ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: The Breakdowwns Have Rocked Our Hearts

Locally known in St. Louis and its surrounding area, The Breakdowwns are the psychedelic blues-rock band of your dreams - providing wailing guitars, powerful vocals, hard-hitting drums and even a few classic rock covers. As drummer and founding member Frankie Johnson states, "It's like if Foo Fighters and Pink Floyd had a baby" - which he's not wrong.

In 2018, local guitarist Jimmy Griffin (El Monstero, Celebration Day, etc.) had a big birthday bash at Delmar Hall (one of the prestige venues the band frequents) where all of his bands were playing. Frankie states, "I had known Jimmy for a couple of years at that point and about a week before the show, he asked me if I wanted to join him on stage to play some Tom Petty that night. I had no idea that he also asked some other young friends of his to do the same." Frankie tells he met Colin Ford and original guitarist Justin Watson literally on the stage.

As Mr. Johnson continues the tale, the three performed Tom Petty's classic hit "Mary Jane's Last Dance" and that was that. "I told Colin 'We should get together and play some more Petty sometime.'" Originally going by the name The Midnight Howlers, stopped playing together for a bit, and what brought Frankie and Colin back together was none other than the infamous 2020 Pandemic. Since their initial first meeting in 2018, the two grew into themselves and had a more transparent idea of what they wanted to do. Thus, "The Breakdowwns" were born.

The band spent a couple of years playing any gig they could get - bars, venues, charity events, backyards, parking lots - that would have them while they were honing their craft with songs that would become the bands' debut album. "Yes, it did take years.", Johnson laughs. "We didn't want to rush anything. We knew we didn't just want to throw out another DIY shitty basement record. We really wanted to try and do it as professional as we could." And that, they did.

According to Johnson, original guitarist and founding member Justin Watson was with them until they finished recording the album, leaving the band because he received different opportunities... Which is when the band brought in Koda Trujilo. "Koda has come in and has immediately become the absolute perfect piece. We love him." As the music industry is so small and tight (especially in St. Louis), the band was familiar with their new guitar player as Koda himself was playing in local bands. And last (never ever least), we have our favorite local keyboard player, Mr. Andrew Jolly (who pops in & out of shows from time to time).

The Breakdowwns' self-titled debut album inspires listeners to tap into their creative side and push boundaries in order to gain independence in an industry that tries to control artists. The opening invitation "Meditate" presents motivational melodies and such lyrics (as (reference to David Bowie's "Let's Dance") - "Put on your red shoes and dance the blues" - will make you groove. "Talking to Myself"  provides a chorus with crystal clear harmonies, fuzzy guitar riffs and all-too relatable lyrics. "Dirty Bitch" focuses on illuminating keys, repetitive guitars and who wouldn't love a song with that title? The song that encapsulates the album is "Just Rolled in..." and creates a visual of wild colors, aliens and other trippy symbols (much like the album's artwork). The track presents itself as a lullaby with psychedelic keyboards, intoxicating vocals, and dreamy melodies. "It's our Pink Floydiest song.", Frankie states. What makes the song even more special is its continuation titled "Just Rolled In... (Reprise)" - which features an emotional and massive guitar solo throughout its entirety, and it's the track where all four members shine their brightest.

The band recently released a cover of "Breakdown" by Tom Petty, in which they provided their debut music video for, and confirmed that's where they got their name from. The Breakdowwns are making a positive name for themselves in the St. Louis music industry and have proved they deserve a spot amongst the pioneers. You never know when you'll see a Breakdowwns sticker at a local record store, on a crosswalk pole, or at their own live show. Be on the lookout!

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