Biography
Who is Brann Dailor?
Early music career
Brann Dailor was born in Rochester and began his professional music path early in his life. Between 1991 and 1993, he played drums for a band called Evisceration. Following that experience, he became a founding member of the mathcore group Lethargy. He also performed with the progressive rock and funk metal band Gaylord during this period.
His early work was heavily influenced by the avant-garde rock group Mr. Bungle. During his formative years, seeing Sean Reinert perform with the progressive metal band Cynic changed his perspective on technical drumming possibilities. These formative experiences in various bands helped shape his distinct approach to heavy metal percussion.
Success with Mastodon
Brann Dailor is best known as a core member of the heavy metal group Mastodon. He serves as the band's drummer and provides vocals on many tracks. He has contributed to numerous albums throughout the band's history, starting with the 2002 release Remission. His work with the group includes drumming, percussion, and vocal contributions on records such as Leviathan, Blood Mountain, and Crack the Skye.
His involvement with Mastodon continued through later releases like The Hunter, Once More Round the Sun, and Emperor of Sand. He even contributed bass guitar and keyboards to the 2017 album Emperor of Sand. On the 2021 album Hushed and Grim, he continued his dual role as both the drummer and a vocalist for the band.
Side projects and media appearances
In 2015, Brann Dailor formed a side project called Arcadea. This group features him on drums alongside musicians Core Atoms and Raheem Amlani. The group released an album in 2017. He also performed guest vocals on the song Immortal Desire for the band Bleed From Within, which appeared on their 2025 album titled Zenith.
Beyond music recording, he has appeared on television. He portrayed a wildling on a 2015 episode of Game of Thrones alongside bandmates Bill Kelliher and Brent Hinds. Also, he appeared on a 2018 episode of the reality show Counting Cars, where he had his 1970 Cadillac Coupe DeVille restored. He also famously wore a balloon suit at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
Equipment and influences
Brann Dailor draws inspiration from a wide range of drummers and musicians. His main influence is Phil Collins from Genesis, specifically focusing on the 1970s era of the band. Other artists who have inspired his style include Mikkey Dee, Dave Lombardo, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Bill Bruford, Stevie Wonder, and Dave Witte.
He officially endorses several brands for his gear. He uses Tama drums and hardware, Meinl cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Vater drumsticks. His current kit includes a Tama Starclassic Performer B/B drum set, Meinl cymbals such as the Mb20 Heavy Soundwave Hi-Hat, and a Tama Speed Cobra double bass pedal.
Birthday and age
Brann Dailor was born on March 19, 1975, which makes Brann 51 years old today. That birthday falls under the Pisces sign. Brann shares the date with 49 other famous people.
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