Post by wingsj0 on Jun 24, 2006 18:41:46 GMT
Imagine me and you...
Okay, now forget about us and imagine instead a time when popular music became truly high art.
A time before music became boring and stale.
A time when pop music dictated the heartbeat of the world.
At a time when the singles chart actually meant something.
Imagine a time when pop songs didn't have to stoop to conquer.
Well, the Golden Age of rock n roll is returning as The Breakdowns begin their quest to reclaim the Earth for true pop fans everywhere...
Joe (lead vocals/guitar), Matt (lead guitar/vocals) and Adam (bass/vocals) joined forces with Owen (drums) to create perfect rock n roll for the disillusioned masses.
Tired of 'nu rock', 'nu metal' 'nu punk' and 'nu whatever else', The Breakdowns have quickly established themselves as fanastic song writers and live performers - wowing listeners and audiences alike with their hook laden pop nuggets and intense, purposeful melodies.
The Breakdowns have been compared to Tom petty, Ramones, Elvis Costello, Thin Lizzy, Joe Jackson, Johnny Thunders and The Kinks to name but a few.
The Breakdowns want it all - not just for themselves, but for you too.
The Breakdowns
Meet Joe Breakdown.......
How old were you when you first learnt the instrument you play?
Joe Breakdown: Well, I am a singer really and took up guitar at a late stage, probably about 18/19, to help me write songs. I have played drums from the age of about 15,so I sat behind the kit in my first few bands. I guess I was always a frustrated front man though.
What music did you listen to whilst growing up and who where your music idols?
Joe Breakdown: I was lucky that my parents are massive music fans and encourage me to pick out stuff from their collection at an early age. I remember being about 3 or 4 and being home with my mum and listening to Zeppelin, T rex, Meatloaf, Bowie, Hendrix, The Who & The Stones. Later on I discovered that my Dad was an obsessive Mott The Hoople fan, so I dug out all his Mott and Ian Hunter records and went to town on them. I also got heavily into US punk/rock n roll when I was a teenager, as I played drums for a Ramones tribute band. I guess myself and Matt (Breakdowns lead guitarist) are obsessive Ramones fans. I think our love of classic pop/rock shines through in our music. We all love Spector and his girl groups, 60s pop and 70s power pop...
How did the band meet?
Joe Breakdown: Myself, Matt and Adam (bass guitar) all played in a rock band called The Rockitts.We decided we wanted a change of sound and direction, so the band came to an end, allowing us to pursue our ambition of being Britain's most exciting power pop band! We were struggling for a drummer until we auditoned Owen last June. It was the hottest day of the year and things just clicked. So we really haven't existed as The Breakdowns for that long.
What was the reason for calling yourselves The Breakdowns?
Joe Breakdown: Ha, we had a list of over 600 alternatives, most of them offensive! I think Matt came up with The Breakdowns after listening to the song 'Breakdown' by one of our collective heroes, Tom Petty. I guess it also reflects our attitue towards the break up of our old band.
Who are the bands influences?
Joe Breakdown: We are obsessive musical fans. We all love guitar rock,but all have different influences. For example, Owen is a big Rush, AC/DC & Cult fan, whereas Adam has a soft spot for Queen, The Who & The Clash. There's some bands we all love.We all love The Clash, Petty, Ramones, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, The Kinks & early American rock n roll. Matt is pretty influenced by Ace Frehley of Kiss. A lot of his chops are influenced by the classic rock n roll bands of the 70s. That's good by me.
I, as you know, love Ian Hunter, but I guess vocally, I try my best to emulate Steve Marriott, with a bit of Hunter's accenting thrown in!
As a band why it is important for you to keep rock 'n' roll alive?
Joe Breakdown: Geez, the UK music industry ebbs and flows. At the minute, what we do isn't mainstream, although it should be. We really want to be one of thos bands that you would see week in, week out on Top Of The Pops in the seventies- like Slade, The Rollers, the Quo even!! We approach all of our songs as if we are writing a hit single. No fillers, everything we do is a greatest hit in our eyes! Guitar music is back in- for the minute.We may be seen as untrendy by some, but for those who like big hooks and soaring vocal harmonies, we are quickly becoming an important band in the UK power pop scene!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Joe Breakdown: Playing the IPO Festival in Liverpool was absolutely awesome.Playing with like minded guitar pop bands from all over the globe. Meeting new fans from Japan, Finland, Germany, Spain, The States....great stuff. International Pop Overthrow organiser David Bash certainly knows how to put together a great festival!
Do you write your own songs, and if so who is the song-writer?
Joe Breakdown: We are an original band. We tend to write individually, then bring the songs to the group and work on them.Matt is certainly the most prolific song writer, although myself and Adam weigh in with our fare share too. Owen also plays guitar, and I know he has a stack of tracks that he is readying for us....we are prolific writers!
What kind of venues do you play and where can people/fans come and see you?
Joe Breakdown: If people keep checking our website, they can always catch up on our latest news and gig listings. We play wherever will have us- we have played in London a few times which is always a thrill. We have also been invited over to play in Spain, and in the US and Canada. If we can afford it, we'll make it over for sure!!
You have recently recorded an EP what can you tell us about that and most importantly were can music lovers purchase a copy from?
Joe Breakdown: I believe the EP will be available through Kool Kat Records in the US, but don't wanna confirm this just yet! In the mean time, we are gonna put the five track CD out on our own label, and will be available through our websites, at gigs and hopefully all your favourite online record stores and independent dealers. Keep em peeled, we will know more soon.
What are your opinions of the music industry of today?
Joe Breakdown: The days seem to be gone when a cigar chomping mogul will give you a fat advance to go record your record. We accept that, but there is always hope- just look at the success The Artic Monkeys have had. Its a hard slog to get yourself noticed, but we are lucky that our fan base are all so cool and knowledgeable about music. Word of mouth is a great form of promotion, and we have picked up a lot of cool new fans through our myspace website. However, if a major label is out there, please sign us- we deserve it!
What ambitions do you have for The Breakdowns?
Joe Breakdown: We wanna see the world, play Top Of The Pops and have a great time doing it! When we here people say that they have been listening to us on their I-Pod, or that they have heard us on a radio station in Denver, Colorado- it makes us happy. It shows that our music is being spread out across the world. We want everyone to listen to us because we write and record songs for everybody to listen to.
Youve recently played at the International Pop Overthrow how did it go?
Joe Breakdown: Wow, that was amazing! We have been invited back to the States to play a leg of the festival over there.
I'm not just saying it because we played it, but the IPO is the best music festival in the world right now! Come on, it's all free! there were 150 plus acts on in Liverpool and we all played twice. The crowds were big and responsive because everybody knew they were gonna have a good time. The IPO puts emphasis aon song writing and guitar pop, so you are guaranteed to see some awesome pop music. Organisor and CEO David Bash clearly has an ear for a tune- the line up was stunning. We can't thank him enough for his interest and support.
Describe The Breakdowns gig to us:
Energetic- we are more agressive live than on record. As a group, we can out sing almost anyone, so expect all the big hooks and drama of a Breakdowns record with some added guitar posing, bass player strutting and me doing my best Jagger/Elvis/Steven Tyler impression.
As we were recently described in a review; 'live The Breakdowns are a lot of fun. Tight, energetic and passionate, you wanna stand there and take in everything, but their songs want you to move, clap and dance around'....
I think that sums us up perfectly!!
Jo Rishton, with
Joe Breakdown
Official Site: www.myspace.com/thebreakdownsband
The minute I heard the Breakdowns songs on MYSPACE I fell in love with their sound. The Breakdowns write their own music, the bands live performance is exciting, full of energy, fun and passion.
I think The Breakdowns have got what it takes to make it because their songs have ‘a hit formula within in them. If your out and about in Liverpool or London be sure to check them out because we at The Beat Goes On And On think ‘The Breakdowns’ rock!
I'd like to thank Joe Breakdown for taking the time out of the bands busy schedule to talk to The Beat Goes On And On.
You can listen to and download The Breakdowns music here: www.pineapster.co.uk/the_breakdowns.html
Be sure to check them out because it will be the BEST musical move you've ever made!
This interview has been approved by Joe Breakdown.
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
Okay, now forget about us and imagine instead a time when popular music became truly high art.
A time before music became boring and stale.
A time when pop music dictated the heartbeat of the world.
At a time when the singles chart actually meant something.
Imagine a time when pop songs didn't have to stoop to conquer.
Well, the Golden Age of rock n roll is returning as The Breakdowns begin their quest to reclaim the Earth for true pop fans everywhere...
Joe (lead vocals/guitar), Matt (lead guitar/vocals) and Adam (bass/vocals) joined forces with Owen (drums) to create perfect rock n roll for the disillusioned masses.
Tired of 'nu rock', 'nu metal' 'nu punk' and 'nu whatever else', The Breakdowns have quickly established themselves as fanastic song writers and live performers - wowing listeners and audiences alike with their hook laden pop nuggets and intense, purposeful melodies.
The Breakdowns have been compared to Tom petty, Ramones, Elvis Costello, Thin Lizzy, Joe Jackson, Johnny Thunders and The Kinks to name but a few.
The Breakdowns want it all - not just for themselves, but for you too.
The Breakdowns
Meet Joe Breakdown.......
How old were you when you first learnt the instrument you play?
Joe Breakdown: Well, I am a singer really and took up guitar at a late stage, probably about 18/19, to help me write songs. I have played drums from the age of about 15,so I sat behind the kit in my first few bands. I guess I was always a frustrated front man though.
What music did you listen to whilst growing up and who where your music idols?
Joe Breakdown: I was lucky that my parents are massive music fans and encourage me to pick out stuff from their collection at an early age. I remember being about 3 or 4 and being home with my mum and listening to Zeppelin, T rex, Meatloaf, Bowie, Hendrix, The Who & The Stones. Later on I discovered that my Dad was an obsessive Mott The Hoople fan, so I dug out all his Mott and Ian Hunter records and went to town on them. I also got heavily into US punk/rock n roll when I was a teenager, as I played drums for a Ramones tribute band. I guess myself and Matt (Breakdowns lead guitarist) are obsessive Ramones fans. I think our love of classic pop/rock shines through in our music. We all love Spector and his girl groups, 60s pop and 70s power pop...
How did the band meet?
Joe Breakdown: Myself, Matt and Adam (bass guitar) all played in a rock band called The Rockitts.We decided we wanted a change of sound and direction, so the band came to an end, allowing us to pursue our ambition of being Britain's most exciting power pop band! We were struggling for a drummer until we auditoned Owen last June. It was the hottest day of the year and things just clicked. So we really haven't existed as The Breakdowns for that long.
What was the reason for calling yourselves The Breakdowns?
Joe Breakdown: Ha, we had a list of over 600 alternatives, most of them offensive! I think Matt came up with The Breakdowns after listening to the song 'Breakdown' by one of our collective heroes, Tom Petty. I guess it also reflects our attitue towards the break up of our old band.
Who are the bands influences?
Joe Breakdown: We are obsessive musical fans. We all love guitar rock,but all have different influences. For example, Owen is a big Rush, AC/DC & Cult fan, whereas Adam has a soft spot for Queen, The Who & The Clash. There's some bands we all love.We all love The Clash, Petty, Ramones, Cheap Trick, Aerosmith, The Kinks & early American rock n roll. Matt is pretty influenced by Ace Frehley of Kiss. A lot of his chops are influenced by the classic rock n roll bands of the 70s. That's good by me.
I, as you know, love Ian Hunter, but I guess vocally, I try my best to emulate Steve Marriott, with a bit of Hunter's accenting thrown in!
As a band why it is important for you to keep rock 'n' roll alive?
Joe Breakdown: Geez, the UK music industry ebbs and flows. At the minute, what we do isn't mainstream, although it should be. We really want to be one of thos bands that you would see week in, week out on Top Of The Pops in the seventies- like Slade, The Rollers, the Quo even!! We approach all of our songs as if we are writing a hit single. No fillers, everything we do is a greatest hit in our eyes! Guitar music is back in- for the minute.We may be seen as untrendy by some, but for those who like big hooks and soaring vocal harmonies, we are quickly becoming an important band in the UK power pop scene!
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Joe Breakdown: Playing the IPO Festival in Liverpool was absolutely awesome.Playing with like minded guitar pop bands from all over the globe. Meeting new fans from Japan, Finland, Germany, Spain, The States....great stuff. International Pop Overthrow organiser David Bash certainly knows how to put together a great festival!
Do you write your own songs, and if so who is the song-writer?
Joe Breakdown: We are an original band. We tend to write individually, then bring the songs to the group and work on them.Matt is certainly the most prolific song writer, although myself and Adam weigh in with our fare share too. Owen also plays guitar, and I know he has a stack of tracks that he is readying for us....we are prolific writers!
What kind of venues do you play and where can people/fans come and see you?
Joe Breakdown: If people keep checking our website, they can always catch up on our latest news and gig listings. We play wherever will have us- we have played in London a few times which is always a thrill. We have also been invited over to play in Spain, and in the US and Canada. If we can afford it, we'll make it over for sure!!
You have recently recorded an EP what can you tell us about that and most importantly were can music lovers purchase a copy from?
Joe Breakdown: I believe the EP will be available through Kool Kat Records in the US, but don't wanna confirm this just yet! In the mean time, we are gonna put the five track CD out on our own label, and will be available through our websites, at gigs and hopefully all your favourite online record stores and independent dealers. Keep em peeled, we will know more soon.
What are your opinions of the music industry of today?
Joe Breakdown: The days seem to be gone when a cigar chomping mogul will give you a fat advance to go record your record. We accept that, but there is always hope- just look at the success The Artic Monkeys have had. Its a hard slog to get yourself noticed, but we are lucky that our fan base are all so cool and knowledgeable about music. Word of mouth is a great form of promotion, and we have picked up a lot of cool new fans through our myspace website. However, if a major label is out there, please sign us- we deserve it!
What ambitions do you have for The Breakdowns?
Joe Breakdown: We wanna see the world, play Top Of The Pops and have a great time doing it! When we here people say that they have been listening to us on their I-Pod, or that they have heard us on a radio station in Denver, Colorado- it makes us happy. It shows that our music is being spread out across the world. We want everyone to listen to us because we write and record songs for everybody to listen to.
Youve recently played at the International Pop Overthrow how did it go?
Joe Breakdown: Wow, that was amazing! We have been invited back to the States to play a leg of the festival over there.
I'm not just saying it because we played it, but the IPO is the best music festival in the world right now! Come on, it's all free! there were 150 plus acts on in Liverpool and we all played twice. The crowds were big and responsive because everybody knew they were gonna have a good time. The IPO puts emphasis aon song writing and guitar pop, so you are guaranteed to see some awesome pop music. Organisor and CEO David Bash clearly has an ear for a tune- the line up was stunning. We can't thank him enough for his interest and support.
Describe The Breakdowns gig to us:
Energetic- we are more agressive live than on record. As a group, we can out sing almost anyone, so expect all the big hooks and drama of a Breakdowns record with some added guitar posing, bass player strutting and me doing my best Jagger/Elvis/Steven Tyler impression.
As we were recently described in a review; 'live The Breakdowns are a lot of fun. Tight, energetic and passionate, you wanna stand there and take in everything, but their songs want you to move, clap and dance around'....
I think that sums us up perfectly!!
Jo Rishton, with
Joe Breakdown
Official Site: www.myspace.com/thebreakdownsband
The minute I heard the Breakdowns songs on MYSPACE I fell in love with their sound. The Breakdowns write their own music, the bands live performance is exciting, full of energy, fun and passion.
I think The Breakdowns have got what it takes to make it because their songs have ‘a hit formula within in them. If your out and about in Liverpool or London be sure to check them out because we at The Beat Goes On And On think ‘The Breakdowns’ rock!
I'd like to thank Joe Breakdown for taking the time out of the bands busy schedule to talk to The Beat Goes On And On.
You can listen to and download The Breakdowns music here: www.pineapster.co.uk/the_breakdowns.html
Be sure to check them out because it will be the BEST musical move you've ever made!
This interview has been approved by Joe Breakdown.
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.