KIM&BRIAN – GRITTY, SOULFUL, ORIGINAL ROCK
These two life-long musicians and honest songwriters capture the spectrum of life in their stories, then deliver them with musical grit and transparent emotion…and it is something addicting. This is original rock music. This is Kim&Brian.
CD’s available at their website; kimandbrianmusic.com
Whether they’re breaking into a sultry vibe, or locking into a straight-ahead groove, you believe every word and feel every lick in their skillfully crafted, original songs. Kim&Brian is an original, soulful, power duo created by Kim Archer and Brian Feist. These lifelong, Tacoma-based artists have been professional performers, songwriters and musicians for more than half their lives, giving them the ability and music catalog to please any type of audience. Whether they’re playing an intimate venue showcasing their solid original songs, or holding a festival-sized audience captive, Kim&Brian’s level of musicianship and experience in connecting with the audience is what sets them apart from other live artists.
Brian Feist – Lead Guitar, Vocals, Head Writer
Brian has dedicated himself to always be developing and perfecting his guitar tone across the various styles he plays. While he’s a blues man at the core, he can groove and rock with all that passion!
In addition to his consistently melodic and intentional playing style, he is also an accomplished singer with an impressive range. He has opened for national blues artists including Curtis Salgado and received multiple awards from the Washington Blues Society for his contributions to the band, Blues Redemption. He has also represented Washington in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis numerous times.
Brian also enjoys teaching guitar and has students of various skill levels.
Kim Archer – Vocalist, 12 String Guitar
Kim’s voice has a heft, power and presence that reaches out and grabs you from the first note. She brings every song to a personal level by injecting honesty and raw emotion, then delivering it with a warm and captivating tone.
While her voice is her primary “instrument”, Kim is the kind of rhythm guitar player who knows how to provide a groove and pocket that brings people to their feet. With her 12 string in hand, she commands the stage and leads the audience on a musical journey through originals that you’ll want to hear again and covers that sound fresh and wonderfully different.
Kim is also passionate about creating opportunities for other artists and keeping the music scene relevant and connected as the city she lives in, Tacoma, WA continues to grow. She produces two summer concert series, a blues festival and provides multiple corporate and non-profit customers with entertainment options for their events.
Kim has opened for Grammy-winning artist, Mary Lambert (www.marylambert.com), Performed the National Anthem to open the 2020 Legislative Session of the Washington State House of Representatives, and received multiple awards with her band.
CD’s available at their website; kimandbrianmusic.com
live video; https://www.facebook.com/kimandbrianmusic/videos/744340999467148
photo by Ilona Berzups
SSBA news editor Kevin Cummings – interview with Kim & Brian October, 2024
KIM & BRIAN – Pacific Northwest dynamos are a powerful, gritty and honest duo that delivers soulful blues and rock. Talented songwriters, musicians and performers, they connect with audiences through their compelling and emotional shows.
SSBA: When were you first drawn to music?
Kim: I began singing along and dancing to music as a toddler. My parents always had music playing in the house and I loved it.
Brian: My father had an awesome record collection and taught me how to use the record player when I was probably 4 years old.
SSBA: Who were your early influences?
Kim: I was most influenced by the early soul, Motown and funk artists like Stevie Wonder, the Brothers Johnson, then singers like Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, Freddie Mercury, George Michael, Prince and Michael Jackson.
Brian: I listened to a lot of 50s and 60s oldies, 45s, anything from Elvis to the doors and CCR all the popular stuff from that era.
SSBA: Why the blues?
Kim: I feel like Blues and Soul are first cousins. They’re their own personality, but they played at Grandma’s house after church every Sunday. I like everything really, except new country.
Brian: I like all kinds of music not just the Blues. Anything from Italian opera to hip Hop to heavy metal. everything that makes the blues great are the same ingredients that make any music great. Rhythm, tone, artistry. The origin story of the Blues and the history of it however requires a certain level of reverence and respect that for me sets it apart from any other art form that I enjoy.
SSBA: Was your family musical – what music did you listen to as you grew up?
Kim: My family(ies), both adopted and biological are musical. I was adopted as a baby and my dad was in a band and taught me my first few chords on the guitar. They always supported my music endeavors and made sure I had access to instruments and able to participate in choirs, bands, etc. Over the past few years, I’ve found my birth parents, one who happens to be Ernest Evans, aka Chubby Checker. So, I guess some of it is genetic, though I have no relationship with him. Almost all of my siblings are musical, and I have enjoyed building a relationship with them.
SSBA: What memories do you have of your earliest performances?
Kim: I played my first gig in 4th grade for a talent show where I played and sang, “Leader of the Band”. I was in my first band in middle school and was 15 when I first got paid for my performance.
SSBA: Do you write poetry, music, songs?
Kim: I am an active songwriter and one of the first songs I wrote is still my favorite. I gain inspiration through life experiences and try to connect with people through the story. The process varies. Sometimes the words come first, sometimes the melodies. I like that there are no rules in songwriting!
Brian: I make sure to keep my phone handy cuz I use the recorder app on it all the time. Riffs come quickly and at any time and I got to be ready to capture it sometimes it’s on the guitar sometimes it’s just me humming into my phone. When it comes to lyrics I have to be much more disciplined about it. I generally have to go somewhere sit down with notebook and a piece of paper and make it more of a process for several days at a time fully knowing that a good chunk of what I write will never find its way into a song but I have to get myself into that flow in order to find the things that do work and become music. I have to write from real things in my life if I get to a point where I can’t finish a song it’s because I’m not being authentic. My favorite Blues songwriter is Nick Gravenites, he was a large influence for me.
SSBA: Are you originally from the area?
Kim: I grew up in Indiana and relocated to Washington 20 years ago. The drummer in our band relocated here and kept telling me I should come check it the music scene. After a week, I knew this was the place I needed to be. It’s been an amazing 20 years, and I would not change anything.
SSBA: Who are the special people that have supported, helped, joined in your journey?
Kim: My parents get a lot of the credit for instilling the confidence and belief in myself, but many people have played a part in my journey. My choir teacher, Jeff Price, band teacher Jon Hamm, the dozens of musicians I’ve had the pleasure to play with and learn from…and Loose Gravel…the first person to let me on an open mic stage back in July of 2004.
Brian: My voice teacher Denise Daverso was a huge help in my performing career. She taught me what it took to put a song together from front to back and the kind of attention to detail that I never had before I met her.
SSBA: What lesson would you share to young performers who want to immerse themselves in the music life?
Kim: Do it for the love, not the money.
Brian: Know your shortcomings and work on them, surround yourself with people who can help that have strengths that perhaps you don’t have. This is why Kim and Brian is such a successful project.
SSBA: If you weren’t doing music, what would you be up to?
Kim: I would’ve been a mechanic rebuilding classic cars.
Brian: Lol…no idea. Something respectful hopefully.
SSBA: What memory (memories) stick out the most from your musical journey? How has performing changed over the years?
Kim: I’ve had the honor to share the stage with some legends. Jerry Miller, Lee Oskar, and Little Bill Englehart to name a few but I think the memories that really stay with me are those based around the experience of the audience. When someone makes an effort to share how the music changed their day, or took them to a fond memory, or reminded them of a special loved one…those are the things that make me say, “This is why I do what I do.”
SSBA: What are you working on now, what are goals you still want to attain?
Kim: I am releasing new music with Kim&Brian and as a solo artist this Fall and will be spending the winter playing music in Mexico. I want to learn to play some songs in Spanish!
Brian: Writing songs. Just want to continue to play and hope people find value in what we do. Would Love to take this show on the road. I think a national audience is out there for us.
Kim Archer – Renowned for her electrifying, unfiltered performances and engaging rapport with audiences, Kim Archer has cultivated a vast and devoted fan base spanning the Pacific Northwest and beyond. For over two decades, this dedicated musician has captivated packed venues with her soulful delivery, propelled by powerful vocals and authentic songwriting.
With guitar in hand, she takes command of the stage, seamlessly weaving through her original compositions and reinventing classic hits with a fresh and uniquely enchanting twist. Archer’s ability to infuse vintage melodies with a contemporary vitality, ensures an experience that is engaging and wonderfully distinctive.