Break Science Talks ‘Grid of Souls’, Hip-Hop Influences, & More!

After releasing their striking sophomore album, Grid of Souls, seasoned duo Break Science talk to us about their inspirations, future collaborations, and more!

Each having extensive backgrounds in music, Adam Deitch and Borahm Lee are the faces behind Break Science and its incomparable diversity in sound production. This year is a big year for the duo, as their latest creations attempt to abolish norms and bring forth a new generation of EDM that has never been seen before.

Both deeply rooted in hip-hop, Deitch and Lee have long been inspired by the rhythm and culture of New York City. Despite having a background deeply ingrained in the hip-hop industry, the two musicians have never limited themselves to one genre; rather, they smoothly blend elements of all types of music to create theirs. In order to do this, they draw from their incredible backgrounds as musicians to offer a genuine and unique perspective.

With Deitch being widely recognized for his breakbeat style on drums and Lee having an endless experience with trip-hop-dub fusion on the keyboard, the two make quite the dynamic duo. Though having worked alongside massive names in hip-hop, such as Lauryn Hill and Kanye West, it was never enough. With an endless and constantly evolving creative vision, Deitch and Lee created Break Science to bring what they know and love about music to life — I for one, couldn’t be more grateful.

If you haven’t yet already, check out our review of Break Science’s new album, Grid of Souls, and read on to learn more about the duo that’s changing the face of EDM.

Download or stream Grid of Souls via your favorite platform!

Stream Break Science – Grid of Souls on Spotify:

The two of you have been making music for over 30 years combined. How has your style changed with the development and transformation of electronic music and it’s culture?

Borahm: We keep our ears open. Electronic music is one of the most rapidly changing genres, with various styles constantly meshing to it and new technologies changing the sound. Sometimes these changes in the sonic landscape end up influencing our concepts.

Adam: As the technology and users of these new musical pathways evolve, we evolve. There is a huge movement for music that is not just “mindless dance music (MDM),” and we are here to be a part of the next wave of music-minded producers to bring people to a higher place.

Your earlier tracks are a combination of slinky jam band vibes and psychedelic electronica, but your latest creations explore a plethora of different genres and sound production, like the wobbly bass in “Anthemy Mason” feat. Brasstracks. What inspired this shift?

B: The evolving electronic musical landscape is always influencing us. We don’t really think of having permanent shifts but more like inspired trips into new moods and environments.

A: It’s not so much a shift as it’s just being honest with ourselves about what kinds of sounds evoke real emotion. Our combination of live instruments with electronic sounds is more intertwined and seamless than it ever has been.

Photo Credit: Arthur Shim

What is the message you want your audience to take away from Grid of Souls?

B: There are so many higher forms of communication and connectivity than just race, religion, or nationality. We are connected on a much deeper level and can use that power collectively to fix problems and achieve great things.

A: Let’s be honest with each other, expel negativity, truly connect with each other, show compassion and empathy while dancing till the sun rises.

On ”Cruise Control” Raquel Rodriguez absolutely blew me away. I’m getting subtle GRiZ and Big Gigantic vibes from it, whereas “Anthemy Mason” feels reminiscent of Ganja White Night. Are there any artists within the bass music realm who you would be interested in collaborating with in the future?

A: We love all the artists you mentioned. GRiZ was one of the first people we played “Cruise Control” for. He really gave us a boost of energy from his positive reaction to the song. As far as other singers, we’d like to collaborate with Sia, Sylvan Esso, and Kat Dahlia.

B: In addition to the singers AD mentioned, there are also producers who we would love to collaborate with like Georgia Anne Muldrow, Tom Misch, Big Wild, and RJD2.

Which festival has been your favorite to play at and which ones would you love to make an appearance at?

B: Electric Forest was always a big one for us and Camp Bisco is one of the ones we’ve played the most. We’ve also thoroughly enjoyed playing Okeechobee and all the fests which happen at the Suwannee Forest. I’d like to play a set at the Sonar Festival in Spain one day.

A: We love playing BUKU fest in NOLA. We’d love to play Coachella or EDC one day. Suwannee Hulaweeen is the ultimate festival for us right now.

You have an extensive history of working with many rap and hip-hop artists like 50 Cent, Raekwon and GZA of the Wu-Tang Clan, and the Fugees. Are there any current rap and hip hop artists who you would want to collaborate with?

A: We would love to work with NAS, Eminem, and Anderson.Paak. Hip-hop is part of our DNA and we will always be pushing it towards the future while retaining the key components of its past.

B: We also love the newer generation of MCs who channel the golden era sound like Joey Badass, Bishop Nehru, and Oddisee.

Are there any styles or elements of electronic music you would want to see make a resurgence in today’s scene?

B: I would like to see more risk-taking and less playing it safe just to appease the crowd. I understand that the artist wants to give people what they want, but I think what many forget is that they got to that place by doing what they liked. Follow your intuition, do you!

A: I’d like to see more live playing. Actually MAKING music in front of people and less general “rap hand” gestures. Artists like Anomalie, Cofresi, Mux Mool, and FKJ are pushing the envelope of what the genre is known for.

What do you think most sets you apart from other electronic music producers today?

A: We can beat most of these other EDM acts in ping pong. [Laughs] Seriously, we have worked closely with so many great artists between the 2 of us, both live and in the studio, sometimes as musical directors, that we have quite a myriad of ideas and concepts that are uniquely our own through our combined experience.

B: We have always presented the music of Break Science from a musician’s perspective first, then through the lens of a producer and DJ. We strive to give the audience a healthy mix of all 3 aesthetic viewpoints (DJ, producer, musician) throughout the show.

Having been in the music business for so long, what advice would you give aspiring producers who are trying to make it in the music scene?

B: Learn how to do everything on your own as much as you can. Don’t rely on anyone to push your career forward. Find the right people to work alongside you, but don’t expect anyone to bring success to you. The more you know about the inner workings of every aspect of the business, the better you will be equipped to communicate and achieve your vision.

A: Post songs all the time. Find visual artists that work well with you to help your fans have a more complete experience with the music. Have a manager and get an agent. Be cool to others and collaborate often.

Okay, fun question – if you could be any TV character, who would you be, and why?

A: Starsky and Hutch cause we’re a crime-fighting duo. Lol.

B: Maybe the Incredible Hulk. We take turns being Bruce Banner and the Hulk.

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