Breakbeard

Breakbeard is an award winning progressive rock band formed in 2006 in Oakland, California. The band consists of bassist Julio Ramirez, guitarist Kristopher Azevedo, and drummer Michael Walker. The band's varied musical style has blended rock, funk, and traditional blues, with elements of metal, punk, and ambient music.

Musical Style and Influences

Musical Style
Breakbeard is known for their complex, ever-evolving musical styling which spans various genres. Their musical structure is often free form and uses awkward time signatures, sometimes changing multiple times within a single song. This originates from the groups inherent chemistry and ability to jam for hours at a time. Ape Sense Productions has recently described their music as a Progressive Smash Heavy Jam Banter Band. Others have described their music using terms such as "Life-Metal" or "Free-Rock" (with similar principles to Free-Jazz). They are also known for incorporating various ethnic and/or non-traditional instruments into their music (as heard in the single "F**king Birds").

The band uses precisely configured effects to add dynamics to the guitars and low tones to the bass. The combination of hard rock, funk, and psychedelic metal creates groove-heavy melodies which drive the music.

Mike's drumming skills and technique were developed in early childhood and continued with the percussion group The Blue Devils in Concord, California. His wide range of musical knowledge allows him to adapt to the various styles the band uses. He often employs the use of a double bass as heard in the hit song "Slave".

Influences
Breakbeard has cited several classic rock, funk, and blues artists as major influences. Tool, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, The Doors, Parliament Funkadelic, Hendrix, The Mars Volta, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Rage Against the Machine, Bjork, Sebastian Bach.

Breakbeard has also cited several influences outside of the music industry including writers, painters, playwrites, and civic leaders such as Salvador Dali, Zdizlaw Beksinsky, Ayn Rand, Chuck Palahniuk, and Bruce Campbell.

History

Formation and KJSM

Julio Ramirez and Kris Azevedo met in 2001 while attending the University of California, Berkeley and through the undergraduate fraternity, Theta Xi. At Berkeley, they also met state renown pianist Stephen "Big Boss Tanaka San" Tanaka. The group then connected with Michael Walker through the online tool Craigslist. The four found they had instant chemistry and the music was destructively original. The band took the name KJSM.

KJSM performed their first show for a sold out crowd of Pete's Coffee Employees. Their musical energy was instantly recognized by the crowd. One audience member was quoted in saying "That last build up...it made me want to kick someone in the face".

KJM

In early 2007, Stephen Tanaka left the band to pursue more classical musical projects. Breakbeard, now simply called KJM, continued to write music. They moved into Soundwave Studios in Oakland, California where they auditioned new vocalists.

They joined forces with the reggae vocalist "Raven" and street precussionist "Percussionist Dave". They performed at the first Sensing Peace Festival at Pier 23 in San Francisco, California. They headlined the show and created peace. Their musical paths would only cross for this one show as the group separated for various reasons.

They then began working with a Portlandese Siren known as "Soulo" after meeting at a local coffee establishment. The group had chemistry, however musical differences broke them apart in late 2007. Breakbeard was left without a vocalist yet again.

2008 to Present

Breakbeard was officially adopted as the band name in early 2008, a term based on the more widely known phrase "Breakbeard Luke". The band has performed in various venues across the bay area and is well known for their uniquely powerful yet groovy music. Their music has reached the hearts of listers in San Francisco, the Easy Bay, and Modesto. The slogan "Breakbeard Rules" has followed them throughout their performances since a rabid fan shouted those words during a show in Oakland, California.

Breakbeard then teamed with Ape Sense Productions and Aphorismic Productions to record their first full length EP. The album titled "Breakbeard Rules!!!" is set to be released regionally in August of 2008 with national release pending the regional release's success.

Miscellaneous

Aptos, California

Although based out of Oakland, Breakbeard takes periodic inspirational retreats to Aptos, California (a city outside of Santa Cruz). There they have written several songs including "Slave", "The Shrew Man", and "F**king Birds". Although the city is small, it provides an atmosphere where Breakbeard can relax and avoid the media, fans, and constant recognition.

Performance Style

Breakbeard is also known for their unique on stage performances. They have been known to switch instruments in the middle of a set, chug beers with one hand while playing a song with the other, and/or have dancers of different disciplines be on stage during the show. Ape Sense Magazine was recently quoted in saying that "When you watch , you can feel the Rock & Roll surge through your veins. They are genuine, they are positive, and you can see the passion pour from their eyes, hearts, and minds. Watching them play is an enlightening experience that will expand your definition of rock."

Pabst Blue Ribbon

Pabst Blue Ribbon is the official beverage of Breakbeard. Breakbeard and Ape Sense Productions are currently in negotiations with Pabst Blue Ribbon Brewing Company for rights to the song "Drink More Pabst". Please drink responsibly.

Ape Sense Productions

In late 2007, Breakbeard created the record label and production company "Ape Sense Productions". Under Ape Sense Productions, Breakbeard released several works into the public using popular online media tools such as Youtube. This generated a lot of public interest in Breakbeard's music and performances. Ape Sense Productions continues to operate as a separate entity and has released works by other artists such as Kajillion, Sinead, and Netherthot.

Band Members

Current

Kristopher Azevedo - Guitars, Keyboards (2006 - present)
Julio Ramirez - Bass, Vocals (2006 - present)
Michael Walker - Drums, Percussion (2006 - present)
Netherthot - Dance, Vocals (2007 - present)

Former
Stephen "Big Boss Tanaka San" Tanaka - Keyboards (2006 - 2007)
Raven - Lead Vocals, Guitars (July 2007)
Percussionist Dave - Percussion (July 2007)
Alexis "Soulo" - Lead Vocals (August 2007 - October 2007)

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See Also

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