Brotherly - System

Written By Jordi Esquerra

This one has become a cult song for many music students. Opening Brotherly’s album “One Sweet Life”, this mesmerizing song is gonna trap you in its net from the beginning.

You might have a hard time trying to fully comprehend all its rhythmic and harmonic elements, as they are pretty complex. That’s why the track is especially popular amongst drummers, as its rhythm is as absorbing as challenging. 

If you are not familiar with the duo you might think that there must be a famous and world-acclaimed virtuoso drummer behind it, but it’s fun because a comment on Mullarkey’s website easily explains it. 

A fan wrote: “Hi Robin, I wanted to know who plays the drums in Brotherly’s System? I admire your job. Thank you”

And his reply : “It's just me and my MPC. No drummer on that track”.


So the duo is formed by Anna Stubbs and Robin Mullarkey, and were joined on this particular track by Finn Peters on flute and Jan Ozveren on guitar. While Anna appears to be mostly dedicated to teaching, you might have found Robin accompanying artists like Jacob Collier, Jordan Rakei, Richard Spaven or Laura Mvula.


If you are struggling to comprehend it you have two options, first: stop analyzing and simply enjoy it and get carried away by its current or, second: immerse yourself in Robin’s tutorial and practice using the helpful play-along versions you can find in his bandcamp.

Hopefully you will get it right and we will all figure out soon enough “How to beat the system”! 


WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT:

Jordi Esquerra
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