Music is often used as a vehicle of expression and can build community, both for performers and audience members. Shipbuilders Brandon Atkins (O27) and Jarrod Burke (X25) have been writing and recording original music together with their band, The Connection, for five years. One recent release, “Brothers,” honors those who serve in the U.S. military.
Atkins said that when the COVID-19 pandemic started, he began researching the equipment needed to convert one of his bedrooms into a music studio. “I wanted to learn music production, and there was no better time to do something like that,” he said. Atkins has been playing guitar and singing for almost 30 years.
Burke grew up in the Appalachian region of Kentucky, raised by a musically inclined family. “The most prevalent music in that area is bluegrass. I don’t recall a family reunion that didn’t turn into a jam session,” he said.
The song was inspired by Burke’s uncle, who completed three tours in Vietnam. “When we write an original song,” Atkins said, “we try to write something the audience can relate to. We are surrounded by service members here, so the song carries a lot of weight both for us and the community.”
“Brothers” is available on all music streaming platforms.
