This week’s Alumni Update is on Brennan Beck. Brennan was born and raised in Rocky Mount and graduated from RMA in 2013. Brennan was a big part of the RMA golf team his entire high school career and helped one of those teams break the school record. He was also involved in school plays and took multiple music classes. He attended UNC-Chapel Hill for his undergraduate degree, where he double majored in Economics and Advertising. Brennan is a huge UNC fan and loves their athletics. His other passion is music, which has been his focus since getting out of college. He is a member of the band Pluto Gang, a “high-energy jam soul band based out of Charlotte, NC.” 

Read below to learn more about Brennan and Pluto Gang!

• What are your hobbies/interests? Mostly all things UNC sports and going to concerts. Also performing concerts. I love concerts.

• Have you been involved in sports, music, art, etc. growing up? If so, elaborate. At RMA, I played golf from 7th grade to senior year (I think our senior year team still holds the school record, no big deal). I also was in a few plays and took a few of the music classes there. 

• If you had to select one moment in your life that defines you so far, what would it be? Probably passing the AP Chemistry exam. That was tough. Thanks Dr. Fritschel. 

• Where do you see yourself in 10 years? Hopefully traveling the world playing music for people.

• What is something not many people know about you? I’m better than Dillon at ping pong

• If you were stranded on a desert island, what 3 objects would you bring? My guitar, probably some sort of book, and a water filter? I think that would work.

• What is your favorite TV show and why? True Detective Season 1 and 3. Great plot, terrific acting. Has everything you want in a good TV show.

• What was your favorite part of being at RMA? The people –  both friends and teachers. A lot of good people around RMA.

• What are the biggest influences of your music? Singing wise, my biggest influences are probably Allen Stone, Miguel, and Frank Ocean. In general, definitely the Grateful Dead, Phish, Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, etc. 

• What’s your greatest accomplishment in music so far? Not only getting songs on Spotify, but getting a surprising amount of listens as well. We’re close to hitting 300,000 total. 

• Who are the members of Pluto Gang?

Brennan Beck – Vocals

Dilllon Crawford – Guitar, Vocals

Wood Britton – Guitar

Joe May – Keys, Vocals

Pat Rogers – Bass

Wilson Smith – Drums