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Brainkiller

About Me

Brainkiller has captivated audiences across the USA, Canada and Mexico with “hypnotic landscapes that gallivant through freewheeling jazz, avant-classical and art-rock territories” (Phoenix New Times) since their inception in 2000. The trio of Brian Allen, Jacob Koller and Hernan Hecht create a powerful and astonishingly unique style, owing as much to Coltrane and Monk as Led Zeppelin, Xenakis, Cobain and Piazzola. Their anticipated studio release captures their wildly imaginative and diverse ideas with a focused energy, creating other layers of abstract visual imagery in the process, as Pitchfork describes: “Despite all manner of diversions and mood changes, the direction never seems to change. And when they're over, I feel like I've just been told a short story.” Forming a direct connection with their listeners and thriving from this interaction, Brainkiller is constantly touring, with upcoming performances in the USA, Mexico, and new journeys planned for South America and Japan.

Playing in university concert halls and theaters, jazz and new music festivals, contemporary art museums, galleries, and clubs, Brainkiller has been honored with a residency at Houston's groundbreaking arts complex Diverse Works and a Julius Hemphill Composition Award for Jacob's Brainkiller works. Brainkiller is active in educational activities, conducting workshops at universities, colleges, community centers, art centers, and public schools. Allen is an artist/clinician for Edwards Trombones, Koller a certified Yamaha and private teacher, Koller a certified Yamaha instructor and private teacher, and Hecht an internationally renowned clinician and artist for Zildjian, Gretsch, Gilbraltar, M-Audio, Digidesign & Sibelius.