Interview: Breathe In guitarist Brian Kang

By Neil Shumate, OOTB Publications

Forming from areas of New Jersey and cities of Brooklyn and Philly, five-member metalcore band Breathe In recently released their latest song: “Misfortune’s Hand.”

Guitarist Brian Kang took time out for this OOTB Interview to discuss the band’s new single and music video.

Kang also reflects on when he first became interested in music and how it influenced his identity and individuality as a Korean-American, the band’s eclectic taste in music, the influence of music, geographically; and, Breathe In’s goals for the new year.

“Misfortune’s Hand” hits hard, complete with your solid guitar solo. Why did you choose this song as a reintroduction to Breathe In, with new members? Or for first time listeners?

I’d say “Misfortune’s Hand” is more of a momentum piece than a reintroduction, since it’s our second single with the new lineup. Either way, the song carries the high-energy sound we’ve become known for.

For me personally, guitar solos are where I take the baton and tell my own story. I hope I’m able to translate the song into a melodic “mini-story” for the listener with my solos.

When considering the awesome video, what do you hope viewers will take away from it—the imagery, the energy, etc,?

We hope viewers take away not only the high energy of the music, but an entire cinematic experience that captures the essence of the song.

Visuals go hand-in-hand with the auditory experience, so we want to make sure you feel 100% immersed in whatever atmosphere the song creates.

When was the first moment that you realized music is meant for you and this is what you want to do?

My first spark probably came when I was eight-years-old, hearing Green Day’s American Idiot for the first time. The sonic power of the guitars and drums, the unfiltered attitude, and the overall vibe of the record made me want to become a musician.

As a Korean-American kid growing up in predominantly Caucasian environments, I wanted to be recognized as an individual, not as a stereotype. I often felt marginalized at school because of my ethnicity, while trying to fit into expectations within the Korean community only reinforced those stereotypes.

Becoming a rock musician felt like my way of striking out and saying “f*ck you” to all the racist stereotypes of being asian and carving my own identity.

I actually started on drums, but the logistics of getting a drum set as a kid weren’t exactly in my favor. [laughs] Then, I dabbled with bass for a bit before finally settling on guitar; hearing Monte Money’s guitar solos in Escape The Fate was what solidified my decision.

Who are some influences on your personal music style and overall, the band’s style—either music-related, not involving music or both?

There’s a lot to talk about when it comes to influences.

Starting with my own, I was drawn to bands with energetic riffs and solos: Black Veil Brides, Escape the Fate, Nocturnal Bloodlust, etc. My main influences are: Jake Pitts, Monte Money, Buckethead, and Cazqui. All of them have incredible technical skill and an insane sense of melody in their solos.

As a band, we pull from a wide range of backgrounds.

Shola is deep into J-rock, Visual Kei, Nu-Metal, and R&B. I come from a guitar solo-driven, metalcore background. Topeng is a musical sponge who listens to everything. Rob comes from a punk/hardcore background, and Paul loves classic and European metal.

J-Rock and Visual Kei are our biggest points of overlap. As a band, we really admire how dialed-in Japanese groups are compared to many Western bands; their presentation, sound, precision, and overall delivery.

We want to emulate that energy and continue bridging Eastern influences into the West as an American band.

Having a newer lineup, what are your current goals and ambitions going into 2026?

We want to keep moving the needle forward.

Our focus right now is on releasing more material and continuing to build our online presence.

We don’t have any live shows or tour dates lined up at the moment.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

Our new single “Misfortune’s Hand” is out now on all streaming platforms.

We appreciate everyone who’s taken the time to check us out.

Keep your eyes peeled for more from us!

Watch “Misfortune’s Hand”