For Winter Club day visitors were accompanied by the music of BGP. Their ‘yacht rock’ style resonated with many of those in attendance.

Three of the five members of the band were on stage performing. Brandon Ghorley, the lead singer and keyboardist, DJ Phinisey, on vocals and keyboard, and Josh Demarrow on drums and back up vocals.

The sub lounge was awash with nothing but the sounding blasting from the stage. It was evident that despite this being a smaller venue than the band might be used to; it had no effect on the energy they exuded on stage. The energy was a two way street as even the ASG student reps began to dance. They were joined by some students, while others simply chose to sit and enjoy the perks of watching a professional band from up close. The music that the band played was a mix of covers and music from their newly released studio album “Hurt Me, Kiss Me.”

Originally formed in Puyallup Washington, Ghorley is the only original member of the band with Josh being in the band for 14 years, and DJ for five.

Brandon originally started the group in 2003, and  is the only remaining member from the original band.

BGP initially stood for Brandon Ghorley Project, but as time went on, members have changed and so did BGP’s meaning. Brandon, not wanting the band name to be tied to him, began using different combinations of words that fit with the acronym.

If the laid back feel of their music wasn’t enough, Ghorley opened the show by asking the crowd what their a question. “What’s your favorite candy bar?” asked Ghorley.

His is Trader Joe’s version of a Reese’s. He didn’t go with the Reese’s because,”I’m not a child anymore right.”

The idea of putting the band before any individual member has definitely given the band a very distinctive sound. The Yacht rock style is compounded on with many jazz and contemporary influences. Ranging from Steely Dan, and Phil Collins with the more classic rock feel to them, and the modern sound, tempo, and production of bands like Foster the People. The multiple vocalists that are in BGP also reflects another similarity to Foster the People.

The member who has been in the band second longest,, Josh has more of a freeflow jazz influence on the drums. The beat is consistent yet changes just often enough to activel gain attention, but not enough to overpower the entire performance.

Demarrow joined the band in a seemingly chance encounter with Ghorley’s agent in church. “You’re going to be Brandon’s drummer,” Ghorley’s agent said to Demarrow, almost more of a statement than an invitation.

Demarrow’s influences are a bit more old school with Buddy Rich, Stewart Copeland, and Aaron Sterling. All of them talented, and skillful drummers. It is from these influences that he draws on to help create an atmospheric sound that resonates through entire tracks or performances. Even with the basic floor setup of his drums, nothing was taken back from the overall tempo and sound.

Phinisey’s entrance into the band was less than conventional. He has been in the band for five years now, but before he played with the band he was their technician. He was with the band on tour for a while and knew all of the songs. Eventually he began playing with the band on tour and recording with them.

During a brief intermission the band pointed out that they had some merchandise in front of the stage. There was nothing too surprising about what they had to offer. T-shirts, sweatshirts, all bearing the BGP logo on them. However one piece of merch that stood out more so than the rest was an open suitcase with beige CD sleeves, copies of their newest studio project.

“Hurt Me, Kiss Me” is another entry in the band’s back catalogue. The vibe and tempo of the album is definitely in line with their more yacht rock category. Every track seems to flow naturally into the next one, maintaining a laid back feel through the whole project.

BGP has upcoming performances in Seattle at the Triple Door. All six members of the band will be playing during the show on March 22.

One thing is for sure, this band has experience in what they do, and they put it all on display in both live performances and their recorded material.