BIO
Brandi Huang - Lead singer
Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Huang came up playing a range of regional bands including rock outfit the Scrapes and country trio the Girls. Adopting the BrandiWyne moniker for her solo work, Huang moved to Seattle in the late 2000s and began recording her own music. She joined the World Movement roster later that year. Being a survivor of domestic violence from childhood, she also now trys to give a voice and strength to those who can't be heard.
"My favorite artists are Aretha Franklin, P!NK, and Ella Fitzgerald... but my first love will always be rock!"
Tom Raschko - Lead Guitar
Was given a fine ’57 Strat reissue for a birthday in ’95 and decided a good guitar needs to be played well. Started the first band in ’00 with a regular gig at a local restaurant. Had to sing because no one else could do it – decided to get better at that so as to survive a night. A few years later and what became The Jet City Band formed. The music evolved as did the understanding of what was need to make an event fun. Now Im happy to be a part of the Brandiwyne Band and bring my well developed talent to the group.
Influences:
The Allman Brothers Band, Miles Davis, George Benson, Pat Metheny, Jeff Beck, Dave Matthews, John Mayer, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Steve Ray Vaughan.
Michael Franzi - Bass
The oldest son of an Italian-American family, Michael grew up in a small coal mine & steel mill town near Pittsburgh, PA. As a very young man, he would regularly attend dance parties with his parents featuring ethic music from Italy. He marveled at how the music emotionally touched everyone! Michael joined his first band at the age of 14. (Yes, his parents would have to drive him to gigs…how embarrassing for a young musician!!)
Michael’s musical influences really kicked into gear when he started listening to music from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. The solid groove of the bass fueled his love and became the inspiration for his playing style today. After graduation from University of Pittsburgh he moved to southern CA.There he played bass in several contemporary POP, Classic Rock’N Roll and modern Country groups- further expansing his musical influences. Now living in Seattle, Michael continues his musical interests and is pleased to have the opportunity to join the Brandiwyne Band!
David Demetrio - Rythem Guitar
Davis is a Brazillian guitar player that started at the age of 16. Influenced by greats such as Bon Jovi, Brian Adams, Areosmith & Guns 'N'Roses ( to name a few), it wasnt long before David was staying up late learning various covers.
His firts Gig oppertunity came playing in his local church. Soon he was playing with 2 of the largest "Christian Rock "Bands in in Brazil- "Vida Reluz & Adoracao e Vida"!
After moving the the USA, he enrolled at Starling Music Academy and learned more about Jazz, Brazilian Rythem & Funk. He is still an active guitarist for his church, and sometimes will back up Liza Temcov ( country Americana) or Kader Sunny ( Blues), but happy to be the full time rythem player for BrandiWyne!
"It does not matter if its in your room or on a stage , Be a musician"-David
Justin Cassaday - Drums
Growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, I fell in love with music and performance watching my fiddle-playing father. The first opportunity to learn an instrument was in school band, so I took up percussion with aspirations to perform in a band some day. 16 years later, I still have an unyielding desire to entertain, perform, and play. Now living in the greater Seattle area, the past decade has given me opportunities to play drums, guitar, and bass in various metal bands.
Nowadays, I enjoy playing and performing in my church's worship band and writing music on my own terms. Beyond music, I am a woodworker, gamer, and devoted Christian aspiring to make my community better by being the best me I can be. I met Brandi when she was looking for a fill-in drummer, and was promptly welcomed to the team; I'm excited to see what this next season will hold for us working together.