Crow (aka Brandon Pies)
Brandon was born and raised in central Minnesota. He started playing guitar at eight years old. In High School he was introduced to the Theatre, working as a Light and Sound Tech. Throughout the years, he worked on productions for many major theatres, including The Guthrie, The Children’s Theatre, and The Illusion Theatre. Brandon’s wide range of interests compelled him to begin working with various mediums of art that included Photography, Illustration, and Digital Art.
After graduation, Brandon moved on to college and furthered his crafts as a photographer. He also began working in the entertainment industry in many different capacities. His adventures included working with a metal band that was touring the U.S.; during which time Brandon was hired on as a Guitar Tech for NIN for a few shows. That spurred him on to more involvement in the Music Industry.
With some life events bringing a few changes in his life, Brandon found his way into the Classical Guitar world. He began performing and teaching technique at colleges around the mid-west. During his down time, he was an extra in multiple films that were in production in Minneapolis. After a few years and a need for another change again, Brandon moved back to his hometown. And by a wonderful stroke of luck, he met Jayde Delano through mutual friends.
Next chapter of his life began at the moment that he saw her. They quickly became friends and their love of music and all things in entertainment bonded them closer. Along with their friend, Brandon Soderlund, they formed a conceptual band and began working on developing their signature sound.
During the next 10-15 years, Brandon (now known as Crow by his friends) and Jayde (known by friends as JD) worked in a variety of different aspects of the entertainment world. Crow began working on more filmmaking and the executive production end of that craft. There were many smaller projects that Crow and JD worked on in minor roles and capacities.
In 2010, the 50 Fifty Reel Challenge debuted. Crow made a leap of faith and decided to jump into the ‘Timed Film Contest’ world. Crow wrote a concept script and the wheels of Pre-Production began to turn. JD took on the role of Executive Producer for his vision, paving the way for Brandon to direct his first film. Brandon’s vision set a new standard for his crew to achieve as a group, involving a crew that was large enough to shoot a feature, with over a hundred and twenty people on location during the very short twelve hours of filming; all taking place in a Minneapolis high school. Featured actors and extras were treated to what he had envisioned as a little VIP treatment, including both breakfast and full lunch for all the participants.
With that taste of directing, he began to look at new projects and their development. He has several scripts in various stages of development and production stages.
The development of the Internet-radio show known as “Of Myth & Magick” started over several cups of coffee and some tasteless jokes by JD about not wanting to become the Howard Stern of the Paranormal Community. The show almost didn’t happen until Brandon slipped into a favorite character’s voice and started goofing around in the studio; sparking an idea that refuses to lie down and be ignored.
Brandon’s niche for talk style radio and his sense of humor fueled the show content. The show was produced in their home studio, and broadcast live from there. With discussions ranging from the obscure to the ridiculous; they bounce back easily with discussions of the paranormal and all that comes back to it.
Of Myth & Magick was, and still is a vehicle that they are using to enter a new realm. 2011 … after a short hiatus … They are back.