Bad Bad Hats – Walkman

By starrymag | November 2, 2021

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

Q) How would you best describe your sound?

A) Generally upbeat and easy going! Several reviews of our album have said it’s driving with the windows down music. And I agree!

Q) Who are your top three musical influences?

A) Well, all three of us in the band would say something different. But for me, I would say three artists that inspired me when I first started writing songs were Feist, Ida Maria and Darwin Deez.

Q) Tell us the story behind your latest single “Milky Way.”

A) Around Halloween a couple years ago, I realized that my sugar tolerance has really waned in my old age. And from that realization, I came up with the chorus line “you throw out half a Milky Way, cause everything’s too sweet to you these days.” To me there was a double meaning thereof, one, you literally can’t eat a whole candy bar anymore because it tastes insane to you, but two, life offers up so many sweet moments and it’s easy to just let them pass you by. So, I wrote this song about taking advantage of an adventurous evening out on the town with an intriguing stranger you met at a bar.

Q) You also shot a music video for “Milky Way,” which I found hilarious! How did you come up with the concept for the video?

A) The first line of the whole album is “heavy metal, rock and roll” and we went into the studio with the intention of writing some rock songs. So, I think I had The King on the brain because of all this rock and roll talk. I knew I wanted us to dress as Elvis, but I wasn’t sure what the narrative would be. We went through a few different ideas, and this is the one that stuck.

Q) I also have to know: Who came up with the idea of an Elvis impersonator audition?

A) That would be me. The other idea I had was for two of us to be Elvis impersonator trainers helping the third bandmate become an unstoppable Elvis force. Basically, a Rocky training sequence but with Elvis moves. But I like the gag of the speed-dating confusion.

Q) “Milky Way” was the first single off your latest album Walkman. How did you decide on the title for the album?

A) I think there is a sense of nostalgia on this album – that Fall-time wistful longing. I love the power of music to transport us to certain places and times in our lives. And I have a nostalgia for all the musical devices of my past through which I played all that music. The JVC vertical CD player in my childhood bedroom, the chunky iPod that got me through college and my blue and yellow Walkman portable CD player. So, Walkman felt like a very fitting title.

Q) My favorite song on Walkman is “Quarter Past.” Which songs were your favorite to write and record?

A) “Quarter Past” has been the surprise favorite among our fans! We’ve always liked that one, but we didn’t expect it to be a standout. For us, I think “Year of the Crab” and “Walkman” are two of our favorites. Those two had the most interesting journeys in the studio.

Q) What message do you hope fans take away from Walkman?

A) I hope this album brings people joy and is something they love to listen to while driving or cooking or hanging with friends.

Q) As you are touring the U.S. this month, what do you most look forward to with getting back into live shows?

A) Rocking out with Chris and Con! We love the energy of the crowd and having fun with the arrangement and performance of the songs onstage. Also, saying hi to everyone at the merch table is something I missed most when we were home last year.

Q) Which song is a fan favorite at your shows?

A) We’ve only just started playing the new album live. And from that, “Detroit Basketball” seems to always go over well. But from the whole catalogue, “Midway” and “Super America” seem to get the best response. It’s very heartwarming to know that songs I wrote over a decade ago are still bringing people joy.

Q) What is one of your favorite places to perform?

A) We hardly ever have a bad time in a city, but we always have a great time in Charlotte and Boston. Obviously, nothing beats the hometown show (we’re from the Twin Cities).

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of your music?

A) Thank you, thank you, thank you for listening to our music and for sticking with us during a very strange time. We so appreciate the support, and we can’t wait to visit a town near you soon.

 

 

All Questions Answered By Kerry Alexander