By: Dalton Kimbro
Music is a part of every college student’s life, but for Auburn University at Montgomery (AUM) freshmen Matthew and Ethan Linna, it’s much more than that. The twin brothers are both members of a Millbrook-based alt-rock/grunge band called “13 Seconds of Silence,” and although only a year old, the band is making waves across the River Region. “Our sound is very unique,” said Ethan Linna, bass guitarist and backup vocalist. “Many of our guitar parts are inspired by Kurt Cobain and “Nirvana” and we sing a lot of harmonies that are similar to “Alice in Chains. We also use the bass to play some solos, kind of like “Metallica” or “Seether.” The band, which is currently signed to Nashville-based Irongate Records, has been the brothers’ first real musical project, but their musical experience goes back to their childhood. “We started playing music on the video game ‘Rock Band’ as kids,” said Ethan. “Around age 13-14, we started playing together at our church. That was the first real music we played.” After a jam session in September 2021 with a new guitarist, “13 Seconds of Silence” was born. “During that first jam session, we wrote our song “Before the Dawn,” said Matthew Linna, Lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist. “There was a lot of good chemistry between us and our guitarist Powell Franklin, so the band started that day.” As the band grew, drummer Chris Offutt was added to the lineup that still stands today. The band wrote and played local gigs including the City of Wetumpka’s Oktoberfest in 2021 for around eight months before being signed by Irongate. “One day we were all just playing and singing in a music store and an artist whom Irongate already signed approached us and talked to us about the band,” said Matthew. Shortly after, that artist would tell Irongate owners Mark Skoda and Greg Upchurch about the potential he saw in the Linnas and their band, and a few months later they had officially signed. “It’s something we’re thankful for. We get to live out so many people’s dreams,” said Matthew. “13 Seconds of Silence,” coming out of a recent performance at Wetumpka’s Oktoberfest 2022, says they have big plans for the future. “We’re about to start doing more gigs, and we’re looking to release an EP sometime in early 2023,” said Ethan. You can check out “13 Seconds of Silence” on Spotify, and follow all of their socials listed below.
Instagram: @13secondsofsilence
Facebook: 13 Seconds of Silence
YouTube: 13 Seconds of Silence