Our mom used to always say to us: “whether you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right”. These wise words have shaped each decision throughout our lives, and have helped propel us to our current state. Without embracing uncertainty or challenges, we would never progress and would remain in a constant state of comfort/plateau in our pursuit of greatness.
Anyone who is reading this blog has endured difficulties that nearly convinced them to give up. That’s just how life is. It’s a perpetual grind. However, the one thing that we know for certain is that nothing great is achieved without struggle and without pain. Together, we lost our mother to illness, while fighting to remain sane during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Sure, we took our lumps over the next few months/years and reached the lowest points of our lives…but we didn’t give up. In fact, we dug in and tried even harder…because that’s what you have to do when tragedy strikes. If you don’t, the world is quick to leave you in the dust.
We started embracing the challenge of being a self-proclaimed “Power Duo”. Connor/Dizle began to learn how to use foot percussion in a unique way so that we could perform our entire album live in studio without overdubs and additional tracking. We wanted to be a rockin’ power duo, but it wasn’t easy. Spencer/Young Nasty Man had to study the greats and practice like a madman to complement Connor/Dizle’s one-man-band sound. Did he stay up way too late practicing and learning from legends like Jaco, Flea, Joe Dart, Michael League, Pino Palladino, Joe Vasquez (my man!), etc? Yes. Was that needed to become great? Absolutely, and he doesn’t feel like he has even gotten close to his true potential. Greatness is never satisfied and it never comes easy. If it was easy, everyone would be the next Beatles.
As we enter the Summer of 2024, The Brothers Ralph are picking up steam and challenging ourselves in ways that we have never done before. Here are a few highlights:
- Spencer is learning the upright bass and playing it each week at church with incredible musicians. Fretless, electric bass too.
- Connor has picked up his electric guitar again and is finally back to shredding like the SEZ days.
- TBR is branching out into new territories, both location-wise and different, exciting events. For example, we are playing in Ann Arbor (The Blind Pig) on 6/14/2024, as a trio, featuring our boy, Zach McKinney, on drums. We are playing a corporate event on 8/3/2024 in Holland and we recently finished a gig with Spencer playing exclusively pizzicato/bowed upright bass. In a month, we are heading home for “The Brothers Ralph Homecoming Block Party” at our childhood home. We hope to see you there (https://www.facebook.com/events/1102958931020780/?__hwl=1&_rdr).
- Connor has been using our new toy, a hand percussion drum machine that allows us to venture into new territories when the event calls for it. This instrument allows Connor to stand, rip guitar like he has never done before with TBR, and truly be a frontman, which is what he was born to do.
- Lastly, we are both going all in on music. Although music is oftentimes an unsustainable job path, we are determined to succeed and make a career out of playing together. We’ve been trying since we were both little kids…why would we stop now?
So, when you wake up tomorrow, remember that you are destined for greatness, challenge yourself in whatever needs improved in your life, and focus on the things that you love. Try not to get stuck in your head…if you do, reach out to a loved one who will take care of you and bring you back to life. You are awesome, don’t forget it.
We are all in because: “If you think you can or think you can’t, you’re right”.
Much love,
The Brothers Ralph
