We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Gaines and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, what are you inspired by?
Originally I was inspired by classic thrash metal, but my musical tastes have changed quite a bit. Lately I’ve been listening to Charles Mingus, Tom Waits and I’ve been digging around trying to find obscure 90’s grunge bands. Oddly enough, considering the music that the WormWood Project there are tons of grunge bands that I’ve never listened to,

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
It’s always difficult to really describe your own music, but I’ve heard the WormWood Project best described as Southern Gothic Grunge. We can get heavy, moody and atmospheric. We’re currently working on new tracks for our next E.P. titled “Ashes”. I’m really excited about these new songs. WormWood has recently been endorsed by M2 Labs with The Bomber overdrive pedal, so we’ve had a huge tonal landscape to play with in the new music. I’ve found this sweet spot with my tone that could tear your face off. So playing right now is a joy.

WormWood Project initially started about 20 years ago with myself and Aubrey Bailey just writing on acoustics. We then were joined by brothers Matt and Wes Kalberg on bass and drums. After the tragic loss of drummer Wes, we were on hiatus for years. I had been playing with our current bass player Jaco Kiley in other bands when an opportunity presented itself to reform the WormWood Project. After speaking with Aubrey, we went on the hunt for a drummer. Our first immediate thought was of Anton Shields. Anton was playing with about 12 other bands, so we called him figuring that he’d be too busy, but I supposed he figured one more band couldn’t hurt. I was really happy about that because the combo of Jaco and Anton are an absolute beastly combo for a rhythm section. Aubrey and I have always played well together. His vocal style and songwriting have always inspired me, and I’m glad that I’ve been able to add to that.

The WormWood Project is a visceral blend of Southern Gothic grit and modern grunge, led by frontman Aubrey Britt Bailey, whose haunting lyrics explore themes of addiction, loss, and redemption. Their debut EP, “Ghosts”, is a raw tribute to lives lost, with each track capturing Bailey’s unfiltered emotion and masterful storytelling. Anchored by Anton Shields’ powerhouse drumming and driven by gritty guitar from Brandon Lee Gaines, alongside Jaco Kiley’s slithering bass, the band crafts an intense, cinematic sound that’s both timeless and unforgettable. The WormWood Project invites listeners into a world of vivid, haunting melodies that linger long after the music fades. Please be on the lookout for our upcoming E.P. “Ashes”.

Aside from music, I’m also an artist and leather worker. I have a company called Dastardly Designed – Laser and Leather. I etch creepy historical art into leather so that these incredible and often overlooked pieces of art can be preserved on a medium that will last longer than paper. Some of my pieces are horror movie inspired. I’ve researched all of the history behind the historical pieces that I recreate and make videos on YouTube explaining them. I also have paintings and other art for sale on my Dastardly Designed Etsy page.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Shakespear’s Tavern has always been a place that I’ve liked. Maybe try to catch a show at the Earl. There’s so many awesome little bars to visit and listen to some great music. Grindhouse Killer Burgers is a great place to grab some grub and watch a classic horror movie while you eat.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be anywhere good today without my wife Celeste. She’s an amazing woman. There are many who have helped and inspired me along the way. Jonathan Labadie at M2 Labs has been a huge help in really lighting a fire under me to get back to work with music and my business.

Website: https://linktr.ee/wormwoodproject

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wormwoodprojectofficial/profilecard/?igsh=dXQweHo1eDdrNHJm

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wormwoodproject?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wormwood5019

Other: https://www.dastardlydesigned.etsy.com

https://www.facebook.com/dastardlydesigned

https://www.youtube.com/@DastardlyDesigned

https://www.m2-labs.com/the-wormwood-project

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