WORDS Caroline Rosen PHOTO The Breedings
The Breedings are longtime friends of MADE and are currently touring in support of their new album, Fayette. We caught up with Willie Breeding to hear his thoughts on the new album, touring, and more.
MADE: So Willie, what inspired the new album?
W.B.: I think just having a collection of songs we knew were ready. We had spent years recording an album we weren’t very happy with, so to get back to having songs we liked and recording in a more stripped down way was very appealing. We just wanted to make something that felt good that wasn’t over-thought, and I think we did just that!
MADE: Do you have a favorite song from the new album to perform?
W.B.: I would say, “Clays Ferry Bridge” if it’s an acoustic set, and “No Matter Where” with the band. Erin would answer “Take From Me”, “Two Drinks” or “Make You Wait”. I guess we really like performing this record live!
MADE: What made writing the songs on your second album different from writing your songs on the first?
W.B.: On our first album, I was writing a couple songs specifically for Erin to have louder, more aggressive songs to sing. Kind of show off her range. This new album is more of a collection of our favorite songs we had. Truthfully, most of the songs from both albums were written in similar time frames, as I’m always writing.
MADE: Did any songs get left on the cutting room floor? How did you decide what to include and what to leave off?
W.B.: Yes, a bunch! We made a list of 11-12 songs and went from there. I think only one got recorded that didn’t make the album. But it just wasn’t ready, and was horrifically underwhelming. Sometimes you don’t know till you record it!
MADE: What’s your favorite venue so far on the tour for your new album?
W.B.: The Brooklyn Bowl and The Ridgefield Playhouse in CT. Both very different, both very awesome.
MADE: What is the best thing about touring? Seeing people engaged with your music? Visiting new places? Some combination thereof?
W.B.: Definitely a combination of all of those things. I really love traveling, so that’s great, seeing new cities and eating different food. We got to go to Camden, Maine for a night on this tour and that was definitely a highlight. The downside was that I was in Maine and didn’t see a moose. I feel cheated and will have to return soon for further investigation. At the end of the day, though, it’s really about getting to play shows and getting the music out there. That’s what is most important and that is what feels the best, when it happens.
MADE: Where in the South will you be playing if people wanted to catch up with you?
W.B.: All over! Lot’s of southern shows coming up. Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama....new shows are added all the time. Just check the tour page at www.thebreedingsmusic.com.
The Breedings play in Montgomery September 12, 2013.