Artistic vision, intricate musicianship, dark, poetic lyrics
exploring heavy, controversial topics and a profound message are the very
essence of Picture Me Broken, a breath of fresh air band that shatters any
"young band" or "female-fronted" stereotypes. While Picture
Me Broken is mostly comprised of 18-year-olds, they are one of the few bands
right now trying to bring back true artistry in this trend-dominated music
scene.
Frontwoman Layla "Brooklyn" Allman refuses to be
placed in a category with other "rock chicks" or female lead singers
as she draws most of her influence from male artists and believes that women
should be just as dynamic. She goes on to say that the band are hard at work on
their next full-length release as well as what can be expected on their
upcoming EP release "Mannequins". Picture Me Broken is for the newer
generation and that's just how they like it.
1. Picture Me Broken tell me the tale as to how that name
came into the picture and what does it mean?
Brooklyn: Picture Me Broken has always been a band with
darker lyrical imagery and when I was selecting a band name I wanted to
represent this. I think music is the best means for reflection upon the darker
portion of human nature that is inherently inside each and every one of us.
2. You guys were signed to Standby Records, how did you get
signed to that label?
Brooklyn: Well, they had some paper and I had a pen!
3. How do you think being in LA changes your sound?
Brooklyn: LA didn't change our sound by any means, growth
and personal evolution did. I suppose being LA's largest influence lies in the
fact that it makes you hungrier to fulfill your artistic visions and be the
best.
4. You guys have played with a lot of great bands, which
would you say is your favorite?
Brooklyn: I think we have yet to open for one of those bands
that had a really huge impact on me as an artist, I definitely look forward to
that day. At this point, I would say that I had wonderful experiences opening
for Saosin and Atreyu.
5. If you have to pick a band to tour with from the Standby
Records label, who would it be and why?
Brooklyn: I think Davey Suicide is a talented artist with
great vision.
6. How did you come together?
Brooklyn: This band originally formed on a playground in 7th
grade. My bass player Austin is still a member of the band that's part of that
history. Picture Me Broken really came about as a result of seeking passionate
artists and separating who was die hard committed to this project and who
wasn't. I've been fortunate enough to always have access to stellar musicians.
7. What are your songs about? (What specific themes do they
cover?)
Brooklyn: I cover a myriad of themes lyrically all
originating as sort of a manifestation of my own emotional composition and
persistent thoughts and struggles. I like writing about people, it helps me
decode them and why they affect me. I enjoy drawing inspiration from
literature, plays, films and writers who strike me. I think religion is also a
common theme you'll notice in PMB songs as that's a point of fascination for
me.
8. Where did the title "Mannequins" come from?
Brooklyn: "Mannequins" is a metaphor for a false
artistic figure. How clothing and makeup gimmicks are on people's radars far
more than the artistic content itself. How labels will tell you how to wear
your hair as they sit back and watch phony internet figures who lack any sort
of artistic sensibilities brainwash kids into emotionally investing in their
gimmick. The artist is cut up and altered so they can be a t-shirt selling
machine while true art falls to the wayside further perpetuating the death of
the industry. I think we're sort of poking fun at the artists and people of the
industry who choose to run their operation in this way. Our title track on this
EP is very satirical and meant to shed light on this subject as it's been
something this band has faced and fought for since the commencement of the
writing process for this EP/Album.
9. What can you tell me about the "Mannequins" EP?
Brooklyn: I think we're exploring some interesting concepts
conceptually and have become sonic-ally more advanced since our last release. I
think people will find our new music to be entirely refreshing.
10. Your new album is called "Corrupt Me" what
inspired the album title? Is it a concept album?
Brooklyn: Growing up in the music industry I noticed how
innocent motives to make music and art can turn into something entirely
different when you start to reach a certain level. It becomes about so much
more bullshit that ruins the innocence of a 16 year old kid who likes writing
songs. The album narrates my experience and mental evolution facing all my
dream entails. I think to a certain degree you need corruption to counter
naivety to allow for growth and knowledge. On a different level, I think
Picture Me Broken stands for creating music that isn't afraid of offending
people or making them feel dark, ugly or evil emotions and thoughts.
11. Where are you in the recording process of the new album?
Brooklyn: The album has been wrapped since last February but
since we decided to put out an EP we'll be writing a few more songs to fill the
album back out. I'm quite excited that we get to add on to it as we've grown so
much since then and are happy to be able to apply some new found songwriting
knowledge to this release.
12. Who is producing the album?
Brooklyn: This album was produced by David Bendeth.
13. Where are you recording the album?
Brooklyn: Our recording process took place in a little
studio called House of Loud in New Jersey. A lot went down for this band inside
of those walls but we came out stronger.
14. How would you describe the overall sound of the new
album? How does it compare to "Mannequins" and "Wide
Awake"?
Brooklyn: It's like comparing apples to oranges, really.
We're a different band now, that's the best way I can put it. We write bigger
choruses, write smarter and abandoned gimmicks and trends sincerely focusing on
what was best for each individual song. The album is completely bipolar, we
broke rules and didn't care who we were "selling to" and did what we
wanted.
15. Can we expect more screaming on this upcoming release?
Brooklyn: There will never be as much screaming as there was
on "Wide Awake", Picture Me Broken is so much more than a "chick
screamer".
16. Are you using any new instrumentation you've never used
in the recording process before?
Brooklyn: We're definitely synth heavy at times, which I
love. We have three new band members, I think that's the most dramatic change
instrumentally.
17. Did the band have any definitive goals they were
shooting for before the recording process began for this album?
Brooklyn: Our goals were to grow into something that could
stand strong without a scene to lean on. I think we accomplished this sonic-ally.
Brooklyn: Music is something I enjoy, I only feel
excitement.
19. When can we expect the new album to be released?
Brooklyn: There is no official release date for the album
yet. I'm hesitant to say anything concrete because the industry is
unpredictable for a young band in our stage of the game.
20. Any last words you want to say to your fans?
Brooklyn: Thank you sincerely for your love and support, be
sure to pick up "Mannequins" on Amazon or iTunes out 12/18 and let us
know what you think!
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