TIEBREAK

TIEBREAK discuss the making of their analogue-recorded debut album 16-23, the importance of authenticity, the power of community support, and their ambitions as they prepare for the band’s next chapter.

1. Your debut album 16-23 was recorded on analogue tape, a choice that stands out in today’s digital recording world. What drew you to that process, and how did it influence the sound and atmosphere of the record?

We prefer the warmth of tape, and we wanted it to sound honest, tape picks up every little detail about the sound but it’s the genuine sound we made. We feel really bored of perfect quantised notes so we decided to go back to the OG methods! We also wanted it to sound as good as possible on vinyl.

2. TIEBREAK is a self-managed band made up of friends from Northampton, Milton Keynes and Leighton Buzzard. How has that shared history shaped your songwriting, chemistry and the way you approach making music together?

The locations themselves didn’t shape much, Milton Keynes is especially uninspiring, but the people within the places had a huge impact. Jack and James from MK college really helped us get our foot in the door when we were starting out and showed us how the music industry works. The hard working people at the local venues are really holding the scene up, the Crawfurd, MK11, The Lab, Bedford Esquires [and more!].

It’s a tough time for artists and venues right now but they are still making an effort to keep it rolling and it means a lot to so many people!

3. You describe yourselves as “just a decent authentic local UK indie band” focused on making real music. What does authenticity mean to TIEBREAK, especially in an era dominated by social media trends and streaming algorithms?

Our general viewpoint is that good music is made from a place of authenticity and honesty,  being honest about the sounds you like and the rhythm that moves you. You can’t fake your way into connecting with people, especially not with art and music. You can fake it but then you’re just a salesman on stage. We would rather 10 people love us for what we actually make, sound like, and how we feel the music – Than connect with 100 who hear a reconstructed and quantised version of us with fake smiles and pretending to enjoy ourselves. So authenticity and honesty is a prerequisite to the music in my opinion.

4. The album combines your first three singles with brand-new material. Looking back at those earlier songs, how do they reflect your evolution as a band, and what can listeners expect from the newer tracks?

The album has everything, we recorded all of the tracks in 2 sessions lasting 2 days each, meaning that no matter how we felt, we had to push through and record. You’ve got the excitement in there from us being at one of the nicest studios for the first time, as well as the lows and frustrations of having to squeeze it all in so little time. And because we recorded it to tape and 90% of it was live recording, you can really feel it in the songs, which is nice.

5. Your debut album was made possible through crowdfunding, showing that your supporters believed in the project from the beginning. What has that experience meant to you, and how has your growing fan community motivated the band?

We are just really grateful for everyone who gave money towards the album, it really means a lot. We hope it means that they believe in us!

6. With 16-23 introducing TIEBREAK to a wider audience, what are your hopes for the months ahead? Are there plans for touring, new music, or other goals you’d love to achieve as the band continues to grow?

We have a lot planned for the near future, we are organising tours, starting with a lot more local-ish shows, writing new music, and loving the process of it.

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