Brothers Gow is a five-piece band that plays a mix of rock, funk, hip hop, jazz and reggae. The group formed in Flagstaff, Ariz. in 2007 and currently tours throughout the West Coast. In addition to their creative improvisation, they are also known for their extensive light show, which includes more than 30 intelligent lighting fixtures programmed by Carson Church and Matt Collier. Read on and get to know more about them.

1. How did you come up with the name of your band?
The name Brothers Gow came about in 2006 when our lead guitarist and keyboardist went to a concert where you had to be 21 to get in. Kyle wasn’t 21, so they both used the same ID. Alex’s middle name is Gow, and after the bouncer reluctantly let them in with the same ID, the boys exclaimed “Yeah, we’re the brothers Gow!” After that, the name stuck because of its originality and also because we have all become like brothers over the years.

2. How many members are there?
Brothers Gow is comprised of five members: Kyle Merrill (guitar and vocals), Ethan Johnson (guitar and vocals), Carson Church (bass and vocals), Alex Bastine (keyboard and vocals) and Nathan Walsh-Haines (drums).

3. What type of music do you play?
Brothers Gow plays a melting pot of genres. With the driving sound of rock ‘n’ roll, complimented with influences of funk, jazz, reggae, dance grooves and progressive jamming, a Brothers Gow concert is like nothing you have ever seen, heard or experienced. Originally from Flagstaff, Ariz., we spent a year in the Bay area and settled in San Diego. There is a great local and national music scene, and we play at great local venues including Winstons, House of Blues and other great local venues. We also travel up and down the West Coast where we have built a great fan base in Oregon, Arizona and throughout California. We are touring throughout California and up to Oregon in September, so click here for upcoming dates.

4. What CHAUVET® fixtures are included in your setup?
Carson, who bought all of our lights, shares the same mentality I do with lighting: intelligent lighting adds a whole new dimension to live performances that music fans typically only get at larger, more expensive venues. We love the originality of our rig and the all positive attention it draws for the band. Our setup includes the following fixtures: four Q-Spot 260-LED, four MiN Spot RGBW, two Q-Spot 150-LED, two MiN Spot RGBW, two 4BAR and two Mini Strobe LED.
5.  Are they permanently installed somewhere or do you set them up for each performance?
Every fixture has a clamp attached and is set up at the venue. We have assembled our rig more times than I can count, so now it only takes about an hour from start to finish, including my lighting desk.

6. A show without lights is like…
A fish out of water  — it looks really uncomfortable and ugly.