Break Mechanics is a live hip-hop band that’s gained enough of a local following to garner gigs with the likes of Blackalicious and Slick Rick.
Founded by drummer Daren Hahn, whose background includes stints with the Eels and Ani DiFranco, and busy bassist Casey Sidwell of the Future Jazz Project, the Break Mechanics hold down Sunday nights at Herb’s, 2057 Larimer St. Keyboardist Greg Raymond, MC Paas (also of the Future Jazz Project) and MC Lo round out the group.
We checked in with Hahn about the mix, and this is what he said:
Break Mechanics – is that an automotive reference?
The name is a reference to “break beat” music, which we incorporate into our sound. When a DJ is spinning break beats, he can switch up different beats but keep the flow continuous. For us, playing with all live instruments allows us the freedom to incorporate different elements of hip-hop without straying from its roots.
But what we’re really about is helping to get Denver’s local music scene to the level it should and could be. There are some great, talented bands in this town. It’s time for people to know what’s out there and where to find it. Speaking of the hip-hop scene specifically, a lot of people in Denver love the music, but nobody knows it’s growing right in their own backyards. Still, MC Lo does like to wear greasy coveralls.
One of your songs is called “Flirt.” Is that a confessional?
We got the idea from Dick Cheney telling Sen. Patrick Leahy to go “flirt” himself. Did I mention that our music tends to be political? Actually, the lyrics for “Flirt” – “Catch me, wit’ you the Lord has blessed me…” – were written by MC Paas before the music was ever conceptualized. When our keyboardist wrote the music for that tune, Paas’ hook just fit perfectly.
Who’s more hip-hop: Boxing megapromoter Don King or children’s literature icon Dr. Seuss?
You could technically consider either one of them hip-hop, but there’s no accounting for taste. Dr. Seuss was involved in his community and cared about kids, so I’ll have to go with him. Don King just seems to be about money, and that’s not really what hip-hop is about. Real hip-hop is about art and community.
Staff writer Elana Ashanti Jefferson can be reached at 303-820-1957 or ejefferson@denverpost.com.
