Interviews: Breather

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Grunge/Shoegaze band Breather from the UK. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it come out like that?

The name actually came from our old lead guitarist; the band is named after the Chapterhouse song of the same name. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We thought Grunge-gaze best fits our current sound. We blend elements of '90s grunge, modern Alternative, and gazy/dreamy genres. 

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

Harry and Josh went to school together, but never really crossed paths musically until BREATHER. Josh also knew Jack previously from a music-based youth group called Livewire. Then Jack knew Scott and Harry through mutual friends and was brought in early into the band. 

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Scott: XTC

Josh: The Wonder Years

Jack: Way too many to name

Harry: It changes quite often 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We tend to write songs in a "go with the flow" style. We create music as an outlet for creativity and emotion, so whatever we feel like writing is how the song goes. In particular, the movies of David lynch and Robert Altman, surrealist painters like Francis Bacon, and nightmares. We tend to delve more into the subconscious andthe  darker side of the human psyche to create our sound. 

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last show was at The Spice Of Life in Soho, hosted by HotVox and featured REAL TEETH, Nose Ghost, Matilda Grace and Aliana Chambers. It was an awesome sell-out show where we met some great new acts we can't wait to keep up with. 

7. Where would you like to act?

I think our dream would be the larger UK festivals like Reading & Leeds, Glastonbury, Download, and Slam Dunk. Another big dream for us it to play in Europe and the US. Australia would be insane too! 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

I think we would all have different choices here, but we think collaboration is awesome! 

9. Who not?

I think we would be mostly open to anything, really. It's always worth the shot in case you find something unique that you wouldn't expect to work. 

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

I think we all suffer from stage fright on occasion. I think it would be a lie to say we haven't! We all deal with it differently too, whether it be 20 minutes alone warming up, or a cheeky pint or 2. There’s an interview with Bill Hader talking about his stage fright and how Jeff Bridges’ advice to him was “fear is your friend”. It's always worth it to keep that in mind every time you perform. If you become too comfortable and complacent, that's where mistakes tend to happen most. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We take inspiration from so many different places. Josh listens to a lot of midwest emo and pop-punk, Scott often shows us more of the obscure indie bands of the 2000s, Harry often talks about how Muse has inspired him over the years and Jack has a very broad taste. I would say that all of this combined is what inspires us, over any specific artists. 

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

Thankfully, nothing so far, but I guess there's always still time! 

13. What do you think of your fans?

The fans are everything, without them it wouldn't be possible, really. Whether it's streaming our music, buying the merch, or just coming and sharing your energy at a show. All of it contributes to helping us spend weekends crammed into a car, eating way too much fast food. 

14. What do you think of our site?

It's awesome! It's great to see so many different types of bands all being covered in one place. We had a great time reading through some similar articles! 

15. Something to add?

Thank you so much for featuring us in this interview! Make sure to check out our latest music, see if we're coming to a venue near you, and show your support! We'd also like to shout out a few friends: In August, Keep This Up, CarrierUK, Lacerta, and Foreign Voices! Check them all out!