Take Part (Live from the Basement)

The audio to our submission to NPR's 2017 Tiny Desk Contest.

Holiest Ghost (Tiny Desk 2017)

Good Times

Merry Christmas from The Break Lights!

Jake Roggenkamp - Lead Vocals • Acoustic Guitar
Ryan Minieri - Drums • Jingle Bells
Corey Ryzuck - Lead & Rhythm Electric Guitar • Backup Vocals
Juan Alfonso - Bass
Michael Saiewitz - Rhythm Electric Guitar • Backup Vocals

Written by Jake Roggenkamp
Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Michael Saiewitz

Cover Art by Michael Saiewitz

Christmas Day

Midnight Sun

Our acoustic cover of "Wild World" by Cat Stevens

Wild World

Something

You and I

Our cover of "Knockin' On Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan

Knockin' On Heaven's Door

Where the Ocean Meets the Sun

The Break Lights cover of "Ooh La La" by Faces

Ooh La La

Weyes Blood's album Titanic Rising has been an immensely important record to me. Her lyrics throughout the album capture the clarity of seeing the world for what it is while the music has a beautiful dreamlike quality. When COVID-19 began spreading in the US, Wild Time was the song that immediately popped into my head. The words suddenly carried more weight than ever before.

My sister, Amanda, graciously agreed to sing on this track. She was living in NYC but was able to temporarily relocate back home to NJ. I recorded the acoustic guitars and we spent several nights tracking the vocals. It was challenging but fun to figure out the various backup parts. Jake came up with the piano part inspired by the original recording. I added bass, electric guitar, software drums, wurlitzer, and a synth pad.

Whenever times get tough, throwing myself into my passion for music has been my coping mechanism. I am lucky that I have been doing this for a decade and have grown so much as a musician, producer, and artist. I am also grateful to be able to collaborate with Jake and Amanda. 

While I knew change is the only constant well before COVID-19, this surreal time has made me appreciate all the moments I have shared with friends and family. Our temporary existence in this space and time makes every moment of life precious. I am thankful to have music that ties me to the past, reflects on the present, and looks towards the future.

Wherever you are, I hope you and your loved ones are safe and doing your part to protect others. And I feel for any loss you have suffered because of this virus. Thank you to everyone who remains working during this time to keep us fed, heal us, and keep us safe.

"Don't cry, it's a wild time to be alive"

- Mike

Wild Time - Weyes Blood Cover - Featuring Amanda Say

The Break Lights are a five-piece alternative rock band from New Jersey influenced by artists such as The Beatles, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Wilco, Radiohead, and Spoon. Singer-songwriters Michael Saiewitz and Jake Roggenkamp harmoniously blend their unique voices and write interesting songs that range from self-reflective ballads to upbeat rock. The Break Lights perform in intimate venues in New Jersey and New York City. The band has released three self-produced EPs: "Ladies" in 2014, "Knockout" in 2015, and "The Bright Life" in 2017.

The Break Lights

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