Brkn Love

Lore & Background

BRKN LOVE was founded by Toronto singer and guitarist Justin Benlolo, who left school at 16 to pursue music, moving first to New York City and then to Los Angeles. There, he recorded demos that caught the attention of producer Joel Hamilton, who invited Benlolo to Brooklyn to record a debut album. The band's line-up was completed with guitarist Kyle Duke, bassist Nick Katz, and drummer Russell Holzman, all from New York City. The band name was created by mixing and matching parts of Benlolo's favorite albums and songs.

In March 2019, after a performance in New York City, BRKN LOVE signed with Finnish label Spinefarm Records. Their debut single 'Shot Down' reached number 11 on the Canadian Rock Charts. They toured North America in 2019 supporting acts like Dinosaur Pile-Up and Pop Evil, and performed at the Aftershock Festival. Their self-titled debut album was released on February 14, 2020. Subsequent tours included dates with Royal Tusk, Monster Truck, and Big Wreck.

In 2022, the band released two EPs (Vol. 1 and Vol. 2) and their second studio album Black Box, produced by Anton DeLost. In October 2024, they released the single '20/20 Vision', co-written with Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman, which was featured on EA Sports' NHL 25 video game. Their third studio album, The Program, was released on March 28, 2025, with the lead single 'Pulling Leeches' recorded at Foo Fighters' Studio 606.

Reader's Guide

BRKN LOVE emerged from Toronto's alternative rock scene in 2018, quickly establishing themselves with a sound that combines heavy riffs with melodic hooks. Their debut album was recognized by Loudwire as one of the best debut albums of 2020, signaling their impact on the genre. The band's ability to tour extensively with established acts like Dinosaur Pile-Up, Pop Evil, and Badflower helped build their reputation. Their music, characterized by gritty riffs and arena-sized hooks, draws comparisons to Soundgarden, Nirvana, and Wolfmother, while reflecting influences from Kiss, Black Sabbath, Queens of the Stone Age, Foo Fighters, and Jeff Buckley. The band's third album, The Program, released in 2025, was inspired by Benlolo's stay in Charleston, South Carolina, and features a lead single recorded at Foo Fighters' Studio 606. BRKN LOVE's significance lies in their modern take on alternative rock, blending classic influences with a contemporary edge, and their consistent output of albums and EPs since 2020.

Did You Know?

• The band name was created by mixing and matching parts of Justin Benlolo's favorite albums and songs.
• Their debut single 'Shot Down' reached number 11 on the Canadian Rock Charts.
• The lead single 'Pulling Leeches' from their third album was recorded in a single take at Foo Fighters' Studio 606.
• The single '20/20 Vision' was co-written with Queens of the Stone Age bassist Michael Shuman.