Interview by Hogey Bare

While on a virtual night out in Breaksworld I met up with my good buddies - and future breakbeat superstars - Vlad, Tamsin & Pete, otherwise known as Breakneck. We had a virtual pint, sat down and talked about breaks, beats & the future of one of nu breaks' up-and-coming stars.

Breakneck are a trio formed in the days when jungle was still growing from its breakbeat hardcore roots and the term drum 'n' bass was yet to hit. Tams had been DJing around the hardcore and jungle scene for years before she started to record with long-established engineer Pete Parsons (aka Voyager). Coming from a garage background, Vlad joined the journey three years ago.

Breakneck have established themselves as the nu breaks scene's undercover agents. Their previous releases were hammered, and they became the unsung heroes of Rennie Pilgrem's TCR stable. With the recent release of their "Chapter 3" EP, things may be changing.

Q: Guys, with "Chapter 3" on the verge of general release, how do you think it will compete with the success of it's predecessors? Surely none of you could have predicted that nearly 18 months on, the early EPs would still be getting played out so much?

A: Obviously, we make each new track in the hope that it surpasses the last, and the fact that Chapters 1+ 2 are still rocking, is a great compliment. We're more used to the rapid turnover of the d&b scene, where a track is pretty much done and dusted after only a month or so on general release! The spread of nu breaks can only be welcomed for its tolerance of historical tuneage! Breakneck are very happy to have found their way into the long stay car park!

Q: "Chapter 3" has a real drum 'n' bass vibe - does this mean that nu breaks are coming full cycle and moving back toward becoming a drum 'n' bass hybrid?

A: We did not set out to make particularly drum 'n' bass influenced tunes. We've managed to combine all our musical histories into an original sound, which is not about trying to re-create the drum 'n' bass scene at a slower tempo, but it's about having new experiences with old and new ideas. Breakbeat is a fusion of all the original dance styles to date and it would be tragic to see it go full circle, and be lost in a style that is already out there.

Q: With that in mind, where do you all think nu skool can go from here?

A: If we knew where it was going, there would be no fun in the journey! Nu breaks is a real melting pot for musicians/DJs and producers to express themselves without any preconceived ideas... anything goes!!

Q: So, as anything goes, it is possible for anyone to bring in elements from any musical style (if used properly and in context)? With that in mind, how do Breakneck set themselves apart from other nu skool producers?

A: When we made "Chapter 1", we had no idea of the scene as a whole. We came in with an open mind to make wicked tunes at around 130/140 bpm, and that continues to be our goal. We've no magic formula, and we're totally chuffed at the success we've had so far.

Q: What kind of influence has being on TCR had over your progression and your success, how proud is daddy Pilgrem of his Breakneck children?

A: We're honoured to be part of the TCR Worldwide Domination! Rennie has long been respected as the daddy of UK breaks, and the fact that he has brought us into the fold, has definitely helped us to reach our current status on the scene. Father Pilgrem's been totally supportive of the Breakneck children, and long may it last.

Q: As "Chapter 3" is done & dusted now, what is next?

A: In combination with several other projects that are on the go, an album is definitely due for release next year. Our resident vinyl 'ho' is trawling through her massive record collection as we speak, discovering beats and pieces for future inspiration, so you can be sure it'll be one to watch out for! We also have plans for going live next summer, so long as Vlad takes his tambourine lessons seriously!

Q: I hear you have collaborated with new Northern breakbeat label Akademia records?

A: We were approached to do the remix of Hyper vs Tension's Dropzone for their first single release which we were very happy to do, its just a shame that it's taken a little longer than expected to be released. We're definitely looking to do more remixes in 2002 under the Breakneck banner".

Q: Finally, If you were a fish, what kind of fish would you be and why?

Tamsin: would be "the fish who could wish".

Vlad: would be a "fishnet stocking".

Pete: would be a "stoner fish".

So our hopeful, stocking-clad cannibinoid breakers left me to mull it all over. I came out feeling that in breakbeat, anything's possible. Even Vlad playing live percussion, although I recommend starting him off on the triangle!

As nu skool breaks get bigger and bigger, with increasing airplay & remixes, Breakneck could be one of the groups that carry over to next year into popular consciousness. Let's hope that daddy Pilgrem lets his babies out to play a bit more so we don't have to wait another 6 months.

Breakneck were interviewed by Hogey Bare, resident DJ of Fish & Chips in Liverpool.

For more info on Breakneck check out:
http://www.breakneck.org.uk
http://www.tcr.uk.com