Hello Rockstars! Today’s Artist of the Week is Rock band Broke in Vegas!
Here’s their story in their own words, and also don’t forget to check out their new EP on Spotify! Enjoy!
All Photo’s Courtesy of Broke in Vegas.
VMS:
“When did you start writing and performing your music. What’s your backstory and current lineup.”
Broke in Vegas:
“Brett’s journey as a musician began at the age of 16 when he started writing music, and he stepped into the spotlight by performing live at just 17. His move to Las Vegas marked the beginning of his involvement in several bands, two of which brought Corey and Patrick into the Broke in Vegas lineup. Al previously played with Betting on Tomorrow, while Matt honed his craft with Music For Deaf Girls and Pusher. Together, the diverse experiences of the members have shaped the band’s unique identity.”
VMS:
“Which artists or bands inspire your sound.”
Broke in Vegas:
“The Beatles have been an enduring source of inspiration for all of us, serving as a creative anchor. Brett’s personal sound draws from years of exploration, from heavy metal and punk to moments of enjoying country and rap. This eclectic mix has shaped his distinct musical identity and resonates in our work as a band.”
VMS:
“What is your writing process and where do you find inspiration for your lyrics.”
Broke in Vegas:
“For Brett, the process often begins with a riff or chord progression on guitar—or occasionally piano. From there, the lyrics unfold naturally, driven by the mood or themes that emerge during this creative flow. It’s a deeply organic and intuitive approach to songwriting.”
VMS:
“I love your songs “Ready,” “Goof,” and “Peace From You.” What is the story or inspiration behind them.”
Broke in Vegas:
“The process behind most of our songs is less about a specific inspiration and more about letting a topic emerge naturally from the music itself.
“Ready” was created during the pandemic, reflecting the collective sentiment of renewal as life began anew.
Listen to “Ready” on YouTube:
“Goof” and “Peace From You,” on the other hand, were shaped by emotions from past relationships, though they aren’t rooted in any particular story.”
Listen to “Goof” On Spotify:
“Peace From You” on YouTube:
VMS:
“Which local artist would you like to collaborate with and why.”
Broke in Vegas:
“We’d be thrilled to work with the members of Santa Muerte. Their unique sound and exceptional talent as musicians make them an ideal fit for a creative collaboration.”
VMS:
“What is the overall theme or message of your music.”
Broke in Vegas:
“We embrace timeless themes—love, breakups, and current events—but add a playful edge through subtle, tongue-in-cheek phrases. These nuances reward listeners who pay close attention, adding depth to our songwriting.”
VMS:
“Do you have a favorite song to perform live.”
Broke in Vegas:
“Brett’s current favorite is “The Things We Could Do (If You Only Knew),” one of the newer songs in our live repertoire. While each song brings its own excitement, this particular track feels fresh and energizing during performances.”
VMS:
“Do you have any memorable stories from your time in the music scene.”
Broke in Vegas:
“In the earlier years, the music scene was filled with the kind of chaos you’d expect—booze-fueled antics and wild nights. However, Broke in Vegas has brought a professional approach that reflects our age and experience.
One unforgettable moment for Brett was experiencing heat exhaustion after a summer show at the Double Down. He hadn’t been drinking, but the scorching Vegas nights proved too intense. It’s a humbling reminder of the challenges musicians face, even off-stage.”
VMS:
“What does the future hold for Broke in Vegas.”
Broke in Vegas:
“Our focus right now is on recording a five-song EP*, which we’ll release on streaming platforms. We’re also diving into merchandise to connect with fans at shows. Beyond that, we aspire to play more all-ages shows and outdoor festivals, sharing our music in vibrant, open-air settings. While we value the bar scene, we believe there’s a world of opportunity waiting for us as we continue to expand our repertoire.”
*These questions were asked months before the EP was released. It’s now available on Spotify as of July fifth, check it out:
VMS:
“What are the pros and cons of being a band in Las Vegas, and what are your hopes for its music scene.”
Broke in Vegas:
“The biggest hurdle is securing consistent gigs, especially as an original band—many venues lean toward cover or tribute acts. While we’re happy to play about once a month, it can be tough to get responses from show bookers. We pour effort into promoting, but some venues fail to promote live music effectively and even shift toward DJs instead. Despite these challenges, our hope for the Vegas music scene is to see stronger support for original artists and a thriving community where creativity can flourish.”
VMS:
“What do you want your audience to feel and experience during a live show.”
Broke in Vegas:
“We want our audience to dance, immerse themselves in the melodies, and leave with our songs echoing in their minds. If we can spark joy and create lasting memories, we consider the night a success.”
VMS Thoughts: What I love about Broke in Vegas is how it’s kinda tricky to put them into one genre per say. A part of me wants to say early 90’s alt-rock could be the core, but I hear so many other influences (especially in their new EP) that it’s hard to pinpoint them exactly, all why still keeping their sound fresh, which is what makes them so unique to me. They wear their heart on their sleeves, talking about lyrically lost love, longing for a simpler time, social and political issues, and still balancing it all out in a very self-deprecating way. I love it cause they make me laugh and get emotional at the same time, which is no easy task. I appreciate the juxtaposition of their music.
As musicians, they are incredibly strong and all bring something wonderful to the table. You can tell between their music and live shows, they have a huge passion for what they do, which sometimes in Vegas as we all know is hard for the local music scene, but their drive and love of music will definitely get them as far as they wanna go. I think their new EP: “Chapter 11” is a wonderful installment into the next evolution of this band, showcasing all of their strengths beautifully, and I am also so happy my personal favorite song “Stranded” made it onto the EP, it’s just so fucking good and makes me feel all the emotions.
I encourage you to go see them live, to get the full musical experience, they put on such an energetic live show that should definitely not be missed! I am so excited to see the next musical journey that Broke in Vegas will take us on eventually, but for now, I’m just going to go listen to “Stranded” and “Goof” on repeat.
For More information on Broke in Vegas, please visit their Website!
——VMS 🙂