What I’ve Been Listening To: Machine on a Break

Brisbane-based alternative-metal artist Machine on a Break‘s “Honestly” is an absolute powerhouse of a track, as from the very beginning it draws you in with its somber piano and intricate verse, building anticipation as it bursts into a full-throttle chorus.

Fueled by bludgeoning drums and growling guitars, “Honestly” shines through vocals, and an expressive finale that showcases Machine on a Break’s immense artistic power. The inspiration behind the song strikes a relatable chord, as Machine on a Break shares her personal experience of discovering that her partner holds drastically different and potentially harmful political views.

“‘Honestly’ is about finding out your partner holds wildly different political views to yourself, those which you consider to be harmful,” Machine on a Break says about her new song. “I think differences of opinion are important for us to grow as people, but being closed minded about topics that have the ability to be harmful to others is where I take issue.”

Through her poignant lyrics, she reflects on the importance of open-mindedness and how differences in opinions can shape our growth as individuals. The emotional depth and authenticity in her storytelling are evident in every note she sings. Her dynamic vocals, alongside the masterful production and inventive instrumentals, create an unforgettable and immersive musical experience.

To celebrate the release of the single, Machine on a Break took part in the latest series of “What I’ve Been Listening To” on Eat This Music.

Who is Machine on a Break and how did the namesake come about?

Machine on a Break is the confident and dark alter ego of Jessie Wilson, a classical pianist gone rogue. The name comes from a video game, where there is an NPC robot in a corner of a theme park dressed as a clown hiding away labelled “machine on a break” and I have never related more to a video game character in my life!

I also used to get referred to as a machine all the time for my ability to keep going and get things done, and I felt like music was my opportunity to break away from that and actually allow myself to feel. Hence, Machine on a Break felt fitting to my character and who I was when I was making music.

What artists or bands are on your must-listen to list lately and why?

1. Bring Me the Horizon – they’re my favourite band of all time. Honestly, I can listen to them in absolutely any mood and it makes me feel good. I love the creative production and Oli’s vocal techniques alongside the catchy af hooks.
2. Bad Omens – again, catchy af melodies and creative production. I love the artful blend of multiple genres they achieve.
3. Sleep Token – a stunning vocal and always intricate music that always leaves you guessing what is coming next.

When you go into the recording studio to work on new material, what are your must-haves?

If I’m working with Jon (producer of my tracks ‘Magic Pill’ and ‘How to Be Sincere’) then his ‘tiger tea’ is absolutely required. It’s a sweet and spicy tea that fills me with warmth, happiness, and creativity. If I’m working with Jacob (producer of my tracks ‘Things That Go Bump’ and ‘Honestly’) then I need bravery because he makes me go for notes I don’t think I can reach!

Which song, or songs, of yours would you recommend to a first-time listener and why?

If you’re not a metalhead, I’d recommend starting with ‘How to Be Sincere’ because it’s a nice lil’ feel good number. Otherwise, I’d probably say ‘Honestly’ because in all honesty I think it’s my best sound and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come and developed as an artist to reach this point.

Which song of someone’s else’s (artist or band) would you have liked to feature on and why?

There’s a Sydney metalcore band Synge who I adore – saw them play live once when I went to see Above, Below and I was immediately hooked. I’d love to feature on a track of theirs because I love their vibe. I can see myself on ‘Laniakea’ or ‘Clarity’ in the hooks with some harmonies going, maybe some call and response and some atmospheric vocal chops/ahhs through the verses. Very Spiritbox x Evanescence.

What led you into becoming a musician and why do you keep making music?

I’ve been writing music for as long as I can remember (legit, it goes back to when I was about 3 years old) so not making music was never on the cards for me. I stopped writing for a couple of years when I was in a DV relationship because I lost my fire. We broke up and I bought a keyboard to fill the empty space in the apartment and a uni friend convinced me to go to an open mic night which is the first time I publicly sang any of my own songs and the rest is history. I did take another mental health break before finding myself again as Machine on a Break because I hated the person I became while working on my previous artist project. I keep making music because there is no way I couldn’t. I’ve tried that and it takes me to a dark space. It is part of my soul. Even if I didn’t have it as a career, I would always write.