You're Only As Good As Your Drummer: Brandon Ossont

You’re only as good as your drummer, so the saying goes. It’s also become a fun and intriguing TikTok series from the pop punk defender and producer, Nik Bruzzese. Drummers are indeed the heart of the band and coincidentally always in the center which I think is nice cymbal-ism for being at the core of the band. We all have our favorites who we deem iconic, heck I could go down the list, but let’s focus on the up and coming legends. For this adventure let’s head to Archbald, PA. There we find not only a talented musician, but also a dedicated band-mate, dog lover and probably the biggest Mayday Parade fan. Allow me to introduce you to, Brandon Ossont.

Brandon is a PA native and is apart of the up and coming Emo-Anthem band, The Maguas. The band, compiled of 5 best friends, has been releasing Scranton Sad Boi music since 2018. Looking behind the scenes and you find 5 very versatile, talented and some of the most genuine individuals.

I first had a conversation with Brandon back in 2020, our musical paths crossed on the ol' gram as we both shared some heavy love for the new Man Overboard track that had just dropped. From there it was musical friend history. Getting to know this talented, extremely busy bee of a human on a friend level and also a musician level has been truly intriguing and inspiring. The work it takes to juggle personal, work, school and band life takes some skills and it's definitely not for the faint of heart. Over the past two years it has been incredible seeing the growth from not only the band, but also this versatile musician. Brandon may be the Sad Drummer Boi, but he also plays a very big part when it comes to songwriting for the band. And when you listen to the how raw, personal and relatable the lyrics to each song are, you know he is digging deep into recent and past life events. He's definitely the T-Swift of the Emo world and these songs and their lyrics will not only tug at your heartstrings and make you feel less alone, they also just make you want to jam out and singalong until your voice is shot.

The last couple of years have been huge for Brandon and The Maguas. They released two EP's, hit 1 million streams on Spotify, have gone on some rad tours and have had some awesome opportunities come their way. Earlier this year they even paid another visit to The Gradwell House where they worked with their now mentor and friend Nik Bruzzese. Now when having someone like Nik in your corner, it is safe to say you're guaranteed to put in hard work, stay true to yourself and create the best songs possible. Well, it seems Brandon and The Maguas have done just that and the proof is in the incredible music they are pumping out.

Now recording aside and as if drumming, writing and touring wasn't enough, B-Swift also seems to be the man behind the keyboard when it comes to The Maguas social media, planning tours, making playlists and networking with/supporting other bands. Now you may ask yourself, who is this mad man and how does he do it all?? Well, you're in luck as Brandon was rad enough to answer a few questions pertaining to his background, influences, being a DIY band and of course his love for Taylor Swift!

Let’s kick things off with a Brandon Ossont history lesson. Where you’re from, how you got into playing/writing music and were drums your first instrument?

Typically when the band is asked this question we simply state Scranton, PA because it’s the most notable, BUT I am actually from a small town outside of Scranton known as Archbald, PA.

Growing up, I always had an affinity for music. My parents and oldest brother Mike would always have it on in the car and I was always bopping along to any classic rock, country, or pop song the radio was playing at the time. Some of my fondest core memories from my childhood somehow tie back to music one way or another and so I think music has always been a part of my identity.

I started with drums - my grandfather was a talented drummer and growing up my brother Mike had one of his old snare drums under his bed. While Mike was away at school I’d sneak into his room and bang on the snare with my hands to my favorite CD at the time - The Digimon Movie (if you haven’t checked out that soundtrack, you really should). I inherited my grandfather’s drum set in the 5th grade and began teaching myself the basics. I spent the next 10+ years learning how to play, mostly by ear, and worked diligently to perfect my craft. I still feel I’m working on that last one! My first time officially playing out and in front of people was at The Maguas’ first show back in July of 2018!

I once got a First Act guitar for Christmas when I was 5, but the only song I knew for 15 years was “Smoke On The Water”. It wasn’t until my college years that I began taking guitar more seriously.

As for writing music - Well, I always thought in another life I may have wanted to be an English teacher, especially because of the way words made me feel and the places those stories took me. And so, as I began writing music, I would try and create my own stories and put music to them. But as for song writing, I really started taking it more seriously around the same time I picked up learning the guitar in college. Some of my earliest works from that period have in some way or another still made it into Maguas’ records - the latest being the opening verse of “Release Me”!

Let’s talk musical influences, specifically albums, what 5 albums would you say have been most influential when it came to you starting to create and write music of your own?

A Lesson In Romantics - Mayday Parade

Mayday Parade has been and will always be my favorite band. This record is one I continue to look back on and make note of whenever I’m working on a new project and need inspiration. It’s a timeless masterpiece. Also, I’m a HUGE fan of double vocals so this record checks all the boxes for me.

At War - This Love

While it is no longer available on streaming sites, this record was so influential in my high school and college days. The lyricism and song craftsmanship of “At War” is mind blowing, and their visual storytelling was always next level. I really miss This Love.

Too Weird To Live, Too Rare to Die! - P!ATD

I’ve now seen P!ATD seven times in concert. Urie’s music and showmanship is INCREDIBLE - he truly knows how to put on a crazy show!

Copacetic - Knuckle Puck

Untitled. That’s all you need to know for this one.

Red - Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift. Need I say more. Lyrical genius. Amazing performer. 10/10.

You’ve worked with Nik Bruzzese a few times now, what would you say has been the biggest take away/advice he’s given you? And have you implemented it when it comes to the way you write music and when it comes to playing drums?

Nik Bruzzese is an amazing producer, musician, and friend. I could not be more thankful to work with him and the amazing team at The Gradwell House!

Some people might not know this, but Nik is an INCREDIBLE drummer and so I’ve definitely learned a thing or two from working with him in that department. He’s tough and particular - which is exactly what you need to get the best results, especially when it comes to recording music!

There are so many lessons that I’ve learned from Nik, but my favorite may be from the first time we recorded with him. While talking about his days touring with M.O.B., Nik emphasized the importance of “living in the moment” and trying to not get so caught up in the pomp and circumstance of it all. It’s so easy to get stuck in “the next thing” when you’re in the music business - whether it’s the next song we put out, the next tour we go on, the next, the next, the next… when really, as Nik explained, we should take a step back and enjoy the present moment - enjoy the show, enjoy the process - because THAT is really what we started doing this all for in the first place. To write, to perform, to connect. It was a very wonderful lesson and I’m always so thankful for his guidance and support.

When it comes to The Maguas, it’s very apparent that you’re a very hardworking band and very DIY. What would you say is the most challenging aspect for unsigned bands trudging down the DIY road? Any advice for bands just getting started?

Money. It’s funny how fast it can go in this business. But perhaps one of the best pieces of advice I’ve gotten is knowing that, no matter what, someone will always outspend you. So if you keep that in the back of your mind, you get less caught up in what you have and don’t have, and start focusing more on what you can do with what you do have! It’s a constant mental battle - but take the time to find ways to make magic happen with the budget you’ve been given!

DIY can be very challenging but rewarding. I think there’s a misconception on what bands can/can’t do or should/shouldn’t do in the industry - but the truth is there isn’t ONE WAY to make it, and what defines “making it” is very different for every single band - it may even be different for every band member! So my advice to bands is to communicate with your team and understand your mutual goals and then work to achieve them! Don’t get caught up in comparison - be your best YOU!

You recently hit the road with glimmers! How was that tour? Was there a specific show in general that was most memorable for you?

I cannot say enough wonderful things about our tour with glimmers. From the moment we met, we instantly clicked and the entire tour felt more like a vacation with family! Every night brought a new adventure and I could not be more thankful to have been able to tour with such amazing people!

One of my favorite memories with glimmers.: The first night of the tour our show got unfortunately canceled at the last minute - instead of bumming and being sad about it, we all (even some fans included) went to dinner together and enjoyed wonderful margaritas! We ended up staying at the restaurant for almost 3 hours just laughing and enjoying life! It was a special moment. I will always cherish our time with glimmers.

Now for the toughest question of all… let’s say the Maguas decided to do a show where they covered a T-Swift album in its entirety, which album would you have the guys learn and why???

Easy. RED. I’d even say “Red - Taylor’s Version” - The record is a bop from start to finish and covers a wide range of Taylor’s abilities! I also would love to hear Erik belt out “All Too Well” to a crowd of screaming emo’s!

When it comes to the Scranton Sad Boys I think it's safe to say that this band is destined for greatness and the best part is they've only just begun. And when it comes to their drummer, well I think we can all agree that he will be one of those legends we talk about for years to come. And not only for his rad percussion work, but also for his work ethic and determination, his motivation to be the best version of himself and most importantly his belief in himself, the band and the music they make. Please give this talented gent and his band a follow and be sure to keep your eyes peeled for new music and stay tuned for future tour dates. They may be getting sad in a city near you 👀 🤘 🔥.

B-Swift 🧣

Maguas 🤘

📸: The amazing @sophieharrisphoto