breakkaway Sign to Epitaph, Share “Portrait set on fire”

Epitaph Records is delighted to announce the signing of breakkaway, who today release their first single under the label’s banner, titled “Portrait set on fire”.

breakkaway is a global collective of musicians hailing from China, Mexico, France and the United States, today based out of New York City. Their art, unbound from convention and unconcerned with genre, draws from a diverse pool of influences, spanning hyperpop, indie folk and nu metalcore, while citing literature, film and fashion. Their introspective storytelling is at once deeply personal while speaking universal truths, serving as a lens through which to explore complex existential themes.

Initially formed in 2022, breakkaway join the label’s ranks following the self-release of a trio of acclaimed tracks – “I’ll See You When the Night Comes”; “Outside”, which has amassed nearly 20 million streams; and “Secret”, which was spotlighted as the best song of the week on the esteemed BBC Radio 1 Rock Show with Daniel P. Carter. Key tastemaker publication Kerrang!, meanwhile, has hailed breakkaway as an act “breaking the boundaries of alternative music”.

Speaking to fans of The 1975, Phoebe Bridgers, and The Japanese House, “Portrait set on fire” hangs on a fragile, delicate vocal that glides across minimalist piano notes and plucked strings, before flourishing into a post-rock cacophony. It’s a melancholic track that’s shrouded in bittersweet nostalgia for a fading love. “I don’t want to waste my life away,” whispers vocalist Jessica Li. “I’ve died a thousand times / and the price is one more life that was never mine.” A mood-setting visualizer by Josh Ang and Wetmochii can be seen HERE 

Established in 1980 by Bad Religion co-founder and guitarist Brett Gurewitz, Epitaph Records is celebrated as one of the foremost independent labels in alternative music. It is the home to the likes of superstar acts including Falling In Reverse, Architects, Converge and Parkway Drive, and exciting breakthrough names including Sleep Theory, Magnolia Park and Split Chain.

“Portrait set on fire” was produced by breakkaway, George Lever and Nathan Smart. breakkaway is Jessica Li, Case Fadell, Romain Dammann, Jorge Gonzalez Diez Gutierrez, Toji Kimura and Ethan Chan.