Maybe this fall’s got you cozied up under flannel covers with the one you love. Maybe you’re ruminating on how distance from family and friends makes the heart grow fonder. Whoever we love, however we love, we love nonetheless – it feels so good to show it.

That’s the guiding philosophy of “Goodnight Girl”, the latest single from Brother. out now on Handwritten Records. These Utah indie-dreamers have built a reputation for their charismatic sound, and “Goodnight Girl” is no exception. Brother. continues to make their mark with this nostalgic soundscape, featuring classic pop synths and a crying lead guitar that complements the lyrical adoration.

Band member Chuck Emery penned and produced this track as an encapsulation of the bond that he and his wife share. “I wanted this song to not only be for my wife, but for everyone in love or in the process of searching for it,” he shares. “Love comes in many shapes and forms, but when you feel it you know it’s love. I hope everyone finds that person who they never have to say goodbye to.” We’re not crying, you’re crying.

Inspired by the sincere vulnerability of “Goodnight Girl”, we caught up with Brother. to chat more about the comfort of love – and a good sandwich.

Rebecca L. Judd for Also Cool Mag: Hey Brother.! Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me today. Tell our readers a bit more about your band, and how you all came together.

Chuck Emery of Brother.: Thank you! We are an indie alt band based out of Salt Lake City, Utah. We have been playing together for the last 5 years. Brother. originally started as a solo indie folk project but has evolved since then to become more full-band. Myself, Erika and Nathan basically all started together at the beginning, Scott joined in late 2018, and Elias has been with us for the last year or so.

Also Cool: Your latest track 'Goodnight Girl' is a warm, romantic tribute to other-halves and the light that they bring into our lives. Its hazy earnestness feels very comforting – perfect vibes for the end-of-summer. Chuck, take us through the process of penning this track for your wife.

Brother.: I originally wrote the guitar chords using a chorus pedal stack. The stack of chorus pedals gave it this really warm, 90s-esque-feeling guitar that felt new and nostalgic at the same time. I added the instrumentation to accent this guitar and make it shine.

I wanted the lyrics to not only be about my wife but to stay general enough for everyone with that special someone, or someone looking for that special someone. I feel like most love songs rely heavily on the physical attributes of someone. I wanted to steer away from this and highlight the things my wife does for me that keep me healthy and happy.

Chuck Emery, Nathan Standage, Erika Goodwin, Scott Knutson and Elias Pratt of Brother. Photo courtesy of Savannah Mckenzie — *Chuck Emery, Nathan Standage, Erika Goodwin, Scott Knutson and Elias Pratt of Brother.* Photo courtesy of Savannah Mckenzie

AC: The 'Goodnight Girl' music video is out now, and it perfectly accompanies the tender emotions of the track. Can you explain the creative vision behind this video, and what it was like to watch it all come together?

B: The music video was a fun one to be a part of! We wanted the song and video to resonate with others who are in love, or in the process of searching for it. We featured local talent from the LGBTQ community and wanted to portray a love that felt comfortable to someone as a person. The vintage, hazy look pairs perfectly with the vintage, 90s-sound guitar – again giving that feeling of nostalgia and something fresh and new.

AC: Fresh off the release of 'Goodnight Girl', you folks are spending September touring the West Coast. How does it feel to be back on the road? Which parts of touring did you miss the most?

B: It feels awesome! All the shows we have played so far have been amazing. It has been so great connecting with people from different cities who enjoy our music. Some parts that we’ve missed are just heading to different cities and trying different local foods. Collectively, we all love sandwiches. We try our best to hit up the best local sandwich places in the cities we travel to.

AC: 'Goodnight Girl' is described as Brother.'s first official love song – hopefully it's not the last. Which direction are you all hoping to take Brother.'s music in next? What can we expect from you folks towards the end of 2021?

B: Hopefully it is not the last! We have a brand-new album coming out October 15th through Handwritten Records. It is something we’ve put a lot of heart into and are excited to get it out into the world. We have released about half of the songs on the album as singles, but will have 5 new songs with the release. Excited to show the world what we have been working on, and hope to do more touring after the release!

Watch “Goodnight Girl” below!

Brother.

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Rebecca L. Judd (she/they) is the features editor of Also Cool Mag. She writes and creates out of her studio apartment in Ottawa, kept company by vivid dreams and a cuddly grey kitty named Dora.

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