Much like close friends, we lean on records when we need them. They comfort us, console us, change our moods, and cheer us up. In similar fashion, The BRKN will be there for you. The Denver trio—Jacob Cade [vocals, guitar], Mike Bokenkamp [drums], and MJ Younkers [guitar]—wrap energetic pop in warm synths, straddling punk, alternative, indie rock, and electronic all at once. At the same time, ponderous and poignant lyrics seamlessly tie the vision together. After independently amassing hundreds of thousands of streams and receiving acclaim from American Songwriter, New Noise Magazine, and more, the band issue an invitation on their 2021 independent EP, Come Outside.

“We want you to know we’re going through the same things you are, and we’re your friends from far away,” exclaims Jacob. “I’m so passionate about music because it’s the only thing that made me feel less alone. When you’re sad or alienated, music will be there.”

As the story goes, Jacob and Mike originally met in church. Jamming together in worship group, they bonded over not just music, but skating as well. Jacob initially made a name for himself with a series of solo releases as he played on stacked festival bills and collaborated with the likes of Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale and Joe Hottinger in the studio. The BRKN came to life on the 2020 No. 3 EP. Among numerous fan favorites, “Your Existence” amassed over 129K Spotify streams. As the world went into quarantine, The BRKN kicked into high gear. Stuck at home and afforded the time to experiment, the three-piece stretched the boundaries of their signature style. Nodding to influences such as Prince, Michael Jackson, and The 1975, they seamlessly integrated synths into their sonic palette as they worked out of Jacob’s cozy bedroom studio.

“For as synth-y and poppy as the sound is, rock always finds its way into what we do,” Jacob smiles.

The BRKN brought those initial ideas to Nashville where they finished up the EP with producer Mason Maxwell. They paved the way for Come Outside with “Be Cool,” “Calm Down,” and “Lovers.” On the single “Lost Boy,” the musicians perfect the balance between neon keys and thick rhythms as Jacob’s voice echoes on the dance-floor-ready hook. Right out of the gate, New Noise Magazine described it as “filled with great grooves, tight production, and melodic pop charm.”

“I was inspired by The Lost Boys movie,” Jacob elaborates. “The song goes in a bunch of different directions. It’s my kind of love story because the girl falls in love with a vampire. They don’t stay together. Every time he sees her, he gets the same feeling of a broken heart though.”

Meanwhile, “Fake Love” struts forward on a wild and uncontainable guitar riff before snapping back into another bombastic refrain. “It’s my thought process on people who want to be your friend for untrue reasons,” Jacob says.

On the other end of the spectrum, “Therapy Session” moves like a sunny and upbeat bop but cuts much deeper. “It’s written as a conversation about why love is not going well for me,” Jacob adds. “Our vibe is ultimately fun, but nihilistic.”

That singular spirit becomes cemented in the EP title, Come Outside.

“When we were in Nashville, I was having a bad day,” Jacob admits. “I sat outside, cracked a beer, and looked up at the stars. My thoughts got louder. I asked, ‘Why am I here?’ So, I opened the sliding door and yelled to Mike and MJ, ‘Come outside!’ I set up three chairs and told them about my whole life and why it led me to creating in brutally honest detail. It was where all the songs came from.” 

By opening up in these songs, The BRKN present the kind of human connection you’d only forge with your closest friends.

"Having these songs done and ready to go out into the world is so exciting. The work and time we’ve put into all of them is reflected in the final products. Each song is an expression of an emotion that we have each felt, so playing the songs is a fun cathartic experience that I look forward to people connecting to. Music is a wonderful expression of feelings that can’t be said. I can’t wait for people to listen to all of these and to feel those emotions that are baked into each song," says MJ.

“I just really hope they make a difference in people’s lives. I hope they inspire, comfort, and give life to those who hear them,” adds Mike.

“When you hear this, I’d love for you to find peace,” Jacob leaves off. “I also want you to know you’re not alone. Everything is going to be alright. So, we’re giving you music to enjoy life to.”