Catch Your Breath is currently traveling across the US on their Not Broken Enough Tour, and we got the chance to chat with them before they lit up the stage in Chicago! This wave of momentum they are on after the release of their sophomore album has been so fun to see and is much deserved.
In this interview, we got to learn about the writing process behind ‘Red Alert,’ shedding masks on stage, and the what they’ve learned opening for so many iconic Rock bands. So without further ado, let’s get into the interview!
The Interview
For our first question, we’d like to give you the floor to introduce yourself to The Honey POP readers!
We’re Catch Your Breath, and we’re a hard rock alternative band from Austin Texas. We’re a 4 piece band with Josh Mowery (Vocals), Teddy Harrera (Guitar), Onell Hernandez (Drums), and Cianan Madigan (Bass).
You released your sophomore album, Not Broken Enough, back in August! How has the reaction been from your fans?
It’s been incredible. The amount of support we’ve been getting for this album is truly inspirational.
‘Red Alert’ was the last single from the album and is one of our favorites! Take us back into the writing room; what was your process as you wrote (and later recorded) the track? When did ‘Red Alert’ come into play with the rest of the tracks?
Red Alert was a fun song to work on from start to finish. It’s definitely my most recorded song of all time haha. We started writing the song in Atlanta with our good friends Chris Link, and Kalan Adam. We actually started writing it before the rest of the album, and i feel like it set the tone for the rest of the album to come. So I feel like, when I look back it was probably one of the most important songs we wrote for the album.
Not Broken Enough has a lot of themes that we resonate with, like being frustrated and exhausted by the world, but still needing to power through. Other than music and performing, is there anything you like to do to help you get through those difficult moments?
Personally I’m a really internal person and I tend to deal with my problems quietly. But I enjoy getting out in nature and really connecting with it and finding my peace. Other than that hanging out with my fiancée keeps me pretty happy most of the time haha.
This [Chicago] show marks the second day of tour for y’all! Is there anything you are most looking forward to during this almost 2 month run?
Just getting on stage again and connecting with the fans. The stage is where I release all of the things I hold on to. I obviously deal with a lot of mental stuff, so really the stage is the only place where I feel comfortable shedding my mask and letting go.
You’ve gotten to open for some incredible acts in the hard rock/metal world, like Nothing More, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace! Is there anything from those tours that you are taking with you as you embark on your own headline tour?
Absolutely! l learned from each one of those bands that you never take any moment for granted. Matty Mullins said it the best when we toured with them and Atreyu. He said you’re on the most fun adventures of your life. Take it all in. The good, the bad. Because it’s all part of it, and we get to do something most people only dream of.
And when I speak to, and hang out with bands like Nothing More, Breaking Benjamin, and Three Days Grace, I can see it. Just utter appreciation and gratitude for where they are. When you start touring, sometimes it can be easy to forget to enjoy what you’re doing, especially when it comes to the business side of things. But now I can look back at some of my earlier moments even now, and see how they were right. It’s all part of one big journey, and it’s amazing. I wouldn’t trade this for anything.
Your music is very honest and speaks on things that all of your fans are also going through. Do you find that you have to separate the song from your personal feelings once it is released to make it easier for you to perform?
No, not really. I’m pretty expressive when I perform. It’s hard to explain but who I am on stage, and who I am off stage are completely different people. When I’m on stage I’m genuinely pouring myself out to the audience. I’ve had to choke back tears, avoid getting overstimulated, or actually get overstimulated on stage haha. Off stage I’m pretty reserved and shy.
When you are writing in the studio or at home, do you like going into a session with a topic already picked out or do you like seeing where things take you?
Both. I like to lyrically have an idea or at least an outline of what I want the song to be about. So, instead of writing lyrics before I hear an instrumental, I like to write down concepts. Or basically a short outline of what I want the song to be about. Then, I kind of just let the instrumental take over from there and follow it with melodies.
Because we are The Honey POP and we love all things sweet. What is one sweet thing that you can say about each other/your bandmates?
Teddy is a hard worker and very Tech savvy. His dedication to the band goes far beyond playing guitar. The band would have failed very early on without his contributions. Onell is also a very hard worker, and probably cares about the bands success more than anyone. Cianan is the sweetheart of the band. Genuinely a very nice person, and always a pleasure to be around.
We are so glad that we got the chance to interview Catch Your Breath and learn a bit more about them and their music! If you haven’t already, make sure you grab your tickets to the Not Broken Enough Tour here!
Now we want to hear from YOU! What’s your favorite song on the Not Broken Enough album? Have you been to the Not Broken Enough Tour yet? Let us know in the comments below or chat with us on Twitter, Instagram, and Discord.
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