Instrument(s)Vocals, Guitar, Bass
Years active2002–present
Labels Victory

Brandon Kellum (born November 1, 1985), is an American musician, author, philanthropist from Phoenix, Arizona best known as the vocalist of the metalcore band American Standards. He is characterized for his charismatic live performances [1] and philosophical lyrical content. [2]

Early life and education

Kellum was born in Phoenix, Arizona. [3] He attended Trevor G. Browne High School [4] and later Arizona State University. He works as a business consultant for a fortune 500 company. [5]

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 known for its high energy live shows. [8] After releasing the LP "When I Say Go..." and touring 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 such as Alternative Press, [10] Metal Injection, [11] Revolver Magazine, Decibel Magazine [12] and Lambgoat. [13] American Standards has label backing and distribution through Victory Records [14] and has shared the stage with several bands that Kellum has cited as influences, such as; Every Time I Die, The Chariot, Refused, Zao (American band), Comeback Kid, Atreyu and Emery. [15]

Heart Shaped Canvas

During this time Kellum 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, he has hosted benefit shows and released compilation albums supporting organizations such as the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Teen Lifeline, Halo Animal Rescue [16] and the American Cancer Society.

Side projects

In 2014 Brandon joined Your Young as the bassist, touring, recording and opening for bands such as Converge, Glassjaw [17] and Norma Jean. He is seen playing on the music video for the song 'The Sad, Sad Stories of Sadder Men'.

In 2018, Brandon began hosting nostalgia themed DJ nights such as Break Stuff: Nu Metal Night, [18] Top 8: Myspace Night [19] and Free Skate: Tony Hawk Pro Skater Night. [20]

Brandon has also been a regular guest on music industry panels and podcasts such as Make It Loud, [21] Talk Toomey, [22] As The Story Grows, [23] Brewtally Speaking and Apologue. [24]

Brandon is a regular contributor and staff writer for multiple music based websites such as Yum Yum Music And Arts. [25]

Family

He has an older brother named Joe Kellum and mother, Melissa Kellum. His father and grandparents passed of cancer in 2015.

References

  1. ^ Punk, Johnny. "American Standards Still Life". For The Love of Punk. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  2. ^ Shearn, Tim. "Exclusive Interview With Hardcore Punk Trailblazers American Standards". Welcome to the Darkside. Tim Shearn. Retrieved June 2, 2016.[ permanent dead link]
  3. ^ Frieman, Richie. "American Standards". Pens Eye View. Retrieved June 2, 2016.
  4. ^ "Trevor G Browne Class of 2004". Old Friends. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  5. ^ "Brandon Kellum Bio". Plus. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  6. ^ Cizmar, Martin. "Fest Aims To Raise Funds". Phoenix New Times. New Times. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  7. ^ Lyman, Kevin. "Vans Warped Tour Past Artists". Vans Warped Tour. Archived from the original on July 23, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2005.
  8. ^ Hendrickson, Raquel. "Hard Rock... and Fun". Kudos Magazine. Verde News. Archived from the original on July 1, 2016. Retrieved June 6, 2016.
  9. ^ Turner, Travis. "Brandon Kellum of American Standards". As The Story Grows. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  10. ^ "12 Bands You Should Know". Alternative Press (360).
  11. ^ Kennelty, Greg (January 31, 2019). "Get Torn Limb From Limb By AMERICAN STANDARDS New Song Phantom Limb". Metal Injection. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  12. ^ "Video Premiere American Standards Weep". Decibel Magazine. May 18, 2018. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  13. ^ "Video Premiere American Standards Weep". Lambgoat. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  14. ^ Brummel, Tony. "Victory Records Artists". VictoryRecords.com. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  15. ^ Brown, Matt. "Interview With American Standards". Noise Barrage.[ permanent dead link]
  16. ^ Fossum, Melissa. "The Underground". New Times. Retrieved June 7, 2016.
  17. ^ Hughes, Howard. "Phoenix Events". Eventful. Retrieved June 10, 2016.
  18. ^ "BREAK STUFF: Nu Metal Night Hosted by Brandon Kellum of the band American Standards". Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  19. ^ "Top 8 A Night Of Myspace Nostalgia". The Rebel Lounge. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  20. ^ "Every Show Joe Says Go". Every Show Joe. August 3, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  21. ^ "Make It Loud Booking The Gig". Psyko Steve. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  22. ^ "Introducing Podtera". Talk Toomey. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  23. ^ "As The Story Grows Podcast". As The Story Grows. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  24. ^ "Apologue Episode 162". Apologue. December 4, 2017. Retrieved December 31, 2019.
  25. ^ "Brandon Kellum Contributions". Yab Yum Music And Arts. Retrieved January 11, 2020.

External links