Calling Kitchener, ON home is the Griffin Brothers (Consisting of Alex and Ricky Griffin) In January, the sibling duo released their latest pop-country track, “What She Doesn’t Know”– a song about regretting your choices and not telling someone everything that’s on your heart. The track is also their first release going into their fifth year of releasing music.
Recently, I spoke to the Griffin Brothers about their growth as artists over the last five years, their latest single and more.
Kyla Pearson: This past January you released your latest single, “What She Doesn’t Know". Can you tell us a bit more about the track? What made you choose this song as your debut release of 2024?
Ricky: We have been experimenting more and more with our sound as a group. “What She Doesn’t Know” is very much pushing our limits as artists and unlike anything that we have done before. We wanted to kick off the year with something fresh and new, which is why we chose this song for our first release of 2024.
Kyla Pearson: “What She Doesn’t Know” was written by Alex & Jessie T. Can you tell us a bit more about the songwriting process behind it? What was it like in the writing room? Were you able to wrap up the song in one co-write, or did it take multiple sessions?
Alex: I actually already had the idea for the song. I started working out some chorus ideas for it but hadn’t solidified anything. Then Jessie and I ended up hanging out and I showed her the song! After that it all came together relatively quickly. We wanted to make more of an upbeat pop feel but with a minor focus and some country instrumentation to kinda paint the tone because ultimately it’s a song about regret and not getting to say all the things you might have wanted to.
Kyla Pearson: The song was recorded with Shawn Moore. Can you tell us a bit more about what it was like working with Shawn again? How does working with a producer who understands your artistic vision and knows your sound well help contribute to the success of the tracks you put out?
Ricky: It’s always great working with Shawn, as we’ve recorded all of our music thus far with him and gotten to know each other very well. We’ve developed our own ways of attacking a song in the studio to get the sound we’re absolutely happy with! When it comes to the producer-artist relationship, it’s super important that everyone is on the same page with each project, coming into it with fresh ideas and care for each track– which is what we get working with Shawn.
Kyla Pearson: According to you, what is the ideal setting for fans to listen to the song to fully experience it?
Alex: We listen to the majority of our music in the car. So we try our best to make music that is great “driving tunes”. In other words, something that comes on in the car and you get excited to sing along!
Kyla Pearson: 2024 also marks the fifth year of you releasing music. How would say you both have grown as artists, songwriters and entertainers since your debut release, “Rust on It”?
Ricky: We’re both a lot more hands-on now. When we came into the music industry we were both very young and green. We relied heavily on the advice of people around us, which was amazing. Now that we’ve been around for a few years, we have a very clear idea of where we’re going and what we want to be our sound. As much as we’re still the same fun and exciting band to come and watch live, we’ve definitely grown up a lot. All of which is exciting to see reflected in our music.
Kyla Pearson: On a related note, where do you see the Griffin Brothers in another 5 years from now? What are you hoping to achieve with your music/what are some of the goals you are both working towards?
Alex: We see ourselves continuing to write, record, and release music as much as humanly possible. We hope to continue to learn new things, meet new people, and grow as artists–wherever that takes us.
Kyla Pearson: Lastly, do you have any upcoming shows where fans can hear you play “What She Doesn’t Know” Live?
Ricky: Yeah absolutely! We’re already starting to book lots of dates for this coming year. Always keep your eyes out for updates on all our social platforms!
We’re confirmed to be playing Ram Rodeo on June 15th in Milton, ON and Wasaga Beach Summer on July 13 in Wasaga Beach, ON. Lots more to come!
Griffin Brothers. Interview. Conducted by Kyla Pearson, Feb 28 2024.
Ironstone, Damon. “Featured: Canadian country duo, the Griffin Brothers.” Photo courtesy of The Griffin Brothers. Accessed Mar 15 2024.
Ironstone, Damon. “Featured: The Griffin Brothers (right, Alex and left, Ricky). PC: Damon Ironstone.” Photo courtesy of The Griffin Brothers. Accessed Mar 15 2024.
Ironstone, Damon. “Featured: The Griffin Brothers. PC: Damon Ironstone.” Photo courtesy of The Griffin Brothers. Accessed Mar 15 2024.
The post Q & A: The Griffin Brothers Celebrate Fifth Anniversary of Releasing Music & Discuss Their New Single, “What She Doesn’t Know” appeared first on Kyla Pearson.
