Bleu Grave
Bleu Grave, the dynamic brother duo from Newport Beach, California, has quickly carved out a name for themselves in the thriving DIY music scene.
Formed in 2022, the band consists of siblings who share a deep-rooted passion for music that blends the haunting tones of post-punk with the sun-drenched vibes of beach goth and the dreamy textures of shoegaze.
The brothers behind Bleu Grave, originally hailing from Newport Beach and alumni of Corona Del Mar High School, found themselves in Utah for college. It was here that they were drawn into the local DIY music scene, performing at small festivals and intimate shows with friends. “Utah has a pretty cool DIY scene, so we just started playing shows with friends and playing small festivals in that area. We’ve met some really cool people so far,” they explain. Their origin story reflects a mix of serendipity and passion, laying the foundation for what’s shaping up to be a promising musical journey.
Bleu Grave’s sound is heavily influenced by iconic bands like The Cure, Joy Division/New Order, Slowdive, Dinosaur Jr., and Sonic Youth, among others. These influences are evident in their music, which they describe as a mix of post-punk, beach goth, and late ‘80s/early ‘90s shoegaze. “When we first started Bleu Grave, we were listening to a lot of The Cure, Joy Division, The Growlers, and My Bloody Valentine. Those bands have definitely shaped our sound,” they share.
The band’s creative process is collaborative yet individual. “I would say it’s more individual, but we usually bring those ideas together and try to make something out of it,” they explain. This approach has allowed them to craft music that feels both personal and universal, resonating with a wide audience.
One of the standout moments in Bleu Grave’s journey so far has been performing at the historic Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. “We opened for this blues artist. It was really cool playing at a historic venue where a lot of the bands that influenced me played, and the crowd was pretty fun as well,” they recall.
Bleu Grave remains steadfast in their commitment to artistic integrity. “It’s important to not let the industry pressure you into making decisions or following certain trends,” they emphasize. For them, creating music is about pushing themselves creatively and staying true to their unique vision. “It’s good to take influences from artists but try and do it in your own way that’s unique,” they advise.
The band’s lyrics often stem from random poetry and reflect a range of emotions and themes, from longing and sadness to love and admiration for life. “Depending on what I’m feeling that day, that tends to creep into my writing process,” they reveal. This raw and introspective approach adds depth to their music, resonating with listeners on a profound level.
Since their formation, Bleu Grave has made significant strides in refining their sound. “The production of our earlier music is pretty rough, just because we were doing it all ourselves and we didn’t really care about the quality so much,” they admit. Over the past year, they have dedicated time to learning mixing and production, resulting in a noticeable improvement in their recordings.
Navigating the music industry hasn’t been without its challenges. “Because there’s so many artists nowadays, it can be hard to find people that believe in the project you’re doing,” they note. However, their family, friends, and relatives have been unwavering in their support, providing a solid foundation for the band to grow.
Bleu Grave remains a tight-knit duo, consisting of the two brothers. “We have very similar taste in music and we get along great. I think it’s super important for people in a band to have the same vision together,” they say.
Bleu Grave recently released their EP titled Captain’s Quarters, which they describe as their strongest work to date. “It took us about four months to write, record, and produce it. I believe it has a great balance of different themes and vibes,” they share. The EP showcases their growth as musicians and has been met with positive reception from fans.
Bleu Grave’s journey continues with an exciting show at the Whisky a Go Go on May 30th where they’ll be opening for the new wave group Missing Persons. With their sights set on the future, the duo remains focused on improving their craft and pushing the boundaries of their sound.
Bleu Grave’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and authenticity. As they continue to grow and evolve, fans can expect more music that captures the essence of their influences while forging a path uniquely their own.