Fire the Animal Returning to Orcas

Thursday, July 21, 9 – 11 p.m., Random Howse

— from April Duke —

Orcas Island native Brian Duke returns to Random Howse with his band mates in Fire the Animal, Thursday, July 21.

Brian moved to LA, CA in September of 2009 to attend Musician’s Institute. After a year there he was working with a couple of local bands and didn’t have time for school as well. One of the bands was Gun Metal Groove from San Dimas. He and lead guitarist Jason Espiritu soon became friends and roommates and along with lead singer Dave Houts kept the core of the band and made a few changes. Because they had a hard time finding a compatible bass player Brian switched to that instrument. They brought in Zach Tollefsen on guitar and Sam Gample on drums.

They also decided the band needed a new name. Brian had newly retired Mr. Gregory Books as a biology teacher, music teacher and jam partner while attending Orcas High School. He was driving home from work and remembered what Mr. Books said in class, “Can you prove to me that fire isn’t a living thing?  It breathes, it multiplies, it grows, it dies and it’s born.”  Thus “Fire the Animal” was born.

Named as one of LA’s Top 100 Live Bands by Music Connection Magazine, their live shows are a lot like the guys – a raucous good time. F.T.A’s studio recordings have amassed them numerous TV placements on multiple networks such as MTV, Esquire, FOX and FOX Sports, Bravo, CBS.

With their upcoming EP titled, “Baby Horns,” slated for a May release on Righteous Records, the band has positioned themselves to take 2016 by storm and become a bona fide touring and recording force. They will be playing at BrodieFest in Carnation later next week.