Introducing Brother Thunder, the electrifying fusion of rock and soul hailing from the heart of Austin, Texas. Formed in 2020 by the visionary duo of Chris Pena and Keith Sanders, this powerhouse collective brings together an irresistible blend of soulful melodies and raw rock energy that captivates audiences at every turn.
At its core, Brother Thunder comprises six members: Keith Sanders on vocals, Chris Pena on guitar, Angelo Dulang on bass, John Cherry on keys, Jacob Rapp on drums, and Justin Malone on percussion. Each member injects their unique flair into the band's sound, creating a tapestry of soul, rock, and psychedelic influences that beckons listeners to groove along.
Fueling the band's creative engine is Chris Pena, the primary songwriter whose musical ingenuity drives the band's sonic evolution. Complementing Pena's compositions are the soul-stirring lyrics and powerful vocals of Keith Sanders, infusing each track with depth and emotion.
In a testament to their rising prominence, Brother Thunder graced the stage of the revered Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2023, enthralling audiences with their magnetic performance on the esteemed BMI stage.
With an infectious energy and a sound that transcends genres, Brother Thunder stands poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene, one soulful riff at a time. In 2024 Brother Thunder received a grant from the City of Austin to record a full length album. Produced and engineered by Beto Martinez, their first full length album “Staring Into The Sun” was released May 23rd, 2025.
As the band further evolved Chris Pena passed the guitar over to Keegan Flynn, who now adds shreds alongside Keith. Alec Cabrera took over on drums later that year for Jacob Rapp, throwing in his impeccable timing in the mix. Chris Pena now resides in Crestone, Colorado making his contributions through song writing, and support through management. Rounding out an eventful 2025, Brother Thunder was nominated and voted to win a grant from Sonic Guild, a non-profit based in Austin, TX.
This year, Brother Thunder has already recorded several new songs, both in Texas and Colorado, slated to release later this year, and were invited to play Old Settler’s Music Fest in Driftwood, TX in April, 2026.