INTERVIEW: Bad Pop — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Bad Pop

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I have been chatting with the dynamic…

and sensational Bad Pop. Chris from the band talks to me about the new track, On Your Own, and what comes next. I ask him about Bad Pop's start and what they have planned regarding gigs; if the (Canadian) guys are coming to the U.K.; the music/artists that inspire them – whether Chris and the guys have favourite memories from their time in music.

Chris discusses their creative process and how his week has been; what advice he would give to new artists coming through; why Canada produces so many great artists – if the band gets the chance to chill away from their busy music lives.

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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?

We’re great! You’ve got Chris on the laptop...

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?

We’re Bad Pop: an off-kilter Canadian Rock band. We make quite the racket, lots of loud noises - that sometimes sounds like songs.

On Your Own is the new single. What is the background of that song?

On Your Own is a bit of different song for us. Catherine sings on it; it was largely created in the studio. I’m intrigued as to how people will respond to it.

Previous singles Bad Pop and Same House were a big success. Did you expect them to be so acclaimed and popular?

‘Popular’ is such an abstract thing, nowadays.

I’m glad when people like it: we certainly do. It’s funny because Bad Pop was supposed to sound like a Pop song that kind of pokes fun at popular music. I guess it worked!

Will there be more material from you guys this year?

There’s a ton of stuff that will be coming out soon - including our first full-length in the fall!

How did Bad Pop get together? Was there an instant connection there?

We had played together in other bands; so we already had chemistry going into Bad Pop. There is an excitement and danger to how we play that’s very exciting. I think that’s when we’re at our best: when the thing could fall apart and go off the tracks at any moment.

Which artists and musicians were you inspired by growing up?

I always loved artists that were a bit subversive, and yet, had a good sense of humour to them: Devo, Talking Heads, Ween; the Coen brothers, The Kinks; The Beatles and Paul Thomas Anderson.

PHOTO CREDIT: Brendan George Kokomo

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Weaves and The Wet Secrets.

I interview a lot of Canadian artists. Why do you feel the country is providing so many great bands/artists?

In my experience; the grant system we have in Canada helps develop artists. It encourages, with financial support, artists that are unique and have something interesting to say. It also helps that we look, sound and can pass as Americans - but definitely aren’t. It’s a position that allows us to thoroughly understand and be submerged in their culture - yet, also be removed from it so we can satirize and critique it from a very close, yet slightly removed, place.

Can we see you tour soon? What gigs do you have coming up?

Last year was pretty nuts for us. We spent most of it away from home playing around the world. So, for the next little while, we’re going to be at home working on a new record.

Do you think you’ll come to the U.K. this year?

There’s talk of being there in the fall. We’ll keep you posted!

What do each of you hope to achieve, personally, in 2018?

Aaron is going to train for a boxing match. (This isn’t a joke). I want to push myself to keep writing more ambitious, challenging music.

Have you all got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

Playing the Primavera Sound festival in Barcelona was a pretty amazing experience. I vividly remember looking out at the sea of people and wondering if I’ll ever get to do something this cool again.

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Don’t worry if you’re talented enough, or smart enough or good enough. Nobody is. Just honestly express what makes you unique. That’s what people connect with and remember: that it’s your flaws that make you interesting.

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind as a band?

We’re all in our thirties and have adult lives that we have to balance.

Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Range Life – Pavement