This week’s Indie Band of the Week comes to us from Jackson, New Jersey. Breathing Ashes is releasing their new album on May 7th. With that release, they are playing a show during a leg of the Enter Shikari and Hands Like Houses North American Tour. Be sure to show them some love!
Who are you and what is your role in the band?
My name is Andres Mendieta, and apart from just singing clean vocals, I also write the lyrics to most of the songs we write and perform.
How did the band get started?
It’s actually pretty funny, Mike Rafter went around looking for people to join this project him and Anthony had started up. We had met once before in a Taco Bell where we exchanged some likeminded thoughts on music and personal info. He must have been sixteen at the time. A few years later, when he started putting together the “A-Team”, he gave me a ring and told me about this music project and I hopped on board immediately. Besides us, Tristan is also an original member and went to school with Mike as well as worked together at Six Flags! Since then we’ve had some people come and go but now we have Alex on drums and Jesse Shuman on bass. We couldn’t be happier with this line-up.
Who are your influences and how do they play a role in your sound?
James Hetfield, Kirk Hammet played a big part in starting my love for metal as well as played a big role for Tristan with playing Guitar! Aside from that, we love A Day to Remember, Miss May I, Like Moths to Flames, Deftones, and The Amity Affliction, all of which significantly shaped our lives and continue to set the bar for what kind of band we can be.
What has been your most meaningful experience being in this band so far?
This band has transcended from a group of guys just playing instruments together into a family, and a bond that seems rock solid. Having that support and unit to rely on has really had an impact on my life.
Favorite memory from a show you’ve played or a place you’ve travelled?
It would have to be playing a local tour stop for For Today and Like Moths To Flames. Having an opportunity to perform alongside such talented musicians was one thing, but the crowd that came to see us in our own area was like a fantastic. So many close supporters came out and friends too; it was like a family. It was a thrill and I think my band mates would agree.
What do you hope to accomplish with your music?
Truly, we want to be successful, but we want to create a memory for people and make them feel good when they may be down. We try step by step to express ourselves and connect with those who listen to us. We are also trying to build a name for ourselves and eventually get on the road. Who knows what can follow!
Something about you that no one knows?
I had my appendix removed on my 17th birthday exactly. Wasn’t the best gift I’ve got.
What is next for the band?
We have an EP coming out May 7th, “Event Horizon”. It’s gonna be a six song post-hardcore EP, with our own texture and vibe. Immediately after we plan on playing a bunch of shows, as well as putting together songs for a full-length album that we’ve been itching to lay down. Also coming up on May 7th with our release, we are playing a show at a local venue GameChangerWorld during a leg of Enter Shikari and Hands Like Houses’ NA American Tour. We will be first on and the only local act on the show!
Anything else you want to add?
We are all super proud of our music and we hope everyone else will enjoy it too! This first EP that we are releasing was completely self produced with the exception of the drum tracking. Shout out to Matty Cerulean for tracking the drums with our drummer Alex!
