{image1}For those Milwaukee music fans who are familiar with Codebreaker's stylish live show, it would seem that Commander Steven Hawley, who arrives on stage drenched in androgyny and donning space gear, is trying to convert the listeners to a cosmic musical movement. The truth is something quite the opposite.

"(Converting listeners to a movement) is not something I'm trying to do," Hawley explains, "In fact, I wish I could step away from that angle a little bit more. It's something that is in my blood because I was raised by a Pentecostal preacher and was going into these tent revivals. I was able to recognize some positive elements out of that."

Recognizing such elements is a skill that makes Hawley and collaborator Sage Schwarm such a unique team. Their unique talents are apparent in their newest release, simply titled "2."

"I think that we're inspired just as much by music that we don't think is all that good as much by music that we think is great," Hawley says, citing Timbaland's work with pop prince Justin Timberlake as a perfect example.

But making "2" wasn't as simple as finding inspiration listening to a bunch of records. Improving upon the funky techno sounds that Codebreaker is known for was an extremely taxing process for the duo.

"It almost gets too overwhelming because there are so many frequencies to choose from," Hawley explains, "It's so infinite that it takes a lot of extra focus and work to pick out what works best."

But instead of making the new album a collaboration between studios, as they did with their previous release "Spacecamp Luxury," the duo engineered, produced and recorded the new album themselves. It's Schwarm's skills as a producer that Hawley finds refreshing.

"I'm much happier with the production. In my opinion, I think Sage is brilliant. He is also terribly humble, which is why I'm telling you this instead of him. He has an incredible production ear, more so than anyone I've worked with."

It is Hawley's and Schwarm's goal as musicians to keep Codebreaker's music "fresh and vibrant for us and the fans." In order to achieve this, the duo spent a lot of time in the last year "geeking out in the studio."

"My philosophy is, especially being a do-it-yourself band, is to put out two releases per year," Hawley says.

Codebreaker doesn't just want to keep things fresh on their albums, but with their live shows as well. It's their appreciation for their fans that continues to make their shows fun, engaging, and unlike anything people have ever seen, especially from a local band.

"I was trying to figure out what I would want to see when I walk into the club to watch a band. I know I don't want is something that makes me think that I walked into another band's rehearsal. People want to go somewhere and get out of their out of their own heads. I know there is a place for bands that put on a T-shirt and jeans, but it would be awkward for us.

"I have a genuine affinity for our fans and friends because I have always wanted to exhibit something that is fun, stylish, and at the same time not pretentious."

Despite their live presentation, strong reception to their recent shows in New York and plans to tour both coasts, Codebreaker still manages to hit walls when trying to market their sound.

Hawley says: "Being the kind of group that we are right now, we don't have a lot of peers. I wish it wasn't like that. In Milwaukee and the Midwest, marketing is a little bit harder, but all I can say is that we are making music that we genuinely love."

The future for the Codebreaker movement still looks bright. Despite having their guitarist Timi resign (Hawley says that Codebreaker will remain a duo with a rotating third member.), fans can expect Hawley and company to stay productive, think forward, and most importantly, keep putting out more music.

"I'm not really concerned with getting a record deal," Hawley says, "Eventually it would be nice, but I'm more concerned with putting out records that people can genuinely have a relationship with. I think music needs more of that today."

Codebreaker will be holding their official CD Release/Halloween Party for "2" on October 30 at Mad Planet, located at 533 E. Center St. in Riverwest. Festivities begin at 10 pm. For more information, visit www.codebreakermusic.com.