Brant Bjork has spent over a quarter-century at the epicenter of Californian desert rock. From cutting his teeth drumming and composing on the legendary Kyuss’ landmark early albums, to propelling the seminal fuzz of Fu Manchu from 1994-2001 while producing other bands, putting together offshoot projects, and over the last 20 years embarking on his solo career as a singer, guitarist and bandleader, founding his own record label and more, his history is a winding narrative of relentless, unflinching creativity. Brant Bjork is considered a founding pioneer of the stoner rock and desert rock music scenes.
Today, the Brant Bjork Trio featuring old friend and desert rock pioneer Mario Lalli (Yawning Man, Fatso Jetson, Desert Sessions) on bass guitar and Brant Bjork band alumni Ryan Güt on drums release their breakout full-length LP on Bjork’s newly relaunched Duna Records, distributed worldwide by Cobraside Distribution.
"Once Upon a Time in the Desert” is the result of a long collaborative friendship between Bjork, Lalli and Güt. The three musicians' symbiosis is palpable in each song: their prismatic riffs and grooves sound incredibly organic while the songwriting and hooks remain the centerpiece of this new record. "Once Upon a Time in the Desert” is pure, heavy, groove-driven So Cal desert rock & roll — a true masterclass that only these OG players can deliver. The album was recorded at Donner & Blitzen studios in Southern California with another long-time collaborator Mathias Shneeberger, who has recorded and engineered many classic desert rock albums over the years. Don't miss their latest video for "Backin' The Daze"!
Brant Bjork shares some insight into the new album and relaunch of Duna Records:
“Things come and go and sometimes they come back again. With that said, It's an exciting time for me to be officially re-launching Duna Records. Duna was a vision I had in the mid-'90s and it finally became a reality in 2002 until its hiatus in 2006. Duna Records was and will continue to be my personal record label that is a home for all things creative amongst myself and others that are close to me. The timing couldn't be better for Duna to begin a new life.
To celebrate this new beginning, I have recorded a new record with the Brant Bjork Trio and it will be Duna's first official returning release. As you might know by now, due to extensive touring in the U.S., South America, Australia, Europe and Japan, the Brant Bjork Trio consists of my longtime drummer Ryan Güt and my longtime desert brother Mario Lalli on bass. Mario and I share a very unique and very special musical history that began when I was 13 years old! I always knew we would be playing together in my band and my patience paid off. To have Mario and Ryan as the rhythm section in a trio... so rad! Together, Mario and I produced the new record, appropriately titled 'Once Upon a Time in the Desert'; and we are beyond excited to get this music out and into the hands and ears of all the fans new and old.
I'm very lucky to be able to sustain a life as the musician that I am. I certainly wouldn't be able to do so without all of the musicians, music industry partners and of course the fans that have supported me for 25 years. I can't think of a better way to celebrate my musical journey and show my appreciation than to re-launch Duna Records and release new and old music directly to my fans, the way it was always meant to be. Thank you and stay tuned for more desert rock."
After completing successful tours of Europe and Australia earlier this year, the Brant Bjork Trio will be touring in Japan this October (see shows) to promote the release and relaunch of Duna Records. In 2025, the band will tour the UK, selected European regions, USA East Coast, New Zealand and more.
BRANT BJORK TRIO is
Brant Bjork - guitar & vocals
Mario Lallo - bass
Ryan Güt - drums
BRANT BJORK TRIO links
Facebook⎜Bandcamp⎜Instagram⎜Spotify
DUNA RECORDS
Website⎜Facebook⎜Instagram⎜Youtube
