THE BRILLIANCE

The Brilliance creates art that inspires empathy.

In a world where hate is the language of the day, racial tension runs high, violence is a means to an end and shootings are a common occurrence, it’s easy to give in to despair. Yet, in the midst of New York City, one of the country’s most diverse and socially involved cities, lies a musical collective creating art that’s counter cultural.

The Brilliance’s acoustic-electric, symphonic-pop songs invite you to step outside yourself; to see the world through the eyes of the other, the stranger, and those you may consider your enemy. The band is comprised of songwriter David Gungor and composer John Arndt, who crafted their newest album with a full orchestra and choir, demonstrating wide-ranging sonic influences from Bach and Stravinsky to Jon Brion and The Beatles. The Brilliance takes the listener on a beautiful, all-encompassing emotional journey toward the discovery of our need for each other.

The two men have shared a brotherly bond since childhood when their fathers played in a wedding band together in the ’70s. Throughout college, they made music together in a variety of bands. Eventually, David wanted to write original music, so he sent some ideas to Arndt, and a unique musical journey began as the two, along with an ensemble of musician friends, began recording under the moniker of The Brilliance.