Breech

by Alex Teitz

Breech is a Los Angeles Band with a voice. When a band is able to generate a buzz from LA and move it Eastward, it must be praised. Breech is Missy Gibson on vocals, Joe McAlevey on keyboard, Dave Eastman on bass, Mike Flanagan on guitar, and Dan Hughes on drums. Their 6 song self-titled CD comes across with a voice and intensity that keeps the listener wanting more. FEMMUSIC was privileged to arrange an interview with Missy Gibson. 

FEMMUSIC:  Describe your songwriting process. How do you come up with your songs?

MG: I wouldn’t say I necessarily have a “process” that I rely on consistently. I like to write in many ways ,weather it be on my own or writing with other people. I also like to challenge myself by forcing different methods. Sometimes I write lyrics 1st, sometimes melody, sometimes music. Other times, someone comes to me with music & I add lyrics & melody from there. The one thing I will say though…is that my best stuff writes itself. It just kid of creeps out….unforced taking me by surprise.

FEMMUSIC:  Who have been your major influences?

MG:  Growing up in Detroit & hanging out in that music scene for years is probably what has influenced me the most. Other Influences have been:  Rickie Lee Jones, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf, P.j. Harvey, Patti Smith, The Replacements, The Rolling Stones,  as well as a lot of unknowns….Etc. I listen to a really wide range of music . Everything from R&B to Opera. Not all of it is always as influential as it is enjoyable.

FEMMUSIC:  What has been your best experience playing out this year?

MG: We had a lot of good shows this past year. We played our record release show in May at The Opium Den here in L.A. We had a great time-lots of support!  We  also had the opportunity to play in Portland for the North by Northwest Music Fest. Gosh…one show…  that’s hard. We played a really fun in store At Hollywood’s Virgin Megastore & wrapped up the year at The Viper Room, where we threw lots of wrapped gifts at people’s heads. No one was hurt too badly.

FEMMUSIC:  What was your worst experience playing out this year?

MG: That’s not a hard question. In Sept. I had to have emergency retinal Surgery on both my eyes. It really sucked.  I was supposed to lay perfectly still for 10 days .I had the surgery on a Sat. & that Tuesday, Breech was scheduled to play a benefit for Children’s Hospital at The Gig In West L.A. I showed up blind, with both eyes patched. I was completely drugged up on pain killers & had to sit in a chair, being helped on & off stage. We only played a short set . I remember very little but from what I hear people say it was a good show.

FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry, have you faced any discrimination?

MG: Sure. I guess it kind of comes with the territory. However I really try to just think of myself as an “Artist” & not as a “Woman Artist”. Meaning I just try to do the best I can do & don’t wish to necessarily define my art by my sex. As I’ve heard it said best ” Gender is not a genre”.

FEMMUSIC:  What would you like to see changed most about the music industry?

MG: I wish they would sign more chicks…..just kidding! Changing the music Industry is a big job. I guess most disillusioning is that music seems to have become very generic. It seems to be less & less of an art form. The general public seems to be perfectly  content with the spoon feeding that is going on. Very little risk taking is happening & it’s become all about playing it safe. I will say, however , It’s a great time for artists- a very empowering time. With the web & all the mp3 sights, artists are able to be heard & to promote themselves like never before.

FEMMUSIC:  What would you like to change about your own music?

MG:  I would have to say that answer goes along with my last. I too would like to take more risks with my music. I love the idea of introducing interesting textures & unexpected instrumentation. I think we did that somewhat on the last album…..but are definitely delving into that more on the next. The next album is also very raw & creepy. I’m sure it won’t be quite as accessible to the average listener, but I’m o.k. with that. Again…..it’s about challenging yourself.

FEMMUSIC:  What are your plans for the new millennium, music-wise?

MG: Yep…that’s right, like I said we have a new CD coming out in the spring. it’s called Influenza. We are also releasing a CD single “junk” in just a few weeks.

FEMMUSIC: What advice would you have for an artist just starting out?

MG: Jump in with both feet. Immerse yourself. Don’t waste too much time Thinking about what you’re going to do…just do it. & certainly don’t wait around for someone else to do something for you that you can do yourself. Play lots of shows—play them all…don’t be too choosy, just get out there. Lastly, if you don’t NEED to play music, save yourself a lot of sacrifice & simply don’t.

FEMMUSIC:  What else would you like to say to our readers?

MG: My Mom is dead now but she was a very influential person in my life. She once wrote in a book she gave to me, “take time to write down what you need to become free of.”

Thanks a lot for all your support. If you feel like it, check out our website www.breech.net