A young four-piece rock outfit from Stroud is making its mark on the region’s music scene.
Brothers James and Alex Bratfield and Matt and Rick Williams haven’t looked back since they formed the ‘Will’ B ‘Brats’ two and a half years ago.
A polished performance saw the young band outclass strong competition to take home the open championship trophy from the recent Taree and District Eisteddfod, after winning both the open hard and soft rock categories.
With James on lead guitar and vocals, Matt on bass, Rick on drums and Alex on rhythm guitar and vocals, the ‘Will’ B ‘Brats’ are becoming a regular fixture at local pubs and clubs, and community events.
The boys list The Eagles and Bon Jovi as major influences, which they have translated to a playlist of mainly contemporary and classic rock covers.
“We basically play what’s on the radio, with a bit of country if someone requests it,” Rick said.
It’s proving a winning formula with regular gigs for the band emerging at several local pubs and clubs, along with offers from venues further afield, like the Paxton Pub.
“It’s good to be getting some paid gigs now so we don’t have to rely so much on Santa to bring us our gear,” the boys joke.
The brothers have known each other virtually all their lives and attend Gloucester High School together - James and Matt in year 11 and Rick and Alex in year 9.
All four acknowledge their good fortune in having strong support for their musical pursuits, particularly from Stroud muso Keith Holdon.
“Keith’s been like our mentor and we’ve been really lucky to have that,” Matt said.
Stroud’s open mic competition, which provides a supportive performance environment for local musicians, also played a key role in nurturing the Will b Brats.
“The open mic really helped us build our confidence. It’s a great way for young bands to get a start. We’re really lucky to have that sort of a chance,” Matt said.
Support is something the ‘Will’ B ‘Brats’ don’t appear to be short of. While the boys are coy about groupies, they are happy to admit that the Bratfield brothers’ nana, Gloria, hasn’t missed a gig.
Although the ‘Will’ B ‘Brats’ aren’t necessarily considering future careers as rock gods, they plan to keep playing together “as long as we are enjoying it.”
“I think music will stick with us all our lives, no matter what we do,” James said.
The boys will all feature in Gloucester High School’s upcoming musical Grease and Alex and James Bratfield appeared in the recent production of Startstruck in Newcastle.
A first for both boys, Alex was a soloist and featured artist in Starstruck and was involved with four songs and one solo in which he played the guitar.
James played lead guitar in a student band comprising a mix of students from different high school and was involved in three songs.
“It was a great experience – you just don’t get the opportunity to play in front of 4000 people that often,” James said.
Brother Alex said he was nervous before he went on stage.
“But when I started it was like any other pub gig,” he said.
All four boys are looking forward to the musical Grease which starts next Tuesday, June 30, with Alex playing a major role with drama, singing and in the band.
‘Will’ B ‘Brats’ is also providing the entertainment at the Stroud v Gloucester rugby league game to be held at Stroud Showground on July 4.
Their performance is voluntary and is to raise money for Matt and James to earn their gold Duke of Edinburgh Award in Tasmania early next year.
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