EMQ’s With Tonic Breed
EMQ’s With Tonic Breed
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Norwegian Modern Heavy/ Thrash Metal project, Tonic Breed. Huge thanks to their Guitarist/ Vocalist, Patrik Svendsen, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
The band is called Tonic Breed, and I’m Patrik Svendsen, the vocalist and guitarist. We formed in Sarpsborg, Norway, where we grew up surrounded by a dynamic music scene. We started as a group of friends jamming in basements, eventually finding our unique sound that blends Heavy etal and Thrash with Modern elements.
How did you come up with your band name?
The name Tonic Breed came about after some brainstorming. I wish I could say it had any meaningful meaning behind it. But no.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We’re from Sarpsborg, Norway. The metal and rock scene here is rich and vibrant. Norway is known for its Black metal, but we’ve always leaned toward more Groove and Thrash elements, which sets us apart in this regional scene.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest release is the re-release of Outsold, an album we originally put out in 2014. It’s been revisited and remastered for its 10th anniversary, and I’m excited about how it breathes new life into the songs.
Who have been your greatest influences?
We take inspiration from Thrash legends like Metallica and Pantera, while also incorporating modern elements from more modern music. These bands have shaped both our sound and songwriting.
What first got you into music?
Growing up, we were surrounded by different genres and styles. For me personally, I was dragged into Metal through the more melodic stuff, such as Power Metal.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with some incredible musicians like Dirk Verbeuren from Megadeth and Björn Strid from Soilwork. I’d be happy to work with more great musicians in the future, but it’s too many names to drop here.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Wacken Open Air in Germany would be an incredible experience. It’s one of the biggest and most iconic metal festivals in the world, and playing there would be a dream come true.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Keep supporting the music that moves you. Whether it’s through buying merch, streaming songs, or showing up at gigs, fans are the lifeblood of the metal community.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
It would have to be Dimebag Darrell from Pantera. His contribution to metal was groundbreaking, and it would be amazing to see what he’d be creating if he were still with us.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The best part is performing live, creating music and connecting with fans.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“The Great Southern Trendkill” by Pantera. Raw, energic, and has some of the best musical pieces ever made.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Vinyl has a special place for its sound and physicality, but downloads and streaming are the future in terms of accessibility. We try to appreciate all formats for what they offer.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Dimebag Darrell, Lemmy Kilmister, Cliff Burton, John Lennon, and Eric Cantona.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
You can find us at tonicbreed.com and follow us on Instagram.com/tonicbreed for updates on music, shows, and more.
Tonicbreed.com
Facebook.com/tonicbreed
YouTube
Instagram.com/tonicbreed
Spotify
Apple Music
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll, or a Tea Cake?
Haha, we’d probably call it a bun, but this debate could go on forever!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Just a massive thank you to our fans for sticking with us through thick and thin. We’re grateful for all the support and can’t wait to show you what’s next.
