The band was founded by drummer Ben in 2022, after leaving his old Metalcore band as he relocated to Winterthur. Ben's been playing the drums since his childhood and has been part of various bands throughout the years.

Ben found Tim, lead guitarist in a Deathcore band, who ultimately became Barely Breathing's main songwriter. Tim first learned classical guitar in his teens before teaching himself the electric guitar, heavily inspired by the likes of Sean from While She Sleeps.

In 2023, they met vocalist Maik. Maik started singing as a child and taught himself to scream in his teens by putting his powerful voice to use at karaoke nights, inspired by Linkin Park's Chester Bennington and Adrian from Northlane, until he felt ready to join his first band.

Last but not least, Adrien has been experimenting with beats, rapping, and the keyboard since his 20s. As his brother-in-law, Ben knew his creative skillset and asked if he'd be interested in adding the bass to it and being a part of the band. Adrien joined a couple months after Maik.

Unwilling to compromise their chemistry, the four friends settled on being a four-piece band and officially became Barely Breathing.