The MIC with The Breakpoint Method

The Mic: What got this band together and started in
this business?

The Breakpoint Method:It actually was a pretty long process. I (Barrett) had spent at least 5 years finding people who could take my musical ideas and make them better than when I originally wrote them. In 2005 we actually got together for a night and jammed in a downtown basement-- things didn't go so well back then! I met up with Shawn after not running into him for about 3 years and I asked if he was still playing. He was, and we decided to go from there! I got the best guitarist I knew, Jimmy, along with my great friend and the most enthusiastic bassist I've ever met, Eric. This time, it clicked, and The Breakpoint Method was formed.



The Mic:Who writes and produces all the material for
the band?

The Breakpoint Method:Everyone writes their own part. So far, for the most part, either Jimmy or Barrett blurts out "Dude, check out this riff!" And we go from there. Jimmy polishes up the lead guitar parts, and Barrett begins working on catchy vocals and harmonies. Eric throws in a ton of flair on the bass and Shawn is pretty much on his own for the drums! After a ton of arguing and name-calling, we have a masterpiece!



The Mic:The band played in front of or with any acts
our readers would
know from the Mainstream?

The Breakpoint Method:Yes, we have opened for Cancer Bats, 4 Years Strong, Pierce the Veil, Bring me the Horizon, Thursday, Flatline, Seasons After, After the Crash, Straight-line Stitch, and Spineshank! We also played the Taste of Chaos tour in St. Louis MO.



The Mic:Where can people access your music on the web?
The Breakpoint Method:
http://www.myspace.com/thebreakpointmethod We also have a facebook group and some videos on youtube!


The Mic:Any embarrassing moments on stage?
The Breakpoint Method:We have embarrassing moments every time we set foot on stage! Whether it's Barrett slamming a wrong note at the VERY begining of a set, or Eric fumbling over himself and nearly falling over! One time in particular, Jimmy did an AMAZING jump off of a stage prop... only to rip his pants from crotch to rear. Luckily, he was able to change into his girlfriend's pants midset. He was pretty red in the face after that one!


The Mic:Any good stories you want to tell us?
The Breakpoint Method:One time we decided to work on our "stage presence." This was before our very first show, and we thought it would be awesome if I (Barrett) could jump off of Eric's back during a song. So, we of course needed to practice this! In the middle of a song, I ran up to Eric, only to jump with ALL my weight directly on him. He fell to the ground instantly, almost smashing his bass! We decided to let other, more limber lead singers, take the spotlight with amazing acrobatics.


The Mic:Who is the bands musical influence?
The Breakpoint Method:We each come from different rock backgrounds. Barrett grew up on Offspring, while Jimmy listens to more As I Lay Dying and Bullet for my Valentine. Shawn is a sucker for Disturbed and Eric gets a little too excited when he hears American Headcharge.


The Mic:How did the band get together?
The Breakpoint Method:It takes a long time to build up friendships with the right people to make a band. We basically all met each other through chance, whether it was a friend of a friend or a co-worker.


The Mic:What is your musical background like?
The Breakpoint Method:I started out singing when I was little-- never performed really, but just liked to sing along to my "Top Gun" soundtrack. I became more interested in singing during church, and pretty much continued singing for my own enjoyment. I started playing guitar when I was in 6th grade and this guy at the guitar shop played "smells like teen spirit" on the guitar in front of me. I was amazed! He said he had only been playing for 2 weeks, and I thought that if you could play Nirvana after just 2 weeks, that maybe I had a chance! I taught myself how to play guitar and never stop learning more.


The Mic:Any other members in your family that are
musicians?

The Breakpoint Method:My grandfather was an amazing piano player. I've heard a few recordings, and have to say that I was really impressed and proud to be his grandson, although he died a long time before I was born. My mother also played the guitar when I was a boy, and was very helpful during those first few years of playing.



The Mic:What is the TOP reason why you want to play
music?

The Breakpoint Method:You know when you hear a song that really moves you? You almost feel as if the song was written just for you, and gives you an outlet to convey emotions? I wanted to give people the same thing. Every time I write a song, I hope to myself that at least one person will feel emotionally moved by its meaning.

The Mic:what's your stance on file swapping?
The Breakpoint Method:Like downloading mp3s? I'm completely for it! As long as people hear you, I think it's wonderful!

The Mic:what is the process of making a cd?
The Breakpoint Method:More than you could imagine. Since we're in the process of making an album, we're learning more and more every day about how much work goes in to one of those bad boys! In the end, though, after you hear yourself playing and singing back-- after it's been mastered... It's the most amazing thing I've ever went through. Even though it takes weeks and weeks of work, it's 100% worth it.

The Mic:how do you get the word out about your music?
The Breakpoint Method:Our fans do most of that for us! We have a very loyal and active fanbase and they treat us well! We also spend hours a day on Myspace and Facebook spreading the word about our music.

The Mic:how is your local responce to your music?
The Breakpoint Method:I never imagined Salina would love us so much!

The Mic:what is the farthers you have traveled for a gig?
The Breakpoint Method:Roughly 8 hours away to St. Louis.

The Mic:What tune on the cd are you most proud of?
The Breakpoint Method:Dropout. That used to be an old acoustic song of mine, and the whole band worked together to make it rock! It's still my favorite to this date!

Thanks,
Jigg