Butterbrain is a punk/rock/funk/ska band based in New York City. The band currently boasts 9 members, hailing most notably from legendary rock, punk, funk and ska outfits White Trash, Murphy’s Law, Inspecter 7, and Public Serpents.

Originally formed as a side project of several members from funk rock pioneers White Trash (Elektra Records), Butterbrain released their self-titled debut album in 2007 through founder Aaron Collins’ independent label Gotham Gold Music Productions. The group did some local performances after the release, but put things on hold due to other commitments. Soon after, the passing of original vocalist Ronald (Sunshine) Kornegay and later, guitarist Ethan Collins, caused the project to be put on hold indefinitely.

Fast forward to the summer of 2018, several original members of Butterbrain were reunited for a live performance to benefit the long standing East Harlem art and event space El Taller. The performance created such a buzz that the band was soon writing and recording brand new Butterbrain material together. In Spring 2019, with one song left to complete for their second release, Butterbrain The EP, (Gotham Gold Music Productions), they recruited vocalist Sally May (Inspecter 7), adding a new dimension to the sound of the band.

Butterbrain followed up their 5 song EP with 3 new music videos, and started performing regularly at local venues. While they quickly made a name for themselves, the global pandemic forced everyone inside, and live shows were off the table - smack in the middle of a resurgence. Undeterred, Butterbrain continued working remotely, recording two new songs and videos for the singles “93 Million Miles From The Sun” and “Fear”, while quarantined.

In Spring of 2021 they were asked to tackle two cover songs, both one in their genre, and one out of their comfort zone, for the covers compilation: Classics Vs. Classics Vol. 4 (recorded and produced by Jast Collum) released in Fall 2021. Excited by the opportunity to record more of newcomer Sally May, Butterbrain flipped the 70’s Captain and Tennille classic “Love Will Keep Us Together”, turning it into a modern era ska/punk performance. This was followed in short order by an exhilarating remake of “UGLY” by Fishbone (one of the band’s biggest influences). Butterbrain’s cover of “UGLY” soon garnered interest from Fishbone frontman Angelo Moore (Dr. MadVibe), which led to him performing at a local event with the band. The experience led to an exciting collaboration on the introductory track (“Sapio Soiree”) of their 2023 full length studio recording Sapiosexual.

Recorded by Jast Collum and Chris Arbisi, and produced by Aaron Collins, the 2023 full length album Sapiosexual features guest appearances from local heavyweights including Jewels (The Capturers, Babe Patrol) and Brother Love (Them Vibes) on vocals, Ceaser Ramirez (District 9) on guitars, and even a violin accompaniment from singer/actress Jessica Pimentel (Alekhine’s Gun, Orange Is The New Black).

With a new relationship forged through performing and working together more regularly, Butterbrain recruited Angelo Moore to produce their latest full length album “Armageddon Party”, set for release May 5th, 2025. Recorded at Spin Studio in Long Island City, Queens and Gotham Gold Music Laboratories, the album was recorded in a 5 day whirlwind, with Angelo coming to NY to produce while on a weeklong hiatus from recording for his own upcoming Fishbone release. 10 songs were recorded over that 5 day period, with Butterbrain going back a few weeks later to Spin Studio to add a cover song which co-producer Aaron Collins felt “was the last missing ingredient” to the Armageddon Party album.

“This is definitely our most prolific recording to date,” said frontman Aaron Collins. “The album has the frenetic energy with which it was recorded, working round the clock in 5 days to get everything done while Angelo was here in NY. Working with Angelo was an absolute pleasure and he put his stamp on this thing,” said Aaron. “I can’t wait to share this album with the world. Its a party album with an apocalyptic vibe, reminiscent of Prince’s 1999.”

With four singles from the album already released, the best of Butterbrain is yet to come. Get ready for the latest full length album “Armageddon Party” from Butterbrain, produced by Angelo Moore of Fishbone

Remember that date. May 5th, 2025.

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