How did you guys all meet & become a band?
I was going on tour with my solo project and needed a bass player and drummer to come with. And during that time, I had just met Mike Bokenkamp playing in church around our hometown. We hit it off very well and found out we loved the same type of music and he was a damn good drummer lol. So, I asked if he would want to come on this tour and he said yes! As far as Kick Stevens goes, I met him a long time ago playing around Denver when we were much younger. He eventually moved to LA, but we still followed each other on social media. When I got the tour, I asked if he’d want to come on and he said yes as well. Essentially on that tour we bonded quite a bit and it was apparent that between the three of us there was something special going on. So, needless to say, we formed THE BRKN.
What’s the meaning of the name “THE BRKN”?
Well I came up with the name from this notion that I have in my head saying that everybody in this world is Broken in some way or another. If you look far enough back in someone’s story, you’re always going to find one or multiple horrible things said person has been through molding them into the person that they are today. Changing the way they think and act towards certain things. Building up walls that otherwise wouldn’t be there. I think that’s a beautiful thing. I love hearing people’s stories and finding out what makes them who they are. It’s a way of knowing that you’re never going through something alone. That’s how I chose the name of the band.
What’s the difference from your band and all bands that are currently doing well?
I would say that one difference we have from most is our live performance. We go nuts on stage and put on a show. It’s different every time and each crowd gets a specific vibe custom to them. We involve the crowd a lot and feed off of them. We’re also very raw and have no smoke and mirrors going on. What we can play ourselves is what you’re getting. No tracks.
Can you tell us a little something about each of you?
I’m Jacob and I love fashion. It’s another passion of mine that allows me to express what I am feeling.
With all of you already having a massive social media following, you guys have an incredible jumping off point to promote this project!! Can you spill any details about your debut single and video for the song “Your Existence”?
We can spill all the details! They are both fully out now on all music streaming sites and the video is on YouTube! Everyone go check it out and subscribe/follow us on all social media! We’re also about to put out a new music video/single on Sept 20th so look out for that!
Can you tell us about what this song means to each of you?
To me, this song is very much about the hardships a person goes through when breaking up with someone. It also reflects the time period when you become fed up with all the heartache and it turns to anger. Then after anger it turns to finally moving on.
What do you hope your supporters will think of your new song? & what do you hope they’ll get from hearing your new song?
I hope they dig it of course! But ultimately, I am really hoping that someone out there will connect with it in a way that it becomes a tool for them. And let them know that they aren’t alone.
What do you hope to gain out of your new band?
At this point in time we just want to tour and reach more people! Taking it one step at a time.
What do you think is the benefit of having a following on social media in the music industry?
The main thing is that it is easier to reach the fans! Social media gives us a great platform to talk to people directly, send out messages about news with the band. As well as letting people know when we are coming to their town in an instant way.
What’s the feeling you guys get when performing in front of your fans?
It is a total adrenaline rush. When I am on stage it feels like nothing else matters and I am the happiest anyone could ever be. That’s where I belong.
Does your fanbase have a name?
The Turbo Team
How do you want your relationship to be with your fans?
I want them to feel like we are their best friends! Which is why we are easily accessible through social media and at any show we play.
What social media platform do you use most to stay connected to your fans?
Instagram and Facebook are the two big ones that you can always reach us on!
What was the craziest fan encounter you guys have had?
The craziest thing that’s ever happened would probably be this young guy came to see a show of ours. We chatted a bit after our set and hung out. Then a couple years later he reached out through Instagram and told me that he was so inspired by our gig and the conversation we had that he pursued music to his fullest abilities. And that he got accepted to Berkley school of music, which was his dream school. That was amazing to hear. And very humbling.
Will there be an ep/album out soon?
Yes, there will be! We have two more singles/videos coming out in the next two or three months and then the full ep will come out in early 2020! We have also begun writing for the next album as well! Can’t stop lol.
What’s an average day for the band look like?
While on tour usually an average day starts with a coffee in the morning. We try to find trendy, hipster, craft coffee shops to start the day off right. After that it’s getting to the venue, loading the gear in and setting up our home for the rest of the night/doing soundcheck etc. After that we usually have down time which we use to either write songs, go thrifting, or go skating! And then show time rolls around so we get warmed up and psyched out, rip a killer gig, hang out at the venue for the rest of the night and then go to bed!
Where do you guys hope the band is in 5 years?
All things considered, we just want to be touring around the world and playing to as many people as we can.
Do you guys have any last things you want to tell your supporters?
Thank you so much for believing in us. We love all of you and if any of you ever want to chat, we are easily accessible on Instagram, facebook and at shows!
