Breckenwood

Practice is perhaps the most important aspect of a band's development. It is the origin of material and the preparation for production, the time when everything the listener experiences is created. "We used to practice at my apartment but we had a lot of police there," says Garrett Shea. "They liked the music though, if we were playing, they would wait till the song was over before they knocked on the door," adds Cameron Kukla. - 716 Local Music Magazine

They came from Buffalo, the land of unpredictable weather and chicken wings. They pride themselves on being "Buffalo Boys," but they couldn't wait to play in new territories. For the first time, the rock band Breckenwood has ventured into New England. The four-man band consists of guitarist and lead singer Garrett Shea, lead guitarist and back-up vocalist Nick Bonaventura, bassist William Folkemer, and drummer Cameron Kukla. The group's first show was at a battle of the bands at Villa Maria College, an arts and music school in Buffalo. Since then the band has evolved, both personally and musically. - WEBN Boston News

They came from Buffalo, the land of unpredictable weather and chicken wings. They pride themselves on being "Buffalo Boys," but they couldn't wait to play in new territories. For the first time, the rock band Breckenwood has ventured into New England. The four-man band consists of guitarist and lead singer Garrett Shea, lead guitarist and back-up vocalist Nick Bonaventura, bassist William Folkemer, and drummer Cameron Kukla. The group's first show was at a battle of the bands at Villa Maria College, an arts and music school in Buffalo. Since then the band has evolved, both personally and musically. - WEBN Boston News

Yet another great recording and visuals from; Greg Burt, Chilliam Studios, Nicholas Gunner, Elmer Ploetz and Gabriel Mayer! - Nicholas Gunner, Elmer Ploetz and Gabriel Mayer

Amid all of our shows and interviews over spring break, we stopped in with our good friend, Greg Burt to do a live studio session at Chilliam Studios.
Thanks to everyone involved! Nicholas Gunner, Elmer Ploetz and Gabriel Mayer! - Nicholas Gunner, Elmer Ploetz and Gabriel Mayer

Amid all of our shows and interviews over spring break, we stopped in with our good friend, Greg Burt to do a live studio session at Chilliam Studios.
Thanks to everyone involved! Nicholas Gunner, Elmer Ploetz and Gabriel Mayer! - Nicholas Gunner, Elmer Ploetz and Gabriel Mayer

Breckenwood, finally some straight rock n roll. Add what ever genres you want but when I'm listening to Breckenwood I'm getting down on some rock. Wait, then I hear their track "Breathe," a different side of Breckenwood and I'm diggin it. The singer's voice is enough to convince anyone that this band is worth while, on top of that the band is just as killer. A group of really talented musicians, these guys are on tour and playing Cantab tonight! Show some love, check out their music, go to the show and buy them a beer. - UNregular Radio

They come from Buffalo, the land of unpredictable weather and chicken wings. They pride themselves on being “Buffalo boys,” but they couldn’t wait to play in new territories.

For the first time, the rock band Breckenwood has ventured into New England for their first northeast tour. Tonight was their first stop at Club Bohemia, the downstairs to Cantab Lounge in Cambridge, MA.

The name Breckenwood comes from two street names in Buffalo, New York, Elmwood and Breckenridge.

The four-man band consists of guitarist and lead singer Garrett Shea, lead guitarist and back-up vocalist Nick Bonaventura, bassist William Folkemer, and drummer Cameron Kukla.

Though they are all in their early 20s, their music roots stem from school choruses and concert bands.

Shea is the only member from the original Breckenwood. The current lineup started to form via Craigslist. Folkemer said that’s not uncommon method for musicians.

Folkemer answered an ad for a bassist posted by Shea. Kukla joined the group after he received a call from Shea saying Breckenwood needed a new drummer. It was convenient for Kukla because his band had just split up as well.

“So he came in, we jammed, and we meshed really well together,” Shea told WEBN Boston. “We played a couple gigs together….”

“Both of which Nick was at,” added Folkemer, cutting Shea off.

“I came to watch,” said Bonaventura, laughing at the coincidence. Bonaventura had played with Folkemer in a previous band.

“We decided we really needed a lead guitar player…because I’m not that good of a guitar player,” said Shea laughing.


Nick Bonaventura (left) and Garrett Shea (right). WEBN staff photo
It’s been two years since Bonaventura joined Breckenwood. The group’s first show was a battle of the bands at Villa Maria College, an arts and music school in Buffalo.

Did they win? No, but they learned an important lesson that night…never play the new song.

“The last thing people heard of us was a new song so it wasn’t as tight or cohesive,” said Folkemer.

Since then band has evolved, both personally and musically.

Last year Breckenwood signed with the label Buzz Records. In November, the band’s first album titled “Take Me There was released.” The album includes the group’s first single, “Loser of the Year,” which was previously released on iTunes.

Breckenwood’s members admit they do get in small squabbles with one another, but “It’s nothing ever personal. It’s all music,” said Kukla.

“I think it’s good that we do that though,” said Bonaventura. “That’s how you improve songs, how you come to agreements.”

“We only argue when we practice,” said Kukla. “Outside we all hang out, we have a good time.”

The band members said they play a lot of old school N64 video games, and go out for food and drinks. Dollar burger nights are a band favorite.

“If we couldn’t do that, I don’t think we’d be here right now,” said Kukla.

To finish up this mini tour, Breckenwood will play at GroundZZZero in Allenstown, New Hampshire and at Bottle Bar East in New York City. - WEBN Boston News

3/7/13 - Hard Rock Rising BotB* @ Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls, USA - 333 Prospect St Niagara Falls, NY 14303
3/8/13 - Aliquippa, PA*@ The Fallout Shelter - 818 Raccoon St, Aliquippa, PA
3/10/13 - Podcast Recording with Greg Burt*
3/12/13 - Buffalo, NY @ Broadway Joe's Bar & Grille - 3051 Main St, Buffalo, NY
3/14/13 - Boston, MA @ Cantab Lounge + UNregular Radio show - 738 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA
3/15/13 - Allenstown, NH @ GroundZZZero - 48 Allenstown Road, Allenstown NH, 03275
3/16/13 - New York City, NY @ Bar East - 1733 1st Ave, New York, NY
3/23/13 - Tonawanda, NY
3/30/13 - Lakewood, OH @ The Five O Clock Lounge - 11904 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH - POP VULTURE MAGAZINE

Breckenwood pulled in a solid second, led by the vocals and guitar of Garrett Shea. With Will Folckemer providing bass, Cameron Kukla on drums, and Lambros Markousis on guitar, Shea was free to switch to acoustic for songs like "Loser of the Year," and piano for "Dear Abby." - UB Spectrum - Vanessa Frith

Finding funds to travel to venues, dealing with broken instruments and losing a chance to play Vans Warped Tour at Darien Lake last summer have been learning experiences for Breckenwood. However, after winning the chance to open for Sum 41 this Wednesday and releasing its debut album, Take Me There,through Buzz Records last Saturday, the band is on a high like no other.
Continue... - UB Spectrum - Felicia Hunt

Hey I came across this band Breckenwood the other day. I saw them live opening for Sum 41 and thought they were pretty good. I like Simple Plan and think Breckenwood would be attractive to some other Simple Plan fans. Here's a sound cloud page with songs off of their debut album Take Me There : http://soundcloud.com/buzzrecords-1/sets/take-me-there-breckenwood - Simple Plan Forum

on 2012-11-27 ChazMichaels Said:

Take Me There is a great debut album by the Buffalo based band Breckenwood. I really enjoy the sound the band has. LIfe After You is probably my favorite song off the album. It's aggressive and that's what really gets me into the song. The lead guitar answers the vocals and vice versa and it really brings it all together.
Rating: 8/10
- musicemissions

An awesome interview from Pop Vulture Magazine on us, Breckenwood! - Pop Vulture Magazine

Buffalo, NY | Buzz Records is proud to announce that on November 23, 2012 they released Breckenwood’s debut album, “Take Me There.” Breckenwood signed to Buzz Records March of this year and have been hard at work in the studio since May with Grammy-nominated producer Anthony Casuccio. After their success with their first single, “Loser of the Year” Breckenwood hopes that “Take Me There” will surpass their fans expectations. This full-length album is comprised of driving pop/punk songs and well placed ballads that present the listener with relatable and powerful music.

With an aggressive pop vibe built on a punk rock foundation, Breckenwood’s fresh sound, soulful lyrics and energetic show transforms every stage into a party and every song into a message that will touch your heart. Breckenwood, whose name is inspired by the well-known streets of Elmwood Avenue and Breckenridge Street in Buffalo’s hip Elmwood district, has won a variety of awards, including Best Pop Rock Band and Best Pop Rock Vocalist (Shea) by the college radio giant WBNY. The band also qualified for a position in Hard Rock Rising, the international competition run by Hard Rock Café, after beating dozens of other bands. They have been a mainstay in the club and college scenes, playing regionally to their growing fan base. In support of their debut album, Breckenwood is currently planning a multi-state tour.

“Take Me There,” is available on iTunes, Amazon.com, Great Indie Music and CD Baby. If you are interested in a physical copy please email Buzz Records at Buzzrecordsusa@gmail.com for prompt delivery. - Pop Vulture Magazine

"Blending the influence of Green Day and Foo Fighters, Breckenwood offers tightly constructed pop hooks and vibrant, accessible arrangement. "Take Me There" is a fat-free endeavor." - Jeff Miers - The Buffalo News

"They’ve got a great sound, their covers are great, their originals are great, and they play a very high energy show." - Harry Greene

Best Pop-Rock Band
1.) Sudden Urge
2.) Breckenwood
3.) Rescue Dawn
Staff Pick: The Albrights
ArtVoice: The Albrights

Best Male Pop/Indie Vocalist
1.) Everett Lee of Everett Lee & Underground Stampede
2.) Mike Zogaria
3.) Trever J.L. Stribing of The Carbon Copy
Staff Pick: Garret Shea of Breckenwood - WNY Music Awards

"Wednesday's (5/30/12) show will feature, in addition to the Albrights, sets from the power-pop outfit Breckenwood..." - Jeff Miers - The Buffalo News

"Wednesday's (5/30/12) show will feature, in addition to the Albrights, sets from the power-pop outfit Breckenwood..." - Jeff Miers - The Buffalo News

Best Lyrics In A Song (from Western New York):
first: Invisible by Sixpin, second: Make it Up To You by Mike Zogaria, third: Emergency by Breckenwood
WBNY: All Winners by The BloodThirsty Vegans
Steak & Cake: TERRIBLE ERA BY BILL TIMES A BILLION
Ciniris: Time Machine, Letterset

Best Power-Pop/Pop-Rock Band (from Western New York):
first: Breckenwood, second: Thrown Under The Bus, third TIE: The Mixtape, Rescue Dawn
WBNY: The Mixtape
Steak & Cake: NELSON TYPE

Best Original Pop/Indie Vocalist (in Western New York):
first: Garrett Shea of Breckenwood, second: Nicholas William of The Breathing Tree, third: Jordan Dixon of Inlite
WBNY: Jordan Dixon of Inlite
Steak & Cake: NICK GORDON
Ciniris: Zong Gu, Sunday Radio & Cameron Powell, Letterset - WBNY Local Music Awards

Buzz Records Signs WNY Band Breckenwood Buzz band Breckenwood to release single followed by album Single is titles Loser of the year and will be available from all downloading sites.

Amherst, NY (I-Newswire) May 4, 2012 - Local Label Buzz Records Signs WNY Band Breckenwood

Buzz band Breckenwood to release single followed by album

Amherst, NY May 1st: Buzz Records is proud to announce that they have signed Western NY power-pop-rock band Breckenwood. Grammy nominated producer and Buzz partner, Anthony Casuccio is excited to be working with this talented group of musicians. “This band has written some amazing songs and we cannot wait to get them out to the public.” This week Buzz is releasing the first single from Breckenwood called Loser of the Year along with an acoustic version that will be available from all of the major music downloading sites. The band is in the studio working on their debut album set to be released this summer.

About Buzz Records:
Buzz Records, founded in 2011 by Grammy-nominated producer Anthony Casuccio and successful businessman and lawyer Steven Kantor, is a story of two men with vastly different backgrounds joining together to create something new and much-needed in the music industry:

A record label with a fresh vibe.
“We’re going to sign and nurture artists and bands who have a genuine, original sound,” says co-founder Steve Kantor, a successful attorney who grew up outside Buffalo, N.Y. and attended college and law school at Michigan State before returning home, where he opened his own firm.

Buzz is different from other labels — both majors and indies. Casuccio and Kantor look at Buzz as a long-term investment, both on the financial and the artistic sides.

“We’re putting the art before the money,” Kantor says.
“Too many bands and record companies are looking to make a fast buck,” agrees Casuccio who, like Kantor, grew up in Western New York. After graduating from Fredonia State College, Casuccio worked with major record labels, including both Sony and Readers Digest Records, in New York and California. He trained at Julliard and became heavily involved with the Grammy organization before returning home to Buffalo, where his company Xtream Audio does mastering work for labels and artists across both North America and Europe. Multiple projects of Casuccio’s have been nominated for Grammy awards.

After scouting dozens of bands and submissions, Buzz Records took the first step in doing that by signing The Albrights, a four-piece pop-indie rock band. The Albrights’ debut CD, “Ask, Tell.” was released in May 2011.

Buzz has also worked with 14-year-old recording artist Dallas Pace, a former Make-A-Wish child who engaged in a long, and ultimately successful, battle with bone cancer. Dallas’ “wish” was to write and record her own music. Casuccio, along with Joe Donohue III and Matthew Crane from The Albrights, donated his time to that project as a songwriter and producer. Dallas’ fresh pop voice and deeply introspective lyrics caught Casuccio’s ear, and convinced both him and Kantor to release her debut single, “She’s the One,” on iTunes in spring 2011.

“Too often nowadays,” Casuccio says, “record companies and producers sign bands to create cookie-cutter, quick-hit songs that they’re hoping will get you to download some music and buy some merchandise before the next studio-manufactured hit comes along. We’re going to change that.” - i-Newswire