BrokenRail amped up for a “great run” in 2017 and beyond.
Alabama rock band BrokenRail is on a mission to redefine their sound and let the world know who they are. With the release of their self-titled EP at the end of last year, the band took a major step toward accomplishing that goal. The EP only has three songs, but they are aggressive and emotional and powerful hard rock songs that truly showcase the musicality and passion that this band has to offer.
BrokenRail vocalist Blake Clawson recently took a break from working with fellow band mates Alex Hilton (drums), Dave Delacruz (guitar), and Dick Black (bass) on putting the finishing touches on the band’s sophomore album for a candid interview about the past, present, and future of BrokenRail.
The big question on everyone’s minds is…what is the status of the full-length album?
Clawson: Haha good question! We’re actually working hard with our producer/manager Logan Mader on it currently. He’s finished the mixing on the songs that were held back and we will be adding a few brand new tunes from the ground up through him here very shortly. Shouldn’t be too long into 2017 before the release. Only hold up would be if a label involved held it up. Fingers crossed it gets out soon! We can’t wait for you all to hear it!
What has been the main reason for the delay?
Clawson: We’ve had some industry interest that we’ve been negotiating with as well as bringing in Logan to mix and master the entire thing at the highest level which added more time. We took some great songs away from the album by dropping the EP and so we’re going to replace with some great new ones!
Why these three songs for the EP?
Clawson: We truly wanted to redefine the BrokenRail sound and put it out there that we were evolving into a much heavier band. That was the reason behind the self-titled release as well. We wanted the world to know this is who BrokenRail is now. The aggression and anger felt throughout those three songs really depicted where we were headed. The album will be very balanced, revisiting some of the earlier softer sides in a couple songs, but overall will help make this transition finalized. Some of the songs will be heavier than the EP. I think the best part of the EP was the story those three songs tell in the order that they were placed. It tells of a failed relationship between two people, whether business, romantic, or pleasure. “Save Me” opens it with a desperate plea of help, to dispose one from the current situation they are in. “Walk Again” is where the protagonist finds their legs so to speak, and gets the willpower to walk away and seek happiness. “Memory” rounds it out with the anger felt afterwards from the trap they were in for however long. It is the song that truly puts that moment of their life in the past where it belongs. Once there’s anger, there’s usually no going back!
What can fans expect from the rest of the album?
Clawson: Ha I guess I just hit on a lot of that above. Definitely heavier for the most part, with some classic BrokenRail sprinkled in. You will hear major influences from Avenged Sevenfold, Papa Roach, 5 Finger, Disturbed, Godsmack, Bullet For My Valentine, and more!
You all have been making music for several years now – how do you think you have changed/grown since your debut release “Welcome to the Escape” in 2010?
Clawson: Oh wow. Lightyears honestly! I’m the only original member from that album and those days and that has a lot to do with the growing process. The lineup we had then and where I was skill wise back then, we couldn’t do what we do now. Not even close. Each member of the current lineup has the years, experience, and talent of all the larger bands we look up to now. It’s a humble feeling when the talent comes together in one room and makes it happen. Magical when you look back at how far we’ve come!
Describe how you felt when you found out you were nominated for Alabama’s 2016 “Rock Artist of the Year”.
Clawson: That was a very humbling experience for us. We work so hard but it really is hard to get noticed in a state that is so focused on country, rap, and pop. We love our town but there’s very little radio, large rock shows here. It surprised us without us dropping the album or even the EP yet that we got the nod. We’re very appreciative. People here have no idea the talent in rock that we have in our own back yard. Birmingham, AL was a major spot on the map when I was growing up. I truly feel the scene is close to exploding once again. Needs a major radio station behind it all!
What are your plans for touring in the future? Is there anyone in particular you would like to tour with and why?
Clawson: We’re very close to announcing our next national run! Actually any day now we’re dropping the first set of dates. We will be going out on a mostly headlining run with an amazing band out of LA, The Mendenhall Experiment. The guitarist has cerebral palsy and has used music and guitar playing to help him overcome the symptoms. Truly an amazing story and they’re killer! It’s gonna be a great run!
As far as touring with, I think 5 Finger Death Punch and/or Disturbed would be dreams for us. The music is a perfect fit and we absolutely love their energy and their fan bases. Such good crowds!
The passion and dedication that BrokenRail has for their music is evident, and it is what makes fans so anxious for what will come next. The band is currently promoting their new single, “Walk Again” with a video release available online, preparing for the new album release, and gearing up for their first national tour. Soon the hard work and long wait will be over and rock fans across the nation will discover the raw, aggressive and impassioned rock sound of BrokenRail.
By Cathy Young Moore also check out Moore Rock Shots & Reviews
Self Titled EP “BROKENRAIL” – IN STORES NOW!
