a conversation with… BRAKE
Emily chats to Brake about the importance of being yourself, challenging the norm and his latest single ‘Without U I Wanna Be Dead’ featuring Kellin Quinn.
can you introduce yourself for our readers?
Hiiii, my name is brake and I like making music!
How would you describe your music to a potential listener?
If I had to put it in a genre I’d say Pop Punk or Rock.
I write music to try and describe how I feel or felt in a particular moment and to show people that they’re not alone in whatever hardship that they’re facing. I want people to be able to know that the most beautiful side of them is what is truly inside of them.
How did you get involved in music? What’s your story?
My first instrument was a souvenir ukulele that my grandma got me from Hawaii one year when I was like 12. It was even smaller than regular ukes and it had LITERAL fishing string on it in place of actual ukulele strings, haha. But yeah, I put some real (very cheap) strings on it that I bought off ebay, started singing and learning new instruments, and music just consumed my life ever since.
Music has always been the only constant thing in my life. It’s the one thing that I have always been able to fall back on no matter what. I went to a private Christian school in a small town in Texas where pretty much all of the teachers spited me for my having different beliefs and an “offensive” style. I felt so fucking confused.. I was always able to come home, lock myself in my room, and jam some music on the guitar or whatever. It worked every time and it still works every single time.
How’s life treating you at the moment? What’s the regulations like over there for you right now?
Life is good! I’ve had some very testing moments of self doubt that I have had to push through with my music writing and because IT'S BEEN SO LONG SINCE I’VE PLAYED A SHOW… But I have been trying my best to keep making the most of everyday and to keep trying.
Texas actually isn’t very regulated unfortunately. I mean, it’d be cool to go out and stuff… but it’d be even b
Has Covid had an impact on your music in any way? If so, how?
I was planning on moving to LA.. but COVID kinda messed those plans up, so I decided to just kick it in Texas until things start to cool down a bit. Other than that though, it has given me the opportunity to write more music than ever so that has actually been something positive that I am able to take out of all this.
How has your mental health been throughout this time?
It’s had it’s ups and downs, but I am doing my best to keep focusing on the things I can do to make the best out of every day.
How can people best support you as an artist right now?
Just following and sharing my stuff and telling me what they’re thinking and feeling on my posts & stuff!
Is there anything you do to try and keep your mental health in check?
I like to write in my journal about things that are happing in my life that are good, my goals, and where i want to see myself in the future. And of course writing music every day!
You've racked up those followers on TikTok - what's your favourite thing about the platform?
Haha I’m trying my best! I LOVE how accepting everyone has been so far on the app to be honest. It’s amazing how I can post on there and not have to embrace someone saying negative shit.
What does your For You page usually look like?
SO MANY FEM BOYS IN CAT MAID OUTFITS.
You’re known for dressing however you feel like and not being ashamed of who you are. How important do you think it is to be an advocate for self-love and being unapologetically yourself?
IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING. DON’T EVER BE ASHAMED OF BEING GENUINE. EVERYONE SHOULD BE AN ADVOCATE FOR EQUALITY AND ACCEPTANCE.
You’ve recently released a new song featuring Kellin Quinn, called ‘Without U I Wanna Be Dead’. First of all, how did that collaboration come about?
Well, one day Kellin followed me on instagram randomly and I fanned so hard hahaha. But while that was happening I had just finished writing the chorus to the song and was like “OH MY GOD KELLIN HAS TO BE ON THIS SONG.” so I hit him up the next day and sent him the song! Next thing you know, he sends me his verse written and recorded and I knew it had to be released.
What was the inspiration for the song?
I was inspired by the feeling of being stuck in a relationship that is bad for you, but you don’t have the courage to sever the ties. That goes for any relationship, romantic, a friendship, or family. People sacrifice themselves for other people's selfish reasons way too often.
What’s in store for your fans for the rest of the year?
SO MUCH MUSIC. I have been working so so so hard on music so you can definitely expect a steady flow of music and content too! I also have some pretty dope merch I’ve been putting together that you can expect throughout the year.