The best way to describe southern rock band Walking In Circles comes straight from the mouth of their energetic, eccentric co-vocalist Blake Brouse: “If rock is dead, then we’re the weirdos going to the cemetery at 3 a.m. with shovels.”
The Wadsworth, Ohio quintet take the sound of beloved ‘70s predecessors like Lynyrd Skynrd and evolve it with influences like Meatloaf and Led Zeppelin.
“We like taking those older sounds and being able to bring them into a more modern era,” explains guitarist and ‘80s shred-enthusiast Jake Gray. The band lineup is rounded out by bassist Gerard Dominick, co-vocalist Jenna Rae Gray, and drummer Thomas Newbauer, all of whom add an individualized zing to their classic style.
Jenna, for instance, takes her inspiration from modern artists such as The Cranberries and Adele, and country singer Dolly Parton, and brings her signature Blues-Rock growl into in the performances she leads, while Brouse, who has a background in theatre, employs the showmanship of Freddie Mercury to add a level of visual intrigue to their show.
When WIC take the stage, the goal is to have a blast and to make sure the audience is having one, too. It’s a “bring a poncho if you’re in the front row” affair, soaked in whiskey, gin and a little bit of sweet tea. Their purpose is simple, explains Gray, “We’re not here to change the world. Our job is to make it fun to live in.”
Band Member Bios
Blake Brouse
Lead Vocals | Background Vocals |Harmonica
Hello everybody, if you don’t know me my name is Blake Brouse and I’m the Lead Vocalist of Walking In Circles. I enjoy Dungeons and Dragons, long car rides, sea shanties, and zoning out at inopportune moments. I joined the band way back when I was in middle school and it’s been an exciting time performing as the Frontman over the last few years! I was raised in a Rock and Roll dominated house, so I cut my teeth on the classics. Vocally, i get my inspiration from Meatloaf, Jack Black, Jim Morrison, and the Motown sound as a whole. If it’s got emotion and a story, I’ll be belting it out.
Jenna Rae Gray
Background Vocals | Lead Vocals
In her own words, Canadian-born Jenna Rae Gray’s musical influences are a “mixed bag of inspirations”. But, one thing is certain for WIC’s newest female vocalist , she brings to the table a unique sounding Blues-Rock growl to her crystal clear voice, which is rooted originally in Country Music, mainly Dolly Parton, along with Alan Jackson, George Strait, and Patsy Cline.
Classic rock, though, has made it’s biggest inspiration mark on Jenna’s vocal talents as well, channeling Led Zeppelin, the Cranberries, Stevie Nicks, and Adele into her singing style.
Jenna is also a proficient Highland Dancer who is in process of studying to earn he Teaching License in Highland Dancing, and also has a strong Musical Theater background, which pairs up well with her Co-Singeer, Blake Brouse.
Jake Gray
Lead/Rhythm/Acoustic Guitar | Mandolin
My name is Jake Gray, I am one of the founding members of Walking In Circles, and am so happy to be a part of this talented group! I write the original music and play Guitar, ripping riffs and solos with every song, and have a blast doing it. I’ve been influenced by so many amazing people around me and in my life, as well as a pantheon of guitar heroes such as George Lynch, Jimi Hendrix and even bluegrass players such as Tony Rice, and Billy Strings. I hope to continue writing head banging riffs as long as people are willing to listen.
Gerard Dominick
Bass
Growing up on a farm, the silence and beauty of my surroundings gave me an amazing creative influence for my music and art. I started drawing at the age of three and was raised on all types of music. My mom and dad loved country . . . my cousins pushed me towards what is now classic rock . . . and my “I don’t give a crap what anyone thinks” attitude lead me to the punk rock scene. The diversity of the music I listened to lead me to appreciating almost EVERY style of music.
My dreams were always based around the arts. As a 6 yr. old I pretended to be Paul McCartney and Elvis and started beating drums at that time. I had books and books of sketches and cartoons that I made of planes, trains, and automobiles. My first drum kit was a birthday gift from my Godfather Joseph. He was signed to CBS records in the late 60’s and wanted to pass music on to me. I thumped for a few years and then dedicated my time to baseball (another passion) til I hit high school. In HS, I met new friends that were all players (guitar, drums and bass). I wanted to join a group so I took bass lessons for 6 months and haven’t stopped playing since. After an “eventful” HS life, I went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and graduated in less than 3 years so I could get into the work and career life. That’s when my professional music and graphics career began.
I have played in many bands over the years that did very well and came close to the elusive record deal twice. There are 22 full length records under my belt and I recorded on another 80 + tracks. I was able to balance a work career and tour nationally and internationally with amazing stories to tell. Meeting great people in all the cities I played was something I will always cherish. I have seen the ups and downs of the music business and hope to share those experiences with my new band mates.
Joining Walking In Circles has given me new inspiration as a player and performer. It’s great to be a part of a band that has talented players, great songs, and a great attitude. I always said, “I would rather play with great players with a positive attitude than gig with a-holes who think they are great”.
I am truly glad to help deliver the WIC message to the masses.
Thomas Newbauer
Drums
Thomas is an incredibly hard-rocking, powerhouse drummer who provides the heartbeat and backbone to our music, with great stage presence to match! Thomas’s musical influences are Neal Peart (Rush), Jon Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Gary Mallaber (Steve Miller Band), Michael Hossack and John Hartman (Doobie Brothers), and Dave Abbruzzese (Pearl Jam).