Album Notes

Kent Bell and Kyle Gaston have come from very different musical backgrounds to meet right in the middle for their first album. About a year in the making, Breaking Southwest started with two acoustic guitars in an apartment in Dallas, TX. The first collaborations consisted of recording cover songs on Garage Band and playing them back for the few who came through the apartment. Eventually, the poorly recorded cover songs became a little nerve-racking and they started to throw around ideas for original songs.

Kent grew up in Lewisville, TX, about 25 miles north of Dallas. Two years of piano lessons led to the alto-saxophone in middle school and the guitar in high school. Kent's first taste of playing with a band came at church with the youth praise and worship band. Country music always held a very special place in Kent's heart. He remembers his first cassette tape, Garth Brooks "No Fences," and his first CD, Tim McGraw's "Everywhere." Kent was drawn to country music thanks to Garth Brooks and George Strait, but he really fell in love with country music thanks to Tim McGraw. Kent's influences for this debut album come from many artists and genres. The artists dominating his iPod and the main influences for this album include Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, John Mayer, Kenny Chesney, Randy Rogers, Tom Petty, and The Eagles.

Kyle grew up in Canton, TX, about 60 miles east of Dallas. Starting out on percussion in 6th grade band, Kyle quickly discovered his love for music. His parents bought him his first drum set at age 12 and he immersed himself in it. After learning drums, Kyle picked up guitar and started writing songs in high school. Once the front man for a garage band in high school and a drummer for a rock band in Dallas, Kyle considers this to be the most powerful project he has ever been a part of. Frequently played artists on Kyle's iPod include Sean McConnell, Keith Urban, Eric Church, and The Wallflowers.

These two guys, along with Jeff, have really tried to record something that they themselves would enjoy listening to, and in doing that they've hopefully recorded something that a lot of people will enjoy listening to. Influences range from Billy Joel to George Strait and a ton more in between. The idea behind this record is to scratch the surface of what these guys can do together.