Biography
There are two bands under this name:
1. Barely Breathing is a four-piece metalcore band located in Winterthur, Switzerland.
Founded by drummer Ben in 2023, after he left his old metalcore band as he relocated to Winterthur. Ben's been playing the drums since his childhood and has been part of various bands throughout the years.
Ben found Tim, lead guitarist in a Deathcore band, who ultimately became Barely Breathing's main songwriter. Tim first learned classical guitar in his teens before teaching himself the electric guitar, heavily inspired by the likes of Sean from While She Sleeps.
Later in 2023, they met vocalist Maik. Maik started singing as a child and taught himself to scream in his teens by putting his powerful voice to use at karaoke nights, inspired by Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and Adrian from Northlane, until he felt ready to join his first band.
Last but not least, Adrien has been experimenting with beats, rapping, and the keyboard since his 20s. As his brother-in-law, Ben knew his creative skillset and asked if he'd be interested in adding the bass to it and being a part of the band. Adrien joined a couple months after Maik.
Unwilling to compromise their chemistry, the four friends settled on being a four-piece band and officially became Barely Breathing.
2. Barely Breathing is a metal band that is fast becoming a sensation on the South African music scene. This up and coming band has huge plans for the future and seems destined for bigger and better things.
The band concentrated on writing music in the early days (2006) before starting to perform live. "We do not want to be a cover band. We want to be unique and want to become known and loved for our own music and style," states the band.
The band currently boasts a repertoire of many songs, all written by the band members themselves. The music writing process is a collaborative effort although some individual gems do exist. Vocalist Michael Cronje writes all the lyrics.
The next step was to record a demo cd. Three of the band’s best songs were recorded by Joe Foster Productions in June of 2006. Since then this demo cd had been used by the band and its representative to promote the band through its unique own music. The band has sold over 500 of these EP’s. Two of the songs, Ignite and Ghost of the Razor, although not recorded at full radio quality, received some radio play on local radio stations.
Barely Breathing took part in and won a Battle of the Bands event in August 2006. Barely Breathing recorded a 6 track mini album in July and August 2007 with the help of Jared Gunston of Chromium. This mini album might be the start of great things for Barely Breathing as it attracted the attention of international music company Casket Music. The mini album, Relive the Regret, will be distributed by Casket Music in Europe, the UK, Asia and South Africa from March 2008. Barely Breathing is also contracted by Casket Music to record a full album in London in June 2008.
In 2007 the band started realizing its dream of performing for live audiences. Performances at Roxy, Gecko’s, Maloney’s, Steamers, Kahoonies, Grimfest at Tempos, Back 2 Basix, Splashy Fenn Rock Festival, London Calling, Zepplin’s, The Bunker, Dragon Lounge, Dakota Rocks Charity Festival, Bell’s Sundowner, Summoning of Grimm Fest, Tempos, Back of the Moon, Red Door, Burn, and many more have served to hone their skills and feed a hunger for the excitement, admiration, and (sometimes manic) participation of their growing number of fans.
Barely Breathing joined Chromium in a short tour of KwaZulu Natal in October 2007 when they played at Red Door in Pietermaritzburg and Burn in Durban.
Barely Breathing believes it a privilege to have played with many of the top South African metal bands such as Agro, Chromium, Chokehold, Mute, Warthane, Erebus, and many more.
Style of music
The band sees itself as a metalcore band, with touches of thrash metal thrown into the mix.
Recipe for success
The band members agree that there are a few key ingredients without which they would not have been able to achieve the success they have so far enjoyed, and the success that they are striving for in future.
"The first crucial ingredient is the fact that we pour our hearts and our souls into our music. For us it is not about anything other than the music, the rest will follow."
In addition, the support of our families and friends is crucial. Financial and emotional support is always there when needed, and advice from very talented people like Martin Schofield (Wonderboom), Agro band and management members and Jared of Chromium are invaluable.
"And we see our fans not as fans, but as friends." This is the key, they believe.
What about the future?
It is quite obvious that this band is determined to make it, and to make it big. The next short-term goals of this band include the recording of a full album in London, writing the best music they can for this album, and performing in as many live performances over the length and width of South Africa as well as in London as they can fit in. "This is why bands exist: To play live."
Their future?
The world!!!
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