Canadian hard rock quartet Sierra Pilot returns with their most intense and emotionally resonant track yet. “Breathe,” available now across all major streaming platforms, delivers a sonic gut-punch that captures the emotional storm of being told to calm down when every part of you is on fire.
Your new track “Breathe” is described as your most emotionally intense track yet – tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how you approached the songwriting and recording of the track.
As someone who has suffered with anxiety, depression, self – doubt, and addiction I find myself really reflecting on all the crazy moments I have been through in the past. All the steps it took to get to my current mental state… and of course, all the people who would tell me I’m just overreacting and to just relax. That never helps! Breathe embodies that whirlwind of craziness that comes with anyone going through that stuff. We all go through it; it’s something that connects us all as humans.
Were there any specific sonic influences or artists that influenced or shaped the sound of “Breathe”?
Touring with so many amazing bands last year really pushed us to explore a heavier sound. Our first run with Pop Evil had a big impact—they brought such intensity every night, and it definitely rubbed off on us. That experience played a huge role in shaping the direction of ‘Breathe’.”
You road tested “Breathe” on a 21-date tour of the US with Pop Evil and Bad Wolves before it was even recorded. Can you describe the first moment you realized “Breathe” was connecting with the audiences?
The moment we hit the chorus of “Breathe”, something just clicked. The crowd would catch on almost instantly—and by the second chorus, they were screaming it back at us like they’d known it for years. That kind of raw, immediate connection is unreal. It’s one of those highs you don’t forget, and honestly, I’ll be chasing that feeling for a long time.”
What was it like touring with Pop Evil and Bad Wolves on the Animal Instinct Tour?
It was completely surreal—in the best possible way. From day one, the energy was electric, and every single band brought not just their A-game on stage, but an amazing vibe offstage too. Pop Evil, Bad Wolves, and Oni (who played right before us each night) are all incredibly talented, down-to-earth people who made the experience unforgettable. There was a real sense of camaraderie that grew stronger with each show, and by the end of the tour, it honestly felt like we were part of one big, traveling circus family. It’s going to be tough to match those vibes the next time we hit the road, but this tour definitely set the bar high.
How did U.S. crowds compare to your Canadian audiences in terms of energy and engagement?
The U.S. crowds brought an intensity and wild energy that was seriously impressive. They came ready to party, scream every word, and throw down from the first note to the last. There’s a certain kind of raw, unfiltered enthusiasm that U.S. audiences bring, and it pushed us to raise our performance night after night.
What stood out the most was how quickly fans embraced us! Their energy was contagious, and the way they connected with the music made every show feel like something bigger for us. than just a set—it felt like a shared moment.
With that said, Canadian audiences are awesome too – but just in a slightly different way. While they might come off as a bit more reserved at first compared to some other countries, once the show kicks in, their energy builds quickly and consistently. There’s a strong sense of loyalty and support for fellow Canadians.
What surprised you the most during the tour and why?
How amazing the American gas station coffee is. Yes, this is my answer, and no I’m not kidding! If you know, you know. Also, Bucky’s is my new favourite place in the world!
You describe “Breathe” as the beginning of a new chapter for the band— what does that chapter look like for Sierra Pilot?
Honestly, we’ve finally hit that sweet spot where everything just clicks. Our new bassist and guitarist are absolute beasts—insanely talented and locked in. Wes, our drummer, continues to be a full-blown animal behind the kit (and somehow still a functioning human offstage). At this point, I’m probably the weakest link in the band, and honestly? I kind of love that. Everyone pulls their weight, we genuinely get along, and the chemistry’s never been better. There’s a ton of new music and shows on the horizon, and for the first time in a long time, I feel a real sense of pride and excitement about where this band is headed.
Where do you see Sierra Pilot fitting into today’s rock landscape?
Right now, I see Sierra Pilot as a band that’s working hard to earn our place in today’s rock scene—climbing the ladder one gig, one fan, one song at a time. We’ve been fortunate to have some incredible opportunities early on, touring with bands like Pop Evil and Bad Wolves, and kicking off our very first tour as the opener for Skid Row and Buckcherry, playing everything from big clubs to casinos to full-on arenas. Those experiences have been huge for us—not just in terms of exposure, but in learning what it takes to bring it every single night. We’re focused on staying grounded and growing steadily, but of course, like any band with big dreams, we hope to one day be headlining those same stages ourselves. For now, we’re just grateful to be on the journey and doing what we love.
Are you planning more tours — either in Canada, the U.S., or elsewhere — after the new EP releases in the Fall?
Absolutely—we’re itching to get back on the road! We’re already lining things up for after the EP drops. We’d love to do a full coast-to-coast Canadian tour this time around. On our last run, we hit Western Canada with Skid Row and did a handful of Ontario and Quebec dates with Pop Evil, but there’s still so much more ground to cover. We’re also setting our sights on Europe toward the end of the year. The rock scene over there is legendary, and we can’t wait to start building a fanbase in countries that truly live and breathe our kind of music.
Finally, what’s one thing you want new listeners to know about Sierra Pilot right now?
We’re a band that wears our hearts on our sleeves and crank our amps to 11. Whether it’s your first listen or your tenth show, we’re here to make you feel something—whether that’s getting fired up, letting loose, or just finding a song that hits you in the right way. We’re just getting started, and we’re pouring everything we’ve got into the music, the live shows, and the connection with our fans. If you dig what we are doing, then welcome to the ride!
A bold evolution in Sierra Pilot’s sound, “Breathe” is emotional, unfiltered, and deeply relatable. With explosive riffs, pounding drums, and visceral vocals, the song mirrors the turbulent nature of mental health—ebbing and flowing between calm and chaos at a moment’s notice. It taps into a universal feeling: the frustration and fury of being silenced or dismissed in your most vulnerable moments. It’s a track that demands to be felt as much as heard.
“‘Breathe’ hits that nerve — it’s about that nauseating feeling when you’re spiraling and someone tells you to just relax,” says Taylor Leith, the band’s frontman, guitarist, and driving creative force. “The song’s dynamics reflect that internal battle. It’s not just loud or angry — it’s alive, unpredictable, and meant to make you feel something real.”
In the Fall of 2024, Sierra Pilot headed out on tour in the U.S. with Pop Evil and Bad Wolves as direct support on theirAnimal Instinct Tour. Although they had only recently recorded a rough demo of “Breathe,” the band decided to take it for a test drive. It wasn’t until they decided to play it live on the tour that the track truly came to life. Performing the unreleased track each night across 21 U.S. cities, the band was struck by the crowd’s immediate and powerful response. Energized by that connection, Sierra Pilot returned home to finish the song and complete the rest of the material for their forthcoming EP, set to release later this year.
“That tour sparked something in us,” says Taylor. “Every night we played ‘Breathe,’ the reaction from the crowd was immediate — it hit hard. It was nuts to see the audience singing along to a song they had never heard before! That energy followed us off the stage and straight back into the studio. We knew we had to finish the song and make sure it hit just as hard on record.”
The release of “Breathe” marks the beginning of a new chapter for the band as they move toward the release of their forthcoming EP later this year — a collection that promises to push boundaries, challenge expectations, and continue their evolution as one of Canada’s most exciting rock acts.
Catch Sierra Pilot at Maxwell’s in Waterloo, Ontario, for a rare hometown show on June 6. Tickets are $20 In Advance/$25 at the door.
