Broken By Fire Band

The Quick & Dirty

Broken By Fire is an alternative rock quartet from Vancouver, BC. The band is known for producing catchy, melodic tidbits sounding like Billy Corgan, Jack White, Chris Martin & Badly Drawn Boy sitting around the campfire playing Beatles tunes after a fine surf trip. The songs will rekindle the excitement you felt as a child when you finally found the prize at the bottom of the Crackerjack box.

The Name

Not too long ago, "Someone" (who chooses to remain anonymous) knocked a very large, red hot coal onto their bare foot while attempting to stoke the fire in our rehearsal space (yes, there actually is a very warm and cosy fireplace). Subsequently, during the ensuing frantic panic dance, a misplaced wine glass was somehow shattered and, mysteriously, a tannin-soaked distortion pedal went berserk. The aforementioned "Someone" was of the mind that the fire was somehow responsible and that, hence, the glass and the pedal had been "broken by the fire". Somewhere between then and now some recordings were produced and then something magical happened - a vision that is more than ten years in the making is quickly coming to fruition…….

The Sound

Broken By Fire is an alternative rock quartet consisting of Michael "Chip" Monk (rhythm guitar/piano/vocals), Oliver Sea (percussion), Jeremy Scott (bass) and Victor Cobian (lead guitar). The band is best described as sounding like Billy Corgan, Jack White, Chris Martin and Badly Drawn Boy sitting around the campfire playing Beatles tunes after a fine surf trip. The band's sound has been strongly influenced by a combination of 60's and 70's rock elements subtly infused with the edge and rawness of 90's grunge. Song structures are simple, and melodic hooks are catchy. Overall, the lyrics explore the introspective heart of the human condition, the duality of everything in nature and the social tapestry of current times.

The Members

Chip writes clever songs on guitar and closely aligns the art of songwriting with his affection for cooking - "Goodness starts with quality fresh ingredients and a great recipe". He was "broken by fire" over a two month period in the summer of 1999 while living in a tent on Keeha Beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island. During this period, he honed his craft, spending many blissful evenings nestled close to the campfire with an acoustic guitar, singing to the stars while finding his voice. Spearheading the Broken By Fire project, Chip brings dedication, discipline, solid vocal melodies, lyrical depth and tight arrangements to the band.

Oliver Sea studied jazz drumming at Cal Arts in Los Angeles and spent a significant amount of time in Seoul, South Korea where he produced pop music for local artists. He has been active in the Vancouver music scene since the 90s and has played with Hot Breakfast, Flyleaf, The Jarrod Tyler Band, Taylor Harp and the Shield. Oliver brings true feeling to Broken By Fire's sound with his unique, Indonesian-flavored percussion style.

Jeremy Scott is a well grounded and disciplined professional bass player that has truly helped to elevate Broken By Fire's music to heightened levels of expression. Currently he plays in a variety of cover bands working the Vancouver scene, including the awesome Neil Diamond cover group, Nearly Neil. He has played with local artist Tea, and participated in the Peak Performance Project with her in 2009. Jeremy contributes enormously to the band with his professionalism, extensive touring experience and astounding stage presence.

Victor Cobian is a true guitartist. He is extremely versatile as both rhythm and lead player and truly embraces the mood and feel of a song with his unique playing style. Victor has been active in the local independent scene and has performed as lead guitarist with local acts Sound Refuge and Missing Starla. Victor brings life to Broken By Fire's songs with his positive, thoughtful and vibrant personality and adds spice to the band's sound with his Guatemalan roots.