Brian Perrone isn’t afraid to get dark and moody on Bend Until It Breaks.

The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist delves into complex emotions, ranging from confusion to heartbreak to frustration, on his latest EP.

“In today’s world, these emotions will find you at some point,” said Perrone, who’s based in Livonia, Michigan. “I find it fascinating how people, including myself, deal with them in different ways.”

He also unearths the mental health struggles people face when they’re coping with change and searching for closure.

“Directly or indirectly, experiences from our past help us to cope,” Perrone said. “Finding a resolution in times of trouble is an interesting topic to me that I felt was worth exploring.”

Perrone’s baritone vocals evoke feelings of anticipation and longing in fans as they process their experiences while listening to Bend Until It Breaks. The EP’s five tracks feature contemplative lyrics, haunting instrumentation, and elements of indie rock, alt rock, shoegaze, and post-rock.

To learn more, I spoke with Perrone about the EP ahead of a November 15 show at the Ghost Light in Hamtramck.

Q: What are you most excited about this fall?

A: Life is great right now—healthy and happy! Family is close in proximity and as a unit. I just released the Bend Until It Breaks EP, and it’s gaining some traction. I am excited about and very thankful for that. I’m musically feeling inspired by life and the music I’m digesting.

I’m kind of all over the place with music at the moment, everything from Blur and James to The National and Actors. The world that surrounds me is full of inspiration, too. [There’s] so much to draw from, whether it’s past or present experiences, my own, or those I know. I’m in a very creative headspace right now.

Q: You’ve been performing recently with your son Michael Perrone’s band, Kingslayer. How have those performances been going?

A: It’s been amazing to sit behind a drum kit, creating music that I really dig with my son. It’s almost surreal. Kingslayer is an up-and-coming band, and the hardcore/metal scene is a great community. The bands and fans always come out to support us. It’s a high-energy [community with] great people enjoying their music and having a fun time. We’ve played house parties, a festival, and a few clubs so far. I know it’s temporary, but I’m really enjoying it!

Q: The title track is about struggling with mental health and reaching your breaking point. How was writing this song cathartic for you?

A: I’ve seen people I care about dearly go to dark places and feel helpless. Depression is a scary and very dynamic world that no one should dwell in. Writing this EP helped me try to understand how they might feel and has inspired me to take action in aiding their removal from the darkness. I’ve always appreciated the statement: “The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention.” It rings true; I hope and plan to do better and more.

Q: You’ve released a new video for the title track. How did that video come together?

A: Shooting the video for “Bend Until It Breaks” was fun. We recorded live studio footage at Tempermill Studio in Ferndale. Tony Hamera played guitar, and my son, Michael Perrone, played bass. Josh Hockey shot the video, and he also did the “Gone” video from my album, In the Blink of an Eye, and two videos for Gangway, “How ‘Bout You” and “Ride Hard, Die Free.” He is super talented and a very creative individual. His camera work and editing are always amazing.

Q: “It’s All Just Gone Away” examines the desire for a second chance and the longing to hold onto the past. How did stories of heartbreak and yearning inspire this song?

A: I’m hoping this song resonates with the listener and transports them for a few minutes. I believe, in most cases, a memory is sometimes more vivid than reality, and the idea is stronger than what is real. Judgment gets cloudy, and people fall into longing for “what was” or the “memory” of what was. I’m intrigued by this entire concept and feel like it’s something most people will experience at some point in their lives.

Q: “Let Me Go” explores the feeling of being trapped in a relationship and wanting a clean break. What was it like to explore this viewpoint in the song?

A: It’s tough to escape a relationship that’s unhealthy, especially if it has deep roots. A lot of times, someone knows they should leave a relationship, yet the other person manipulates them into staying. My hope is that people, striving for and deserving better, find the strength to move forward and discover a fresh, new beginning.

Q: Bend Until It Breaks includes a variety of genres, ranging from indie rock and alt rock to shoegaze and post-rock. What prompted you to explore these genres on the EP?

A: Tony Hamera and I both grew up playing and listening to this type of music. We’re both music junkies, too. These tracks came out very organic and authentic, and they just felt natural. I’m really happy with the collection. There is a continuity throughout the EP, while every song offers something a little different.

Q: How long did you spend writing and recording the five tracks for Bend Until It Breaks?

A: I am constantly writing songs. It’s whatever inspires me at the moment, and it could be a melody, a phrase I heard, something I saw or experienced, or at times, a simple chord progression. Once I have a handful of songs complete, I’ll share them with Tony, and we’ll begin tracking. This collection was larger, and I had to whittle it down from about 15-20 tracks. It felt like these tracks all lived in the same world and really belonged together.

Q: How did Tony Hamera help you shape the EP’s sound?

A: Tony has a great ear and understands what I’m trying to do musically. His creative choices in our recording process are a huge part of my sound. We share the same tastes in music, which is absolutely fantastic. Also, having worked together for years, we’ve been able to forge a friendship and a mutual understanding of the goal. Every time we approach a new song, we capture the song’s essence while making sure it has our stamp on it.

Q: You’re performing on November 15 with Warhorses and The Blueflowers at the Ghost Light in Hamtramck. What plans do you have for your set?

A: Warhorses and The Blueflowers are bands that I respect and enjoy listening to. Sharing the stage with both on the same night will be really amazing and a blessing, so I’m very excited and thankful for that. This show will be unique in many ways.

Most of the time, I perform solo with a piano, but this performance will have a backing band. It will include Craig Dominiak on bass and Brian “Super B” Smith on drums. Tony Hamera will also join us for a handful of songs. The set will include a collection of some older tracks, along with tunes from the new EP.

Q: What’s up next for you later this year?

A: Later this year, I’ll be releasing a small collection of reimagined cover songs. Gangway is also writing and recording. We are planning to release a single later this year and a full-length Gangway album in 2026.

Brian Perrone performs on November 15 with Warhorses and The Blueflowers at Ghost Light, 2314 Caniff Street, Hamtramck, Michigan. Doors are at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.