Breach The Asylum- The Chance (Christmas Party Live Show!) (Get Tickets!) (October 2021)

Issue Eighteen- October 2021:

By Mercedes Barreto

Music can be extreme, and this can cause some listeners to feel a bit discouraged from listening. Breach The Asylum is a rock and roll band that will completely change your mind. We witness their thoughts in this guided, yet informative article.

What is the best way to describe the style of the band, and what inspired this style or mood? How so?

“Breach the Asylum is a band that just plays Rock N Roll. I write original songs with themes that touch on subjects that can reach us all. Our latest single, “Long Road Home” is a love song, in its essence. The lyrics were written when I was working out of town, and about finding my way home both literally and emotionally. I do not write divisive material, but it doesn’t mean I will not be topical. “Bullets Over Love” is about choosing love and common sense in relation to the gun violence problems we have in this country. The overall mood of the band is based on a fun rock feel.”

Why has the band picked to perform the rock genre, and has performed the rock genre had some impact on the local community/society, in terms of the success of such performances, in terms of the response from community audiences or audiences in general? What is the usual response when performing for the audience? How so, if applicable?

“Rock music has been a very accepting community. When one of us falls, the rest of us help. If you play original music and you are in it for the money, it won’t be an enjoyable ride. There is already a Foo Fighters, already a Metallica… And they made a bunch of money. But somewhere the story was written in the music. I chose to play rock music because it is who I am. I’m not sure I had a choice. As far as the audience response goes, I know I do hope they like my songs and can relate to the stories. We have had some great shows and I hope that continues. Playing original music is a harder journey. The crowd doesn’t know the material so reeling them in is harder than if we were playing a bunch of familiar songs. But that is the path we chose when we decided to play original stuff.”

Has Covid had an impact on the musical functions of the band? How so?

“Covid has been a huge pain in the ass for those of us that want to play in front of an audience. There was a time we didn’t even have full band practice for 2 months. Between work schedules and Covid scares, it hasn’t been easy. We wrote a bunch of acoustic things during the time when we could not play shows. I definitely feel that the human race has used this time to knock each other down. The world needs more light in it, and I hope that the new normal gets people to start to be nicer to each other.”

What are two words that describe the vision for progress in the future for Breach The Asylum?

“Respect / Support. Why and how so? It is my signature. I give respect and support to my community. I hope to get it back in return as well. “We are One” – is a song about supporting each other. Every single person that steps on the stage deserves respect for making that leap. It isn’t something everyone can do.”

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If you could play two or three songs for two rock music industry executives, what songs would you play, and to which industry executives, if there were no limitations on these specifications, and if these details determined potential fame?

The first two songs would be “I Want it Back” (as of this interview not recorded), and “Novacain”. Both songs are representative of the band and both rock! “Novacain” has an acoustic version on Spotify / YouTube. The song is about being a friend, but not being a crutch. The third song would be “Long Road Home”. It is a ballad that I feel could be a huge hit. It has a great chorus & an awesome guitar solo. I would love to work with Butch Vig / Dave Grohl. I think they get it! If they were in on the production of a Breach the Asylum album, it would be done right. I also think Bob Rock could also take any band to that next level.”

Where can we find more information about the band, and why should we?

“The band has all the links on our website – http://www.breachtheasylum.com. We are on Spotify, ReverbNation, YouTube, Facebook, etc…”

What makes this band special and why?

“I started writing these songs many years ago. I hope to just get people to feel what I feel. If the Covid-time has given us anything to hold onto, it is that need to be together. I don’t want to be anything more than in a band. When I was 16 I wanted to be a rock star. Now I just want to be heard. The band plays real music and it doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be real.”

Anything else to add here?

“In the past year and 1/2, we have lost friends, family, and co-workers. We lost some to Covid and some to just bad cards in life is dealt. As a proud member of the Hudson Valley music scene, we lost one of ours in August. Frank Pallett, the owner of The Chance Theater and fellow musician, died way too young. On Friday, Dec 17th, Breach the Asylum is hosting a Christmas Party at The Chance and will also be collecting money to help give Frank’s two young girls a good day for their first Christmas without their dad.

In addition to losing Frank in August, his sister, Carolyn, passed away just a few days ago. She was a huge influence on Frank and the scene. She even co-hosted a radio show, “Live from The Chance” with Frank. That, plus the recent loss of Bob Morf, best known locally as the light man at The Chance, also passed. Three big losses for our scene. When Breach the Asylum returns to the stage on Friday, December, 17th at The Chance, it will be an emotional night. It may be difficult at times, but hopefully, the three of them are looking down on us that night. We hope to make them proud.

The complete lineup and set times are on the event website – http://www.XmasBash2021.com

When I started Breach the Asylum in 2009, it was still the same goal as today. Play real music that was true to who I am. I hope that is how it comes across.”

Questions For The Photographer-

When you photoshoot Breach The Asylum, were you surprised with the experience, or did you have the expectation that they were going to look as good as they sounded? What were your thoughts here?

“I had heard about this show that Breach the Asylum was playing, so I actually reached out to another band on the bill first, but Vern from Breach the Asylum took me up on my offer. The stage lights were excellent, an upgrade since the last time I was there. The band was very tight, the guitar player/singer interacted with the bass player throughout the night, and I think I captured that excitement. I always look for animation, emotion, and interaction when I photograph a live show with a band, and these guys had it covered on all counts. They have already hired me to do another shoot of an upcoming show for them again, at The Chance. I can’t wait for this next one.”

What were some elements which you could describe of the band that was critical that also played out in the photoshoot? For example, their talent with musical instrumentation? Their knowledge of performance, etc.?

“As I said in the previous answer; I look for animation, emotion, and interaction between the players. These guys did that through the entire set! The interplay between the singer/guitarist and the bass player was spot on. These guys are very talented and seasoned musicians. They have honed their craft and it shows with every note. Looking forward to working with them again!”

Photography Courtesy by Joe Mack’s Event Photography.