Michael & Kevin Bringing Their Brand of 'Forosoco' to Coastal Carolina Fair Friday Nov 8th

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

More than a decade before actor Kevin Bacon made a name for himself in Hollywood, his older brother Michael Bacon was actively charting his own path in the entertainment industry. Nine years Kevin's senior, Michael who came of age during the 1960's started writing songs, eventually making his way to Music City to pitch his work.

"Writing for me kind of goes back and forth. I wrote my first song in the mid 1960's. Originally what I set out to do was what they called Tin Pan Alley. I worked in Nashville and we'd go into a music publisher's office, and we'd be given a list of artists recording, and someone would be plugging songs for that artist."

A celebrated Emmy-winning composer, Michael admits it wasn't an easy go from the start. "I immediately found out I had a lot to learn. Country music is all based around song writing. There's really no other place on earth except Nashville were pure songs drive the industry." Michael's compositions can be heard in numerous film and televisions projects.

With Kevin busy establishing his acting career in the 1980's, Michael imagined the two siblings would eventually work together. "I never thought of anything else. Kevin had more to lose than I did, so it was a bit more difficult a decision for him."

While Michael's passion for music became his bread & butter in the early 1970's, Kevin although he appreciated music didn't discover his second calling until he and Michael performed together for the first time in 1994. "Definitely after the first show. I was terrified. But we came off stage and I was hit with that rush, that rush that says I've gotta do that again'." And The Bacon Brothers were set in motion. 

With many of Kevin's contemporaries (Keanu Reeves, Johnny Depp, Kevin Costner) fronting bands, Kevin admits after 30 years it's often an uphill battle trying to convince music lovers and record labels he's serious about his passions "It's still hard. People are often wary of actors who play music."

Big brother says he gets annoyed when critics attack Kevin, or assume that Michael carries the musical load full time. "It still bothers me when he has to prove himself as a musician, and when people assume I write all the music. Kevin brings so much to the band."

Despite Michael's 20 year head start in the business, he says his younger brother has come a long way in the music world. "It's changed a bit over the years, especially since Kevin's skills have increased. I feel he's more comfortable as a singer songwriter."

The brothers do enjoy writing and recording, but their busy lives don't always allow them to be in the same room during the initial process. Michael admits innovation has helped. "Of course technology has changed over the past 30 years. Now we can download a song, send it to each other, so we each have a sense what we're working on."

They approach songwriting from different perspectives, with Kevin being more singularly focused. "When I have an idea I usually jump right on it. For the most part I want to take it to the finish line, maybe get it demoed before I send it to Michael."

Although both agree they find inspiration for songwriting on an observational level, Michael has a different term of it. "I call it confessional. I wait for whims to come by, maybe it's something that happened that day to me or I witnessed."

Kevin has a different outlook. "Obviously you see things around you and they can bring about something in a song. I believe songs should have structure, and some have wide range appeal, but they can be personal as well." Kevin's day job influences his thinking. "Because I'm an actor I approach songs in a cinematic way. I want the listener to experience the songs."

Kevin goes on to say, "When I writing or when we're recording usually the songs take us where they need to be." He does find the process more intimate. "I'm definitely more personal in my songs than I am in any interview. Even more so than in my acting, because as an actor I'm reading lines written by someone else."

Michael is quick to add that writing songs and performing live is among the greatest talents people can have. "I think Kevin would agree that being able to make music is the most revered skill in our culture."

Growing up during the birth of rock n' roll, Michael says his influences varied, including film and stage music. "I was more into folk, world, classical, delta blues, and Broadway, until the British Invasion hit in the mid 60's. Then it was straight out to rock and roll."

Kevin on the other hand came along during a separate time period. "Actually the nine year gap caused us to be influenced by slightly different things. By the time I came around to music it was all Motown and British Invasion. I didn't really know or like showtunes, doowop or standards."

Their 1997 debut release is titled 'FOROSOCO', a name derived from what the brothers describe as a mix of folk, rock, soul, and country. Kevin admits there is no rhyme or reason to songs that make it on a particular album. "We have a wide variety because we let the song dictate the arrangement, and the instrumentation." 

Adding, "We have two writers in the band which means that the songs will naturally be different. He's (Michael) very focused on melodies and harmonies, and I'm focused on overall groove."

Although Michael enjoys the thrill of performing with Kevin, he considers what they do more work than pleasure. "It's always hard for me to think of anything I do in music as fun, but we share some amazing musical experiences." He does admit that playing live is one of the greatest thrills ever.

He recalls a few highlights over the past 30 years. "The Belly Up in San Diego, The Birchmere in VA, opening for The Band at Carnegie Hall, shooting a video with The Bellamy Brothers and joining them on The Opry stage, Beale St. Memphis, 6 Degrees drop in-at Ronald McDonald Houses."

Kevin shares similar recollections and adds one of his special highlights. "We played with Daryl Hall and his band on 'Live From Daryl's House' (circa 2009), and hearing him sing some of our music was a thrill."

Three decades later Michael and Kevin have released 12 albums including their latest the appropriately titled 'Ballad of the Brothers' (2024). The album explores their genuine love for American roots music. The disc offers up 11 tracks including the edgier alt-rock (Take Off This Tattoo), Motown-inspired soul (Put Your HandUp), fingerpicked folk (Let That Be Enough), and a good mix of everything in between. 

Michael admits it's in the same vein as its predecessors. "Really it's not any different from the previous albums we've recorded. We went into the studio and we were short some songs, so it thought it might be an EP (extended play). But we found a few more songs. I think it's an honest album, and has some wide ranging genres on it."

His brother agrees. "At this point Michael and I have gotten better at what we do. I believe our songwriting has gotten better. Our live performances have gotten better. From the very start we coined a term that we agreed would define our music, and that is 'forosoco', which stands for folk, rock, soul, and country. Our music incorporates all elements of those types of music." He adds, "We definitely love to experiment with our music."

Although Kevin is still busy with his acting career, Michael says they'll always find time to record and go out on tour. "I don't see any reason for us to slow down."

Michael adds all the right elements are in place. "We're comfortable on stage. We work well together. We have a good band and frankly good chemistry overall. So unless we're physically incapable of going out on the road, I don't see any reason to stop what we're doing." Kevin agrees.

For followers of the Bacon Brothers and their brand of folk, rock, soul, and country music, I encourage fans to catch the brothers and their band when they play the Lakefront Stage at the Coastal Carolina Fair on Friday November 8th. Show starts at about 8pm and is free with admission to the fair. 

For all things Bacon Brothers and their music check out their website https://www.baconbros.com/  And for a little taste of Michael and Kevin when they appeared on 'Live From Daryl's House (they share a Philly connection) visit  https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xh6ofl and kttps://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLINSQGXREtvc28o-RIKn9gy-OQRV--fa9