James Bond

BK & MR. E an Austin TX based band has a sound that is as unique as their name – combining all the best elements of electronic, rock, pop, classical, and most importantly, funk.

The pair first met in the Leander High School band, where both were classical trombone players and drum majors for their award-winning marching band. On a seemingly normal night working together at a local music store, inspiration struck. What if there was a band that blended Blanchette’s love for Prince and Queen with Hegar’s love of The Police and Beach Boys, and that blend was layered over some DeadMau5-like beats? It was on that night, that BK & Mr.E was born.

The name “BK & Mr.E” stems from the duo’s days of old, Brandon Hegar was known as “bitch kitty” (for his punk teenage attitude) and Jason Blanchette who spent more time skipping work than actually working (for reasons that, to this day, remain a mystery).

BK & Mr.E’s debut self-produced album “Under the Rader” was released in 2010 and has something for everyone. With clever lyrics, beautiful harmonies, in your face synths, and crazy electronic beats, this combination of songs is as poignant as it is infectious.

Following their debut album, BK & Mr.E worked with producer Lars Goransson of Sounds OUTrageous Studios (Blondie, The Cardigans), who won Austin Chronicle’s Austin Music Award for “Best Producer.” Together, they put out two EP’s: “Company Front” and “I Don’t Think You Realize.” Goransson helped show their growth as a band by introducing some incredible new sound, but Blanchette and Hegar always made sure their roots were properly represented.

The first track off “Company Front”, "Sand," pairs powering vocals and beautiful harmonies over loud guitar riffs and synths, all bedding their signature catchy lyrics. Director Jeff Ray (Blue October, Zeale) shot the music video on a shoe-string budget in a warehouse in Bastrop, TX. The end result is an energetic video with lights, creative camera angles, and dance moves that you can’t help but dance along to. The video is available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n0Wz6-WnYo.

The four song EP ends with a powerful rock anthem, “Different Strokes.” The song perfectly blends mesmerizing beats and BK & Mr.E’s signature dual lead vocals and harmonies that make it impossible to listen to while sitting down.

Released in February 2012, their newest EP, "I Don't Think You Realize," has a sound that lands somewhere between arena rock and electronic rock, with the familiar BK & Mr. E staples like gritty guitar riffs and falsetto harmonies peppered in for extra flavor. The three songs all have catchy choruses that will permanently embed themselves into your psyche. The newer sound is one to behold, and will please old fans and new alike.

Since their humble beginnings, BK & Mr.E has played all over Texas, as well as for several festivals and parties. At Rock the Vote’s ACL Fest party, they opened for Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr and Theophilius London in front of jubilant fans and music lovers. They’ve also opened for the beloved movie cover band “The Dan Band” (as seen in “Old School”, “Hangover”).


BK & Mr.E is currently writing and recording new material--with more of an influence from bands like Phoenix and Awolnation--for a second full-length album with a regional tour planned for the Fall 2012. 

For a great time, and music that will be stuck in your head for weeks to come, there is no better live show than BK & Mr.E.  Look forward to them starting every show with some wicked trombone riffs and a marching band salute.

For more information and a tour schedule please visit:  www.bkmre.com, http://www.facebook.com/bkmre or twitter.com/bkmre



BK & Mr. E "Sand"

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