Interviews: Broken Side

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock/Rock band Broken Side from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

I think the band name morphed from the thought that everything has a broken side to it. When we started the band, Stranger Things was very popular, and "the upside down" seemed kind of like the "Broken Side". Nothing is ever perfect, there is always that Broken Side of things. The name just kind of stuck and we went with it.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We usually get asked, "What does your band sound like?" This is kind of the same question. We play a mix of genres all bunched together and it comes out sounding like Broken Side. It is rock, but there are progressive elements, melodic elements, and different genres that we, as individuals, bring to the table. Music, for us, is more of a feeling. We put what feels right into our songs as we write, and that's not really a specific genre. So we just call it alt-rock and hope that people like it as much as we do.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

Not really. Jesse (main vox) and Jonathan (guitar/backing vox) are cousins, and they grew up together. They had played music together for a long time and were the founding members of Broken Side before Justin, John, and Skylar entered the mix. The rest of us were strangers and were found through ads online and on Facebook looking for like-minded musicians. We are going on 3 years now, so I think it's working.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Jesse Thacker (Main Vox / Guitar): Karnivool, Tremonti, Sevendust, 10 Years, Killswitch Engage 

Jonathan Crawford (Guitar / Vox): Alterbridge, Mark Tremonti, Creed, Metallica, Bullet For my Valentine. 

Justin Myers (Drums): Tool, SoundGarden, Sevendust, Hootie, and the Blowfish 

John Wiest (Guitar/Vox): XTC, Mr. Bungle, Genesis, Faith No More

Skylar Gratz (Bass): Mastodon, Gojira, Red Fang, Karnivool, Static X

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We draw inspiration from a number of places. Sometimes it can be from a movie, a thought, or just something happening in life at that time. Each of our members likes to write, so some of the lyrics for a song might come from a little of each of us. Although Jesse usually gets the final say, because he will be singing the content. We added our biggest influences to the favorite artists list above. Our music process usually starts with a guitar or bass riff though, and we expand on the riff until a song falls out.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at a small music festival in Oak Grove, Kentucky. We were helping to raise money for rebuilding a local music venue called The Warehouse located in Clarksville, TN. The old namesake of the venue closed at the end of the summer and a friend purchased a new venue location. So to support him and the business, we went out and played some music. A few days before that we opened for Drowning Pool's -Strike a Nerve tour in Knoxville, TN with Through Fire, Black Satellite, and Kurt Deimer. Both of those shows were awesome!

7. Where would you like to play music?

We would love to get into some of the larger music festivals. We have been working hard towards that goal. In reality, we would love to tour with a respected national artist (hopefully someone from one of our favorite lists). A band that likes our tunes, and matches well. Otherwise, we are ready and willing to play anywhere that we can gain listeners and fans.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Really anyone from our favorites lists. As a whole, we just love music, and being able to play a show with any great musicians is always a treat!

9. Whom not?

Honestly, I think we would play music with anyone. If there is a willing crowd who will accept and enjoy our music, we will play anywhere willing to bring us in. We won't let them down.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

HA! Every time we play live we get nervous. It's a normal thing. Anticipation is the worst part of it, being nervous and not sleeping well the night before a show or having the nervous energy and sweaty palms before going on. The best way to get over stage fright is to be confident in your ability. You may be nervous to step on stage in front of a large crowd, but if you know your part, and you can depend on your band to know theirs, then there is not really anything to be worried about. You just do what you do and have fun. There will always be mistakes, and most of the time a musician will beat himself up about a mistake that no one else even noticed. Don't do that. If you screw up, just take it and move on. Knowing your material and practicing to be as perfect as possible while off-stage, will make you a better performer on stage every time. Also.. Wait to have that big meal until after performing... You do not want those spicy tacos making an appearance during the set.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

See the favorite list above! We all have inspirations from different areas in music. Different genres and types. It's what makes our music blend the way it does.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Our drummer was asked to sign a man's nipple... It was weird and hairy, but he bought a couple shirts and a CD or two... So it was worth the laugh. (At least we think..)

13. What do you think of your fans?

We love our fans. It's a personal relationship. Music brings people together in ways that are almost indescribable. So when someone says they love one of our songs, we can all relate. We all have songs or musicians that we love, and to be able to share a moment in someone's life by being their personal soundtrack, is amazing. Think back to a song you love, and I guarantee that the song has the power to transport you to an emotion or feeling that you had at some point in life while listening to that song. Our fans give us a chance to share that.

14. What do you think of our site?

Breathing the Core is an awesome site! Promoting bands globally is an amazing accomplishment and really helps small independent bands like us to get out on a larger scale. We can tell that you love what you do, and you love the music that you stand behind. Keep it up, and Thank you!

15. Something to add?

Support your local music scene. If you own a venue and have a national act coming through, invite the local act to open. If you love music, get out there and support the musicians making it! Buy some merch, download the songs if you like them, and let them know you appreciate the hard work that went into it.