I caught up with Mike from Toronto-based band Bad Breed who are known for their experimental sound, with collaborations featuring a range of talented musicians. The band released their second studio album 'The Bad Breed in Ferocious Love' last summer and are currently working on new material. We discuss the meaning behind the album and the difficulties of trying to rehearse as a band during these unprecedented times.
Hi Bad Breed, tell us a bit about yourself!
We are based in Toronto! The nucleus of the group is me, Mike, on vocals and Maylin Ortega on bass, keys and vocals. The name suits us, we’re a breed of musically bad motherf*ckers!! We are a musical collective as well and currently we feature Catia Dignard on vocals, Mark Hundevad on drums and vibes as well as Denzel Benitez-Ortega on piano.
How would you describe your music?
It draws so heavily on the experience of the people we’re collaborating with. This album is a mixture of r&b, soul and rock. We had four really strong vocalists to work with so the music is raw and electric and the vocals are gorgeous, uplifting and heartbreaking all at once.
Your music is highly eclectic and features collaborations with several talented artists and musicians, could you tell us a bit about how you met and came to form this band?
I started the band in 2014. At the time it was a much heavier sound, leaning more on punk rock and 60’s r&b. When I started to reach out to people to do this album it was really a matter of making strong personal connections with everyone. I had become a hermit for years, convinced I would never write a song again. I’m so glad I was wrong!
"...the music is raw and electric and the vocals are gorgeous, uplifting and heartbreaking all at once."
Who have been your biggest musical influences?
I love so many people! Nina Simone for her passion and authenticity. Same goes for Curtis Mayfield. In a completely different way I’m influenced by a band called The Replacements. Their failures in music are more inspiring to me than most people’s successes!
You released your second studio album ‘The Bad Breed in Ferocious Love’ last summer, did you write this album with a specific concept in mind or was this an experimental project?
It was written as a way for me to process and celebrate the difficult and amazingly inspiring year that proceeded writing the album.
You have personally described ‘The Bad Breed In Ferocious Love’ as a “visceral journey from personal tragedy to embracing love and joy”; would you say that writing this album was a cathartic and rewarding experience?
Hugely cathartic and rewarding! I had given up on doing music and had spent a few dark years in a cocoon of misery and depression. This album and the people who collaborated on it made the transition back to being able to function possible.
Do you consider this album to be a highly personal body of work or do you tend to separate yourself from your music once it has been released into the world?
This album dealt directly with two huge events in my life. I lost my longtime friend and partner to suicide and later I fell in love again. Nothing could be more personal to me than the songs on this album.
What has the reaction been like towards your album? Were there any songs that seemed to be favourites among your fans?
We’ve been incredibly lucky to have had a great reception from so many people who have listened to this album. “Not In My Life” is the one that really speaks to people. We’ve had so much feedback about the way it resonates on an emotional level with our listeners.
Are you currently working on any new projects?
Maylin and I are going to slowly put together new material and at the same time we’re getting a new, amazing live show together with the new people we’re working with.
How has the current pandemic affected your creative process when it comes to rehearsing together as a band and writing new music?
We’ve had so many stops and starts depending on what the status of the lockdown/stay at home orders are in Toronto. But I’ve got material for a whole new record and when the current restrictions lift we will definitely be back to rehearsing again so that we are ready to perform as soon as that is a reality for everybody! We can’t wait!
You are currently based in Toronto, could you recommend any local bands or musicians to our readers?
For sure!! Definitely check out @monstrosaband. They’re an all girl alt-metal band we really love. People probably know Witch Prophet but if not, check her out. Amazing neo-soul!!
What advice would you give to someone who may be interested in pursuing a career in music?
Never give up. Simple. If you’re doing your own material try to find your voice and stick with it. There are so many different kinds of people with so many different tastes. There’s an audience out there for everybody.
What is the best advice you have ever received?
-“Know your lines, hit your mark, look them in the eye and tell them the truth “ - James Cagney
Check out Bad Breed's latest single 'Not in My Life' in the link down below!
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