Lars Brogan

What do you teach at Loudlands?

Guitar, Bass

When did you start playing?

Piano at age 6, guitar at age 11

What's your favorite aspect of music or your instrument?

I love how textural a guitar can be, both on a recording and live. Don't get me wrong - I'm all about the shred - but there's just something endlessly cool about how we can manipulate the sound of a guitar to sound like something completely different, and the feeling you get when it hits just right. For bass - I love a solid, hot groove that you feel in your entire body. Having a little riff or ~shining moment~ pop out at just the right time is the icing on the cake!

Who are some of your favorite bands/musicians and why?

Green Day and Nirvana are the two bands that really got me into playing music, and I still love both! Some other faves include Fleetwood Mac, Paramore, Led Zeppelin, Janelle Monáe, Lady Gaga, Thin Lizzy, Sleater-Kinney, The Breeders, and Janet Jackson. Every day is something different :)

What are some of your current and/or past music projects?

I've been the bassist for Palehound since 2017, and touring bassist for Julien Baker since 2024. I'm also currently the drummer and music director for Sir Babygirl. I've played guitar, bass, or drums in dozens of local Boston bands over the years, including Dump Him, The Michael Character, and Gay Sin to name a few. Although I studied guitar at Berklee, I have primarily been a touring bassist, studio drummer, and guitar private instructor. The best of all three worlds (to me!)

How would you describe your music and playing style?

The most important thing to me is having FUN! Music is joy and joy is fun. I studied a lot of blues and funk guitar in my upbringing, and have played in many indie rock and pop-punk bands. However, I also love sparse instrumentation in music when it evokes just the right emotion. I like to think my playing encompasses a good balance of dynamics, intricacies, and playfulness. One of my greatest values when playing is serving the song - whether that means keeping it clean and groovy, or ripping a sweet solo or cool fill to keep things interesting.

Can you please describe your gear of choice?

My 2 main electric guitars are an early 2000s Gibson Les Paul and a 60s Fender Telecaster. Both are swamp ash natural wood finish, which I love the look of. I use a 90s Fender Vibrolux amp because it was given to me and it sounds great! With gear, I am very much a "if it's not broke - don't fix it" kind of person, and like to try and get the best sounds possible with what I have at my disposal. That being said - understanding gear is a vast journey and it's all about learning what sounds good to your own unique ear - exploring different options is half the fun! For bass, I primarily rock a Fender P Bass. It's classic in all the best ways, and sounds great on any style! I also have a Fender PJ Mustang that I modded with DiMarzio style P pickups so that I could essentially have a P bass at half the weight for tour ;)

Any general advice you'd like to give to beginner musicians or someone looking to get started?

Patience! I strongly believe anyone can learn an instrument regardless of prior experience, and the key is taking it slow. One of the greatest forms of practice is repetition. Nothing beats the feeling of successfully making it through a tricky passage after working it out at your own pace. Slow and steady wins the race! As American poet and icon Lil Wayne once said, "Repetition is the father of learning"

Aside from playing/making music, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?

I love playing video games and card games, reading a good thriller novel, going for a long walk, and spending time with friends and loved ones. I recently started doing pilates, which I've been really enjoying too!

If you were battling a physically identical but evil android version of yourself on top of a skyscraper during a thunderstorm and someone miraculously intervened, how would they know which one was the real you?

The real one can execute the choreo from Lady Gaga's critically acclaimed 2009 hit single, "Bad Romance" without flaw