_{By McKinsleigh Smith}

Beck Brothers is a dynamic folk-bluegrass band featuring some of the most skilled instrumentalists in Utah. With their masterful playing and relatable songwriting, they create an energetic live show that’s impossible not to enjoy. Underpinning everything is the indelible connection between the titular pair.

Born with guitars and fiddles in their hands, Skyler and Zach Beck grew up performing and practicing nearly every day of their lives. As they matured, they both found themselves playing all over the United States. Once, Skyler was crowned the Utah State fiddle champion while Zach was named the Utah State guitar champion – in the same competition. Skyler Beck also made a name for himself in the Provo music scene with Local Sports Team, a heartfelt indie folk outfit that ran from 2017-2020 and became known for their rowdy house shows.

But things fade. After a few years of major life changes and a worldwide pandemic, both Beck brothers found themselves rarely playing strings at all.

The pandemic ended a LOT of bands. It’s a well documented fact that it rocked the music and live events industry from top to bottom. There were a lot of heartbroken indie musicians with a staggering loss of momentum and lot of time on their hands. That’s how the Beck brothers found themselves reunited in a spare bedroom with some song ideas.

Finding the missing pieces proved almost too easy. To get a group together, they called on bandmates and friends from former projects. Isaac Geslison brought banjo and mandolin to the mix to keep the more traditional bluegrass sounds front and center. Jed Bradshaw brought a more progressive taste, with electric bass not found in most traditional bluegrass bands, but appropriate for the sound. Lastly, Jaxon Tubbs’ drums tastefully added rhythm, giving the Beck Brothers their signature blend of tradition and progression. This fusion of tradition and progression is best represented by their 2022 single, “If This Town Could Talk.”

After only two years of performing as a group, the Beck Brothers have played in front of thousands. They’ve opened for world-renowned acts like Tim O’Brien and Ryan Shupe & The RubberBand. And earlier this month, the Beck Brothers released their debut album. The eponymous EP premiered at The Hive Collaborative as part of an album release show on July 1, 2023.

Their first outing is a reflection of a lifetime dedicated to playing and performing music. Composed entirely by Skyler and Zachary Beck, this collection of original songs explores heartfelt stories of love found and love lost. Each track weaves together a captivating tale, evoking a range of emotions.

The digital release features 6 new songs, and the physical release includes the aforementioned “If This Town Could Talk” and their debut single “Good Ones.” This EP is for anyone who loves authentic, down home folk music with a touch of twang. The group is a fantastic addition to Provo’s established folk scene, and definitely worth a listen.

Make sure to follow the Beck Brothers on Instagram and check out their song, “Living For Life,” below!