Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our listeners to some deserving up and coming artists/bands that have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass and we hope you do too! Today, we would like to introduce you to The BRKN.
Scars bond us. Trials and tribulations not only make us stronger, but they also bring us together. The BRKN unite listeners through a primal and powerful punked-up take on rock ‘n’ roll meant to be chanted loudly. Touted by everyone from Brave Words to Highwire Daze upon arrival in 2019, the Colorado band—Jacob Cade [vocals, lead guitar], Kick Stevens [rhythm guitar], and Mike Bokenkamp [drums]—tap into a universal feeling on their independent debut EP, The BRKN No. 3.
“We’re all broken inside,” exclaims Cade. “Every human being has a broken part. That’s what defines you as a person. It heals, but it never really goes away. It makes you think and act the way you do now; I think that’s a really beautiful thing. Everyone in this generation tries to be perfect, but we proudly encompass this brokenness.”
At 11-years-old, Cade played his first gig and immediately dove into writing and recording solo material. During 2016, he unleashed his debut Prince of Rock n Roll followed by the Hunger EP in 2019. Along the way, he worked with iconic producer Michael Wagener [Megadeth, Metallica] and co-wrote the breakout anthem “Icky Nikki” alongside Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger of the multiplatinum rock force Halestorm. Making a name for himself, he performed on stages with everyone from Steel Panther to Bobaflex.
As Cade developed a passion for Neck Deep, State Champs, blink-182, and Mayday Parade, a new vision came into focus, giving birth to The BRKN in 2019.
“I wanted to take what I naturally do in terms of rock songwriting and gear it towards a pop punk style,” he goes on. “The idea was to mix these really catchy melodies and hooks with big old school guitar-heavy rock ‘n’ roll. That was the essence of The BRKN. Our music is something you can turn on and let loose to.”
Guided by this spirit, The BRKN hit The Spot Studios in Colorado alongside producers Glenn Sawyer and Rich Veltrop. Intense sessions gave birth to No.3. The group debuted at Midem before taking the stage at Rockfest 2019. On a bill topped by Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, and Evanescence, they converted the uninitiated into screaming fans.
“When you listen to us, I’d love for you to feel energized and pumped,” Cade leaves off. “At the same time, I want to let you know what I’m going through. If someone listening identifies, there’s nothing better. The BRKN can show you there’s a light at the end of the tunnel for all of us.”
In the end, The BRKN connect by holding nothing back.
Here’s a fun little Q&A session that we did with Jacob recently.
All superheroes and villains have an origin and a band is no different, minus the secret government experiments and radioactive spiders. What’s the origin of The BRKN?
Jacob Cade/The BRKN: Basically, The BRKN was started with an idea and a bunch of songs I had written and recorded. I knew I wanted to start a band called The BRKN, but I just haven’t met the people yet! Until I ran into a dude named Mike Bokenkamp playing at a church here in Parker, Colorado. As soon as we hit the first note together, I knew it was the perfect match. The rest is history!
What’s in a band’s name? It can be a cool story or sometimes just a random name picked. What about The BRKN?
The BRKN definitely has a story behind it!
Basically, it comes from my belief that everybody is broken inside in some way or another. And then rebuilt from that brokenness into being the person they become for the rest of their lives.
Some artists know exactly when they knew music was their path. For some, it was when they saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan or heard a classic album that really moved them. Do you remember when you were bitten by the music bug?
I was HOOKED on music when I first saw Led Zeppelin “Song Remains the Same.”
That movie changed my whole life and completely sucked me into being a musician and performer. I was about 8 years old!
Is there something in your music collection that might surprise even your most die-hard fans?
Hmm. Probably Taylor Swift or Black Bear?? I’m not quite sure what I come off as image-wise to some people haha.
If you could play any character in any movie or television show, who would you want to be?
I would be Jughead Jones in Riverdale or even Iron Man.
By I’m Music Magazine Owner/Editor Johnny Price
