AXS TV Logo. (PRNewsFoto/AXS.TV)
AXS TV expands its primetime programming lineup with the all-new original music series BREAKING BAND, premiering Sunday, January 24, at 9:30pE. The documentary-style series is hosted by Royal Machines vocalist Donovan Leitch and features six 30-minute episodes packed with powerhouse performances and appearances from some of the industry’s biggest names.
BREAKING BAND gives some of the country’s most talented emerging musicians the chance to achieve their dreams of rock stardom. Throughout the season, the artists are guided by an eclectic array of famous faces, serving as mentors and collaborators for the young musicians. This season’s mentors are rocker and TV personality Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray); chart-topping music artist Belinda Carlisle (The Go-Go’s); rock legend Robin Zander (Cheap Trick); award-winning producer and techno star Moby; master of metal Sebastian Bach (Skid Row); and beloved guitar guru Dave Navarro (Jane’s Addiction). As mentors, they will share their invaluable advice from their decades of experience while supporting the emerging artists in their debut live broadcast performance. They may even join their protégés on stage for an unforgettable encore.
“BREAKING BAND is a unique music show that gives viewers an insider’s look into the competitive music industry,” said Michele M. Dix, AXS TV’s senior vice president, programming and development. “With its incredible roster of breaking talent and legendary cast of guest mentors–who have each had a lasting impact and influence on music as we know it–BREAKING BAND is a program that aspiring artists can learn from and music fans can enjoy.”
“What’s truly unique about the program is its ability to transcend age, genre and ego,” said Executive Producer Marc Scarpa. “This is a show by and for musicians, whereby our emerging artists learn from their mentors just as much as the mentors learn from them. One Legendary Musician, One Breaking Creator, One Collaboration Performance.”
“BREAKING BAND brings the old school and new media rock stars together over the course of one exciting day to see what they can learn from one another,” said Executive Producer and Host Donovan Leitch. “It’s so much fun to host a unique show like this, and I can’t wait for the audience to see how these cool musical collaborations came off.”
BREAKING BAND was filmed at YouTube Space LA, and concert highlights are available on youtube.com/axstvconcerts.
The Complete Episode Schedule is as Follows (All Times Eastern):
— Dave Navarro mentors “Andie Case” (Seattle-based band) – Jan. 24 at 9:30
p.m.
— Moby mentors “Runaground” (Los Angeles-based band) – Jan. 31 at 9:30
p.m.
— Sebastian Bach mentors “Santa Cruz” (Finnish band) – Feb. 7 at 9:30 p.m.
— Robin Zander of Cheap Trick mentors “Set The Charge” (New York-based
band) – Feb. 14 at 9:30 p.m.
— Belinda Carlisle mentors “Sick of Sarah” (Minneapolis-based band) – Feb.
21 at 9:30 p.m.
— Mark McGrath mentors “Stick Figure” (Los Angeles-based band) – Feb. 28
at 9:30 p.m.
BREAKING BAND is a Simplynew Production. The series is executive produced by Marc Scarpa and Donovan Leitch, and directed by Mikki Willis. Simplynew has been a pioneer in the field of live participatory media since 1992. Its founder, Scarpa, combines 20 years in the digital space and live broadcasting arena with an understanding of consumer interests and popular culture. To learn more about the series, visit its website at breakingband.com and check out its Facebook page (BreakingBandShow).
ABOUT AXS TV
AXS TV is the cable industry’s leading general entertainment network for live event programming. Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing groundbreaking music programming, stand-up comedy performances from today’s top comedians, and hard-hitting mixed martial arts promotions. The network’s franchises include THE X FACTOR UK and NASHVILLE; as well as original programs such as THE BIG INTERVIEW with Dan Rather; THE WORLD’S GREATEST TRIBUTE BANDS; GOTHAM COMEDY LIVE; AXS TV FIGHTS; and INSIDE MMA.
AXS TV is a partnership between Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS. The network is available in the United States via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Comcast/Xfinity, DIRECTV, DISH, Suddenlink, Verizon FiOS, and other cable, satellite and telco providers, including members of the National Cable Television Cooperative. The network is also distributed in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. For more information, visit the website, www.axs.tv; go to the Facebook page here and follow the company on Twitter, @axstv; on Instagram; Tumblr; Cyber Dust and YouTube.