Overview

Breathe Carolina is an American electronic rock group that formed in Denver, Colorado, in early 2006. The project is built around lead vocalist David Schmitt and has included several touring and studio members over time; among those associated with the band are Eric Armenta, Luis Bonet and Tommy Cooperman. The group rose from underground scenes into mainstream visibility through a sequence of studio albums, singles and high-profile appearances on compilation releases. Their 2011 single "Blackout" is their most commercially prominent song, reaching the U.S. Billboard Pop Songs chart at number 17.

Musical style and characteristics

Breathe Carolina blends elements of electronic music, pop and rock. Early records combined screamed or rough-edged vocals with heavy guitar and programmed beats, a sound sometimes described as electronicore. Over time their style moved toward synth-driven pop and dance-oriented production, emphasizing synthesizers, programmed drums and hook-focused songwriting. The band has experimented with layered vocal harmonies, vocal processing and club-friendly arrangements that aim for crossover between alternative rock audiences and electronic dance listeners. For an overview of related genres and influences see electronic rock and electronic music.

History and development

Breathe Carolina began in Denver in 2006 and released its early material independently before signing to larger labels for wider distribution. Key early releases established a mix of pop melody and aggressive production that found an audience among fans of alternative and electronic scenes. As the band matured it explored cleaner vocal approaches and club-ready production, which helped singles like "Blackout" reach radio and streaming playlists. Members and collaborators have shifted over the years; for background on individual contributors see profiles for David Schmitt, Eric Armenta, Luis Bonet and Tommy Cooperman.

Notable releases and compilations

The band's catalog includes studio albums and a number of tracks that appeared on multi-artist compilations. Early full-length work includes It's Classy, Not Classic and Hello Fascination, followed by releases such as Hell Is What You Make It which helped solidify their presence. Beyond albums, the group contributed to various compilation albums and scene collections; examples include appearances on compilations that bring together pop, punk and alternative acts. For listings of their compilations and guest tracks see a general discography reference at compilations.

Covers and notable songs

Breathe Carolina has recorded covers and reinterpretations of contemporary pop songs, adapting them to their electronic-rock palette. Well-known cover choices include renditions of "Down" by Jay Sean, "See You Again" by Miley Cyrus and Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean", each reworked with synth textures and electronic production. Links to these source songs and cover credits can be traced through the band’s discography and compilation appearances: Jay Sean, Miley Cyrus and Michael Jackson related entries provide context for those originals, while band-specific pages document the covers themselves at cover details.

Live performance, reception and legacy

The band has toured frequently in the United States and internationally, often playing music festivals and package tours alongside artists from rock, pop and electronic scenes. Critics and listeners have noted the band’s shift from raw, hybrid rock toward more polished electronic-pop production, a transition that mirrors broader trends in alternative and dance music during the 2010s. Their crossover single "Blackout" remains a reference point for the group’s commercial peak, while their inclusion on numerous compilations helped expose them to wider audiences and contributed to their ongoing presence in alternative electronic music discussions.

For more information, interviews and detailed track listings consult artist and label resources as well as dedicated music databases and archives: genre context, scene histories and curated discography pages at reference pages.