Not Like We Used To: Nightbreakers on Their Journey, Debut Album & What's Next

by Lilli Newhouse | November 10th, 2026

NIGHTBREAKERS are a five piece alternative pop-rock band from Tampa, Florida, consisting of Lead Singer Zakk Giordano, Bassist Spencer Giordano, Drummer Logan Lavo, Guitarist Dan Smith, and Guitarist David Caban. Bringing together infectious melodies, driving guitars, and the energetic spirit of modern pop-punk. Known for their catchy hooks, emotionally driven songwriting, and high-energy live performances, the band blends nostalgic alternative-rock influences with a fresh, contemporary sound. Since forming in 2015, NIGHTBREAKERS have continued to build momentum through new music, touring, and performances alongside established artists, culminating in the release of their debut full-length album, Not Like We Used To, in 2026. With a growing fanbase and a sound that balances raw rock energy with undeniable pop appeal, NIGHTBREAKERS are carving out their own place in the modern alternative music scene!

Photo by Lilli Newhouse | @Lnewhousephotography

For anyone discovering Nightbreakers for the first time, how would you describe your sound?

We like to consider ourselves pop/rock, we take influence from everything but being able to rock out and still write catchy melodies is something that we find extremely fun

How did the band first come together?

We all grew up in a very cool music scene in Tampa, we all met at different times at each others shows and eventually the “stars aligned” and we realized we all had similar musical taste and goals and wanted to see where we could take it

Where did the name Nightbreakers come from?

Mostly just came out of thin air when we were brainstorming names, but it sounds so cool to us, we love it! 😂

What was the moment you realized you wanted to take this band seriously?

We all wanted to take music seriously since we started playing individually, so when we formed we knew we wanted to tour and make music that us and all of our supporters could really connect with!

Walk us through your songwriting process. Where do your ideas usually come from?

We take inspiration from everything so writing comes to us the same way, whether I’m watching a tv show and getting inspired, or watching my favorite bands I always chase a feeling. Once there’s some sort of origination of an idea we like to sit down and mess around until something cool starts to develop. 9 times out of 10 it’ll just end up being a fun little writing session but every now and then we get something we are super, super proud of

Who usually comes up with the first idea when you're creating a song?

Dan and I (Zakk) usually have something in mind whether it’s a lyric or a musical idea it starts pretty small and then develops as we work out the details. It’s also not rare for Logan, Spencer and David to show up to a writing session with some cool ideas too so it really could be any one of us

What's a song you've written that means the most to you personally, and why?

For me, it depends on the day but our songs like “Do You Remember?” And “I Almost Forgot” are ones that came from very personal experiences. Something about those songs brings me back to the moments when I wrote them every time.

How do you balance everyone's musical ideas when you're working together?

A lot of push and pull, it’s amazing how you can hear everything we all listen to in every single song. We wouldn’t have it any other way!

What has been the biggest challenge you've faced as a band, and how did you get through it?

Our biggest challenges are usually finding what’s next, as an independent band we have to find every opportunity we can ourselves. It’s allowed us to learn so many different aspects of the music industr so there is always that positive. We usually overcome it by getting the most out of those opportunities, putting on the best show possible, meeting every single person we can and keeping a positive mindset. We’re very lucky we get to do what we get to do. 🤘

What's a moment in your journey when you stopped and thought, "Wow, we're really doing this"?

EVERY SHOW! Can’t believe we play in cities all over this country and people know our songs?!? Show up and make the shows so special?! It’s so cool!

How has touring with bands like Nightly, Beauty School Dropout, and A Story Told influenced you?

They’re all so nice! They always say don’t meet your heroes but every single member of those bands have been so kind to us on the road. It influences us, motivates us and allows us to put on our best show possible! We want to always be just like them

Your debut album, Not Like We Used To, is out now. What does this album represent for you as a band?

It’s representative of over 2 years of writing, developing and building. I’m very proud of this release and how it is the perfect blend of pop and rock influences we all share.

The title Not Like We Used To feels personal and reflective. What's the story behind choosing it?

The song came independently of the album title at first, but when we heard the first demo and played it live it felt like it just had to be the title track. Even though it was in a song it felt like it meant something more. Every song kind of touches on that phrase in some way

Who in the band would survive the longest in a zombie apocalypse?

Spencer, he’s really good at building things. He’s also great at sleeping in uncomfortable positions in the van so that’s got to be some sort of survival tactic.

Who takes the longest to get ready before a show?

Dan, he waits until about 5 minutes before the show to change, the rest of us pretty much get dressed immediately and go 😂

Who is most likely to accidentally leak a new song?

Dan on TikTok live streams, the rest of us if you ask very nicely “accidentally”

Can fans expect more new music following Not Like We Used To?

We hope soooo, we’ve already started writing so we will see where it all goes! We’re excited about a few songs and think it could be a cool new progression of our sound.

Is there a musical direction you've been wanting to explore but haven't tried yet?

Not sure, we want to maybe experiment with new ways of writing which could lead to some new sounds and vibes.

What's your dream venue to headline?

Red Rocks, but EVERYONE says that. We like to dream big.

What's next for nightbreakers?

We’re working on getting some new tours for the new year! Then we’ll be hard at work on a whole new set of songs!

Catch Nightbreakers on tour with Lakedrive now:

11 Nov The Hidden Gem Music Club

Dayton, OH

12 Nov Frankie's

Toledo, OH

13 Nov The Green Door