As FEARLESS Records newest signed group, NOT A TOY is a collective of four creatives including Branson Hoog (frontman and lead vocals), Jeremy Marmor (guitar), Benji Spoliansky (drums), and TJ Wessel (violin and keys). Their first single “J Cash” has an ambitious sound and melodic guitar hook that gives their fans a taste of what’s to come. Not fitting into one specific genre and taking the music experience to the next level, the foursome also creates their own clothes, artwork, and music videos. “NOT A TOY is not just a band; it’s a lifestyle of art and creation. We’re not the first to combine different genres of music, but we’re also actually blending other artforms-from streetwear to art shows. We’re a snapshot of this generation’s tattooed youth and bedroom beatmakers. We’re just creating, and there are no rules to creation,” says Branson.
Along with the new music, Branson is also a well-established tattoo artist. Having been inspired by fans and the alt. punk rock community, Branson gives his all and tattoos with a purpose. Throughout his time touring the US, during his apprenticeship and for the last 3 years he has been tattooing professionally, Branson has come across many fans that struggle with self-harm and mental health. Branson has become an artist that transcends just performing live music and helps create tattoos that speak to those dealing with self-harm and inking them up with beautiful art to cover their scars as a positive reminder.
Born and raised in Fort Collins, Colorado, Branson knew from a young age that the arts would play a big part in his life. Growing up with a piano in the house, Branson began taking lessons with his younger brother and then transitioned to the guitar. Branson also performed as a dancer doing hip-hop and break dancing with his sister competitively. This led to Branson discovering Missy Elliott. To this day Branson still credits Missy for shaping how he creates music and fueling his inspiration when he was younger when it came writing music and creating beats.
Music ultimately connected Branson to the tattoo industry. While in high school he discovered the “emo rock” genre that had taken the US by storm and had started a band with friends. Discovering a whole culture within a genre of music truly opened Branson’s eyes. He fell in love with the whole aesthetic of the “emo rock” genre and realized many of the artists he was idolizing at the time had tattoos. By the age of 18, Branson already had his first tattoo and was performing at local shows with his band. He would eventually go on to join the band SHATTERPROOF and began touring around the US and doing local shows.
