EMQs with The Breathing Method
EMQs with The Breathing Method
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Scottish Hard Rock/ Grunge/ Punk band, The Breathing Method. Huge thanks to their Rhythm Guitarist/ Backing Vocalist, Jamie, 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?
My name is Jamie and I play rhythm guitar and sing backing vocals in The Breathing Method. The band is in its 2nd wave after the original band parted ways some 20 years ago. Founding member Jimi and myself wanted to get back playing again and called on Scott to replace me as the main singer. We then had a few changes on bass and on the drums, but have the lineup we want now, with Gee and Duncan.
How did you come up with your band name?
It’s actually named after a Stephen King novella from Different Seasons, which is also the book which features Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption, which we all know and love as The Shawshank Redemption movie.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We are all from Scotland. Scott is Glasgow, now Ayrshire-based. Jimi and I are Ayrshire, as is Gee, but he’s moved around a bit. Duncan is from the borders, but he’s willing to drive, which is excellent for us. He was the last piece of the puzzle for us, we’re so glad he’s happy to put himself out for the band.
What is your latest release?
We recently put out a video on YouTube of a song called Jupiter. It’s more of an upbeat, date I say ‘commercial’ song for us. BUT, I really should use this opportunity to plug our upcoming, 20 odd years in the making, debut album ’After Everything Else’ which is officially released on CD and the usual streaming platforms on 24th Jan 2025.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Personally, the biggest for me starting bands as a kid was the first Kerbdog album. I listened to it on repeat at school and it made me want to play and write music. From a playing style, again personally, I’d say bands like Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins through to Therapy? and Helmet. I could list a thousand bands here, but that gives you the gist.
What first got you into music?
My dad. Very easy to answer this. He brought me up with Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac, The Stranglers, 10CC, Paul Simon, Dire Straits, new wave, ska, rock, pop, blues, everything really, as long as it was good! This got me in a very eclectic mindset where I found myself hunting out musical acts/styles, rather than relying on the pop charts and trends etc. I can only assume that’s why I have such a massively wide range of musical tastes.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
We had actually planned to collaborate with a few on the After Everything Else album. I had asked Ben from Biffy Clyro, an old pal from many years ago, to sing (not drum) on a track and he was up for doing so if their busy schedule allowed. But we didn’t really decide which song to put to him. Maybe we will for album two though. The final answer for me however is Andy Cairns from Therapy? doing guest vocals. Jonestown Mind by The Almighty stands out for me and every time I hear Andy’s vocals come in, I immediately think ‘I want some of that on my track!!!’.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Back in the day, I would’ve said Reading. But that seems to have gone down the ‘bring in the youths with their disposable (but cashless) money’ now and music is secondary. I suppose the obvious answer would be Download, but I’m sticking by Reading circa 1994. To be fair, I’d play any of ‘em! Haha.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Erm… There’s nothing at all that jumps to mind here, I’m afraid. We’ve had requests for signatures and pictures and that, but nothing weird that I can think of. Although that is a bit weird to us as we’re just 5 guys that like to write music and make a noise! It’s nice though.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Come to our album launch at Audio, Glasgow on 31st Jan!!! Haha.
Just keep supporting us! Tell your friends about us, share our posts, buy the album and merch, come to our shows. We’ll keep playing, writing, recording, etc if you guys want to keep coming and keep listening!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Obvious one for us would be Kurt Cobain. But would he want to be brought back? I’m gonna say Joe Strummer. I think he’d have so many interesting stories and I’d love to collaborate with him on a track or an album!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love most aspects of being a musician. I love recording, but I think playing live would be my main highlight. Especially when the gig is a belter. I hate loading up the cars/van after a show but it’s part of the experience really. I’m not a big fan of hanging about before and after sound checks.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Payment amounts from streaming services. I think every artist would agree, but exploiting musicians isn’t a new thing. I think what I’d really want to change however is how the path to becoming a known artist depends on how many likes or follows you have on social media nowadays. No one seems to give a fuck if the music is any good, as long as you have social media popularity, you’ll sell out the arenas regardless.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
‘Aftertaste’ by Helmet. I could’ve chosen from hundreds here, but that album just works for me, no matter where I am or how I’m feeling.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs or Downloads?
CDs. They simply have the best quality sound. There’s no arguing that. BUT, there’s something nice about a gatefold vinyl album with beautiful artwork.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
From a prestige point of view, probably opening for Breed77 at Slay in Glasgow. But from an enjoying myself point of view, Little Buildings with our pals Ruled by Raptors in Newcastle a couple of years back. It was rammed wall to wall with people and an absolute sweat box. We had such a good laugh in the bar there after our set too, making new friends. Good times!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Planning on becoming a musician! I don’t want to think of a version of me that’s not playing or writing music.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Corey Taylor, he just seems like a really great guy and would be fun to chat to. Jim Carrey, he’d be a good laugh from start to finish, I assume. And he seems very interesting. Mike Patton, just a legendary vocalist in my eyes. I’d want to get voice lessons from him! Frank Turner, met him once and hung out for a bit with him and my son. He was just so nice! My girlfriend, Emma. If I didn’t invite her, I’d never hear the end of it! Especially if Corey and Frank were there. Haha.
What’s next for the band?
As mentioned earlier, we have the album release and launch party in January. We’re also planning to record a 5-track EP entitled ‘New Old Shit’ which will be almost like a b-side/unrealised special, including songs we have written and love, but didn’t think worked with the flow of the album. The plan is to sell these CDs only at gigs and maybe online. Not for streaming!
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?
Very easy – A Roll. Preferably with linked sausages (we have to differentiate links and square sausages in Scotland!) and a tattie scone with ketchup!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Just a thank you to you guys for wanting to ask us these questions and to anyone that takes the time to read the answers!
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