INTERVIEW: Artbreak — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

PHOTO CREDIT: Rachel Naomi

Artbreak

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TOM from Artbreak has been talking with me…

PHOTO CREDIT: Joupin Ghamsari

about the band’s current single, Soda Can (out on 18th May). He tells me what it was like working with producer Tony Visconti and whether more material is coming up; how the band have developed since their earliest days – how the guys all got together and started making music together.

Tom reveals a favourite memory from music and whether Artbreak have common musical influences; what advice he would give to new songwriters coming through; whether he gets much time to relax away from music – he ends the interview by picking a cool song.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey! Not too shabby, thank you.

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

Artbreak are a South London five-piece that attempts to merge angular, disconcerting riffs with Disco-Funk choruses.

Soda Can your new single (out on 18th May). What is the story behind it?

Well. You'd have to ask our lead singer for the full lowdown, but I always read it as a stream of consciousness; a backdoor into the mind of a disturbed narrator.

It is produced by Tony Visconti. How did it get involved with your music?! What did he add to the track, would you say?

We met Tony after a gig we did a couple of years back and he liked the music; told us to stay in contact - so we did - sending him demos, new releases and such. To our surprise, he got back in touch to ask if we'd like to cut a record at his new studio so, obviously, we jumped on the chance.

In terms of adding to the track, I don't think much changed in terms of structure: maybe a bar or two ended up on the cutting room floor but it was mainly arrangement ideas that he contributed; backing vocal stacks in the chorus and sampled sounds to beef up the drum kit.

Is there going to be more material coming? Might you work with Visconti again?

There's more material on the way. As for whether we meet with Visconti again, I'm not sure - he mentioned that he'd like to but you never know.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rachel Naomi

How did Artbreak get together? When did you start playing together?

Artbreak rose out of the ashes of another band called the Savage Nomads. Four of us had been playing together for a while and the music had started to evolve away from the type of music we had started with, so we decided to rebrand!

You seem to absorb a lot of sounds and influences. Who are the main artists you would highlight as inspirations?

That's putting it lightly and, if you asked each of us that question, you'd get a totally different answer. The only band I'm sure that we're all into is the (Red Hot) Chili Peppers. Their style is definitely a big influence on what we do.

How would you say you have developed as a band since your start? Do you think you have grown in confidence and strength?

I think our collective songwriting has gotten a lot better: we always used to come up with good ideas but, now, I think we have a better grasp of what sections fit together well and when it's best to just cut a section in half or remove it entirely. Every decision should be for the good of the overall song.

PHOTO CREDIT: Chris Patmore

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

You'd have to ask our manager…

What do you hope to achieve in 2018?

A triple-platinum album would be nice.

Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

The time in Liverpool where I'd just finished my first gig. I was incredibly nervous and terrified I was going to screw up and embarrass myself in front of all my mates, and I didn't and it went really well! I was so elated that I tripped over coming off the stage.

PHOTO CREDIT: Rachel Naomi

If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?

Oh, man…that's a tough one. I'd probably want to support Roddy Frame of the Scottish indie outfit Aztec Camera. Firstly, cos I'm a huge fan but, secondly, because I think we'd actually get on. As much as I love Led Zeppelin, I can't see us hitting it off for some reason.

As for the rider; I'd just ask for heaps of cocaine. I could flog it on the way home and double my money.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Love prevails.

IN THIS PHOTO: Organised Scum

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Check out a band called Organised Scum. Don't be put off by the name: it's actually very gentle, emotional music. Also; my mate is in a pretty cool band called Scent. If they ever get round to putting more music out, it'll be worth a listen.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

Not really. As well as Artbreak, I also gig for a living and, when I'm not doing that, I teach guitar and bass. When I do get some time off, I tend to read about politics, which is not very relaxing.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Play some Scent. It smells good.