BREAKKER: Heavy Metal Against the System and Stereotypes
In this interview with Breakker, the emerging classic heavy metal band from Philadelphia, we explore how their old school sound revitalizes the genre while challenging modern metal conventions. With a frontwoman who rejects gender stereotypes and a DIY approach in the industry, Breakker aims not only to revive the spirit of ’80s metal but also to inspire empowerment, especially among women, in a scene still dominated by men.
Debut EP Identity:
Your debut EP, Breakker, shares its name with the band itself. What made you decide on this title, and how does the EP capture the essence of who Breakker is as a band?
Clare: BREAKKER is our break-out EP- featuring 5 songs that demonstrate our many influences. All of us are heavy metal fans at heart- and this is a culmination of what we love. Titling our first release BREAKKER tells the listener “this is who we are, and this is a sample of what you can expect from us going forward.”
2. Creative Inspiration:
What was the creative process like for the EP? Were there any particular themes or influences, musically or otherwise, that shaped the sound and direction of this record?
Clare: We jammed for an entire year playing only covers- songs from KISS, Scorpions, Iron Maiden, DIO, WASP, Lita Ford… to name a few. These songs laid the groundwork for what we wanted our original music to sound like, and we aren’t concerned with sticking in one place. FEVER is an obvious homage to the sleazy 80s pop metal sound. Lipstick Trace was penned by Ben after watching a horror movie. The three other songs help reflect a broader message from us– breaking away from conventions, reveling in personal liberation and encouraging others to do the same.
Old-School Sound in Modern Times:
You have a strong old-school heavy metal sound. What draws you to that style, and how do you keep it fresh for today’s audience? Do you think there’s something timeless about this approach to metal?
Clare: There’s a heartening charm to old-school metal. There’s beauty in the way a classic guitar solo can say just as much about the emotion of a song as the lyrics. The old-school metal style got left behind after its commercial oversaturation in the 80s- but there’s a plethora of gold within the traditional framework to tell tales in our modern day. Less polished production offers raw humanity and the melodic structure is palatable people love songs that they can sing along to. We’re 4 working class musicians with a lot to say about our existence- and old school metal is our vehicle.
Frontwoman Dynamics:
Having a frontwoman in heavy metal can be a unique experience. How do you think having a female lead influences your band’s image and sound? Do you feel it adds a different energy or dynamic to the band?
Clare: It is certainly unique! When it comes to gigs, we’re usually the only female-fronted band on the bill- and people will stick around out of curiosity. Metal is still a very male dominated scene- 90% of our Spotify listeners are men. I don’t wanna pander to what anybody thinks my voice or presence “should be” based on the norms- I’m staying true to myself, and it’s up to the listener if they like it!
Evolution in Sound:
How has Breakker evolved from your early days to the release of this EP? In what ways have you grown as musicians and songwriters?
Clare: We’ve become much more confident and free with our sound. There is a litany of influence between the four of us, and we’re having a blast experimenting.
Women in Metal:
The presence of women in metal has been steadily growing. How do you view the role of women in the genre today? Do you feel that things are changing in terms of visibility and inclusivity?
Clare: Women have always been present in metal. I think social media has made it harder to ignore our presence, but it does seem important that us girls stick together and help lift each other up. I’m happy to have many role models in the genre to look up to because I’m paying attention, and it makes me happy to know the others are doing the same.
Philadelphia Metal Scene:
How does the local music scene in Philadelphia influence your work? Are there any particular aspects of the scene that inspire or challenge you as a band?
Ben: I think we are a bit of an outlier in the Philadelphia metal scene. Yes, there are many great local bands playing heavy music, but I cannot think of another local contemporary of ours that is doing traditional 80’s style heavy melodic or NWOTHM style music. There’s plenty of death metal, black metal, thrash, retro 70s (Ruby The Hatchet), symphonic, doomy- even nu-metal sounding bands around here. We do have a strong kinship and have shared the stage with a local band called Instinct, who are also female fronted and have been active since the 80’s! There are not really any particular challenges to playing heavy music here. Maybe finding similar sounding bands to share a stage with can be a challenge. But we’re comfortable playing with any type of metal band if they’ll have us!
The Power of Metal:
Metal has always been a genre known for its intensity and emotion. What do you think it is about heavy metal that resonates with people on such a deep level, and what kind of emotional connection do you hope listeners have with Breakker
Clare: Heavy metal is bold and brave– heavy metal is an escape for those who feel alienated by modern conventions. For those who grew up during its peak in popularity, I hope listeners feel transported back to the glory days. For those like me who grew up in the 2000s, I hope it makes them feel optimistic about rock n roll’s longevity.
Heavy Metal and Storytelling:
Metal has a rich tradition of storytelling, whether through lyrics, imagery, or performance. How important is storytelling to Breakker, and what kinds of stories or emotions do you aim to express through your music?:
Clare: It’s sort of the DIO message without the dragons and swords- be you. Be proud. Don’t live your life waiting for something to happen- make it happen! No matter who you are or what your circumstances are, “times not gonna wait”- free yourself from fear, and strike!
Music and Empowerment:
For many musicians, creating music is a form of empowerment. How does making music empower you personally, and do you hope it inspires empowerment in your fans as well?
Teagan: I hope that something I’ve taken part in artistically helps spark that desire to create in someone else because I know how important my own discovery of and passion for music has been for me. The arts, across the board, really are the most uniquely-human forms of expression. It doesn’t matter which avenue you go down; painter, dancer, filmmaker, musician, whatever… you are engaging with legacies that stretch back long before you were even a thought in someone’s mind and creating something that hasn’t existed before. You are bringing something into this world that someone, somewhere will find joy in, even if that person is just you and if that’s not power, I don’t know what is. When there’s so much destruction and death and toiling present in our day-to-day, I think the most powerful thing one could do is pick up a brush or grab a guitar or strap on some tap shoes or whatever and just defiantly create something in the face of all the bad. It doesn’t have to be a masterful end-result, Hell; it doesn’t even have to be good! Just make stuff!
Challenges as a Band:
What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced as a band in the heavy metal scene, whether creatively, logistically, or even in terms of gaining recognition in a crowded field?:
Clare: We’re a traditional heavy metal band with a chick singer and a very 80s oriented sound. It’s tough building local bills because there really aren’t many bands in the area that share our “niche”. We don’t have a crazy budget toward advertising and promoting, so demonstrating value outside of Philly can be difficult as well. We’re working with what we got, and so far it’s been better than expected. I will say, it never fails to make me chuckle watching the audience react to us following up a heavier band- we might not be their cup of tea, but we sure leave an impression.
Versatility in Sound:
Your music has a raw, powerful energy. How do you approach the balance between aggression and melody in your songwriting? Is it something that comes naturally or a conscious choice?
Ben: Speaking for myself, I tend to write songs within a very traditional pop structure: intro, verse, bridge, chorus, repeat. While I do enjoy more complex and non traditional styles of music, I cannot create music in any other style it seems. I began to realize that my favorite heavy metal songs, if you strip away the loud guitars and thundering drums, at their core , are all structured like basic pop songs with a memorable chorus and melody. The same way as early 1950s rock n’ roll was, the same way the Ramones were. That’s what catches my ear the most, so that’s how I write. My song contributions may not be the most “heavy” or aggressive sounding, but I think that if I tried to force my songs into a tougher sounding style, they would not come across to the listener as genuine. But I’m not the only songwriter in the band, and with other band members contributing their songs and ideas for Breakker, there’s hopefully more variety in our sound because of that.
DIY Approach:
You’ve self-released this EP. How important is maintaining creative control and a DIY ethic for Breakker? What are some of the challenges and rewards of taking that path?
Teagan: It’s certainly important for us to have that control over our creative output. While it would be nice to have a label or anyone to help with recording costs, shipping merch, etc., there is a special kind of magic in just making things work however we can. It feels raw and honest and I know I like the freedom of being able to work at our own pace. It’s not without some stumbling blocks along the way, of course. We are limited by our own budgets/what we can each contribute to getting things done. This is shifting a bit now that we’re gigging more and have some proper merch to sell, but I’d say getting off the ground is always going to be the biggest hurdle for working-class DIY bands.
Future Goals for Breakker:
As you look to the future, what are some of the goals you have for Breakker as a band? Are there any dream projects or collaborations you’re hoping to explore?
Ben: Getting our EP out was a big first step for the band. Now we’d like to follow it up with a full length record. We have enough material for a full album now, but we’d like to have even more material written so we have our pick of the strongest songs to include on an album. In the short term, we continue to play live in the Philadelphia/New Jersey/ New York area of the United States and are planning to self release another two song single in a few months. We’d love to get into a real studio with a producer and engineer that knows traditional metal and can bring out the best in the band on a record. We’d also of course love to get the attention of an independent metal label that could take us to the next level with a recording budget and promotion and even booking/tour support if it comes to that! But for now we’re doing it ourselves and will continue as long as everyone in the band is enjoying the ride!
Connecting with Fans:
What’s the most meaningful feedback you’ve received from fans so far? How do you hope to continue connecting with them as you grow as a band?
Clare: It’s actually quite surprising how many girls come up to me after shows expressing how “brave” I am for getting up there and performing. On one hand, that just goes to show how little the average person sees a woman onstage doing heavy music. On the other, its cool to think that those same girls might just need to see me and other women doing it so that they can break out and do it themselves.
That’s all from our side, thanks for taking the time. If you’d like to add some final words, it’s your turn.
Thank you for the interview, Tania and Queens of Steel!
