Hello hello....so let me just start by apologizing for not updating in 3 months. Ive been preoccupied during that time with my band. We've just finished writing the new RANCID record here at UNKNOWN STUDIOS and will soon begin recording our new album in California. For more info on RANCID and for updates go to rancidrancid.com or the rancid myspace link on the UNKNOWN STUDIOS page. This site is solely for updates on UNKNOWN STUDIOS and to update you all on projects I am working on, as well as to help promote artists and bands of all types.

If you look at the site you'll notice I posted a new SEARCHLIGHT song titled "HERO UNKNOWN". We got together and recorded this song a couple months ago and I wanted to share it with all of you. You'll also notice I put " *Work In Progress..." below a lot of the music I post on here. If it says that its because it is a very rough mix we threw together just so you can get the idea of the song and hear what we're working on, they're all unmastered as well. For those who don't know or care what any of that means its basically that the sound quality and volume of the song are not what they will be when they are done. So these are just sneak previews.

Adam Michaels is the singer of SEARCHLIGHT and one of the best "pop/rock" vocalists Ive had the pleasure of recording. He has better vocal control and more range than anyone Ive ever worked with. I chose to do this song "HERO UNKNOWN" because it was such a compelling story. He had written this song about an experience his brother had. His brother was driving and found himself at the scene of a major car accident seconds after it happened. A family of 8 was t-boned by a drunk driver. All the people around the wreck were just standing there doing nothing waiting for help to arrive. Meanwhile the car was begining to burn. His brother made his way through the crowd and without any hesitation began pulling the family from their flaming car. Sadly as he pulled them out some were already gone. He continued to try revive and help any that he could giving them CPR but for most it was too late. One little boy he pulled out had already been gone but he didnt give up and managed to bring the boy back life with CPR. His courage and efforts saved that little boys life. When he pulled the Mother out of the car the whole thing went up in flames right after. Tragically she too died during CPR. There were only 3 survivors. The news did several stories about the incident and they were all trying to get him to do interviews. He declined to do any, he didnt feel like he should get the recognition but that if anyone the survivors should. He remained the unknown hero that stepped in and saved those people and did everything he could for that family.

Although this is a extremely sad story I found it very inspirational as well. I tend to write a lot about who we look up to, who are "heros" are, the false icons we tend to look up to when the real hero or example may be right next to you. I think stories and examples like these really prove that point and can perhaps inspire us to have the courage to step in and make a difference. Whether small, petty actions or saving lives....No one is just an "average joe", everyone has it in them to be something more. The money you make or lack, the status you have, dream for or resent, the trials you have to endure, the words you speak......what does it all mean? Does it define you? Or do you have the courage to take a stand for something, do your actions speak loud in a positive way? We are all teachers and pupils in the world around us, learning from the things around us and teaching by example without even knowing it. I think about this story and think to myself..."This is a guy who's a true hero and example to us all....yet he has such humility, and selflessness that he choses to remain unknown". I admire and respect that so very much. So to all the Unknown Heros out there.....I salute you. Cheers!
I hope you all have a great holiday season and I wish you each the very best. Do something selfless and look out for your fellow man this holiday season. Much respect...
-Branden


***Also, speaking of Rancid and projects Im working on......check out the new RANCID 2006 UK TOUR BOOKLET available at machetemfg.com Its a 80 page full color photo booklet we put together highlighting that tour. Which is very special to me because that was my first tour as the new drummer of Rancid. I joined the band and first rehearsed with them only a couple days before the tour started. The booklet is full of great photos and stories documenting the whole tour. I'm real proud of it and its very exciting to me....also, Rancid just released an album of unreleased songs called "B Sides and C Sides". Its incredible!!! These are all songs before I joined the band but its a must for any Rancid fan. So good!! Below is the front cover image for our photo booklet.....click the image for a link to machete where you can order both the booklet and cd.