Get Into The Break Mission
August 18, 2008

I've always felt that music finds and impacts people at a precise time in life. It's something like the human spirit aligning with music in a way that mirrors the rare and perfect alignment of planets in the universe. My experience with this particular band began when their song "Old Buildings" found its way into my atmosphere a few months ago.

Last September, Boston dwelling band The Break Mission released a beautifully melodic sophomore album that combines a brit-pop melancholy with an electric flare. Lead singer and guitarist Jeff Knowlton has already made an impact on the music industry with his solo work and has been playing alongside Break Mission band mates Dave Murray, Bill Wathen and Matt Hershey for just under a decade.

The Break Mission is an example of what happens when four men of amazing musical prowess come together to create their own unique sound. Enjoy!

How did “The Break Mission” start, how did you get your band name?

Jeff Knowlton: Most of us met in high school and college. We’re from all over, New York, Tennessee and North Carolina but decided to make Boston our home in 2000. We were called Redletter just up until the release of our debut for RoHo Records in 2005. I came up with The Break Mission during the mixing of the record, and we all liked the ring of it.

Is fame important to you? Why or why not?

Jeff: Fame scares me a little bit. My girlfriend’s guilty pleasure is Perez Hilton, and things like that make me weary of being a celebrity. I would invest in an assistant to get coffee and exercise for me. I’d love to be acknowledged for my work, but hopefully stay under the radar of prying eyes.

What have your experiences in the music industry taught you so far?

Jeff: The perils of the music industry are everywhere. You just need to be smart and resilient, but remember that you love what you’re doing.

What does “As Much Light As It Will Take” represent to you? What kinds of things inspired the music on that album?

Jeff: I came up with the album title after viewing our cover art. Our friend Sarah Wathen is a tremendous artist, and when I saw her photograph, I knew that was it. The record centers on a relationship, and persevering through self-reflection.

What are your goals as a band? Who do you hope to reach?

Jeff: We never sat down and discussed our goals. Obviously, we would love some critical acclaim and a large fan base. I’d just love to be able to make records and tour. I get excited when a band I like comes to town, hopefully we can get to that place soon where people feel that way about us.

We talked before about how “Old Buildings” found me and that I love that song. What’s the background on that song? Any behind the mic info?

Jeff: I’m glad it found you. Old Buildings appears to be the most popular off the last record. I usually write lyrics that are a bit cryptic, but this song is a straight narrative. I had friends and family sit in during the recording of this tune, and it was a lot of fun to record.

Was there a specific, life-altering moment when you decided that music was what you were going to do for the rest of your life? How did you know it was right for you?

Jeff: I come from a musical family, and my father owned and operated a recording studio in our home. My brother and I have been writing and recording since I can remember. It’s been the one constant in my life.

What makes a good song in your opinion?

Jeff: Songs that make me go, “How did they do that?” Or, “Why the hell didn’t I think of that?”

What kinds of things has being in a band taught you about yourself and your band-mates?

Jeff: There is a collective vulnerability and camaraderie. Some nights are inspiring and exciting, and then there are the nights you play to the bartender. It’s always been fun though, and I have a ton of respect for the guys I’ve played with over the years.

I hear different stories about how strenuous recording an album in studio can be…what was the experience like for you?

Jeff: I absolutely love recording. If I had it my way, I would finish one and start the next. We made our last record amidst a bit of chaos, but it wound up being very creative. We recorded very late at night when the studio was free, and two of the band members at the time were living in Boston, while Matt, our drummer and I were living in New York City. We did a lot of improvising in the studio, and everyone involved did a great job. I’m really happy with the record. We are actually going to start work on a new one very soon…thinking of calling it “It’s the Law,” or “Homemade Haircut,” seeing as I just attempted to cut my own hair a few days ago and it was a disaster.

Looking at the evolution of music over the last two decades – where do you think music might go from here?

Jeff: Good question…well, it’s ever changing… My prediction is that the music industry will center around whatever we do and take it from there. Is that too bold?

What are you up to right now? Any chance we’ll see a tour in the near future?

Jeff: We are writing and rehearsing a lot of new material, as well as booking regional shows. We’d love to make it out your way, but we’ll have to see if it’s in the cards anytime soon. Hopefully!

If you could name three albums that are essential to any music collection – what would they be?

Jeff: I would go with…
Elbow – Seldom Seen Kid
The Sea and Cake – One Bedroom
Elliott Smith – Figure 8

Do you prefer vinyl LPs or CDs?

Jeff: I appreciate those who collect and care for LP’s, but I fear I am way too lazy to be one of them. I have fallen victim to the convenience of the iPod, and I don’t see it changing.

Outside of music, what do you like to do…(besides buying the wrong size shoes, loitering in vintage music stores and getting hit by taxi cabs [smiles])?

Jeff: Kudos for reading my bio—twice in two years, I’ve been hit by those yellow darts. I enjoy traveling, although I don’t get to do it as much as I’d like. Living in New York City is a full time hobby of its own, that takes up most of my time.

And lastly, what are some books and movies that you’re into?

Jeff: I like to read a lot of poetry by Rilke, Lowell and Neruda. “Love and Hydrogen” by Jim Shepard is one of my favorite collections of short stories. I also like Andre Dubus. The last book I read was “The Crying of Lot 49” by Thomas Pynchon. I’m not much of a movie buff, although Spaceballs was on the other day and I can’t believe Rick Moranis didn’t get an Oscar.

If you haven't already, you should definitely check out The Break Mission's music. For more information on the band, you can head over to their official website or check them out on MySpace. Thanks for reading!

You can watch a live performance of "Trampled Year" here:

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