By: Lisa Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) If I had to describe my sound I’d say it’s Alternative Rock – post punk with songwriter influence from soul and Motown to hip hop and classical influence. Keep in mind it’s a band kind of like Ween, where it varies because I listen to everything from Johnny Cash, Pearl Jam, new hip hop, while I learned how to play from The Beatles, Nirvana and Sublime songs. So, it goes back to the last three a lot.
Q) Talk about the story behind your song “She Found Love.”
A) “She Found Love” is two songs mixed that I wrote about a break up. I was hanging out with Spray Allen (Eric Wilson of Sublime and Wade Youman of Unwritten Law, and Daniel Lonner and Eric Sherman of Late Night Episode). Daniel Lonner recorded us and is a very seasoned recording wise had me pitch him a few songs and did me a solid.
Q) The song was recorded at Eric Wilson’s house. Why was that so important for you?
A) Out of a good amount like ten I played he picked those. Daniel wrote a few lyrics and Eric Wilson pitched the lyric “took my drugs,” so I used that when he heard me screaming he came down from upstairs. Eric loves music in the house – a true musician – and he did the gang vocals and afterwards told us some really cool old stories about Bradley Nowell and showed us Sublime gear and what was used on what.
Recording at Eric Wilson’s was important to me because he had a tremendous impact on my music that I play. He was a huge part of Sublime’s house and Sublime spoke to me – chaos, disorder, beauty, etc. I care a lot, so that is heard in the music the enthusiasm or id like to think that.
Q) Eric Wilson actually lends his vocals on your EP Listen to The Happys, which is quite monumental. What kind of response have you been receiving to The Happys fans to this?
A) Some people were blown away about Eric Wilson being on our song or that we are associated or connected to Sublime and Sublime family. Mainly people though that didn’t look up the band that saw a sign about The Happys around the U.S. or Australia. But all the way back to 2016 when our friend Reid Clow got us in a Slightly Stoopid after party with Jakob. The Sublime fam has shown love, maybe cause I was a little insane and an opiate using guy way back and they didn’t want another Bradley outcome, I don’t know tbh.
Either way I appreciate the help and friendships. Sublime is growing fast even now and Jakobs been helping us and we would book shows for him for years. So people get surprised when they hear that.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I usually write songs by practicing covers and then fusing songs with stories in my head and stuff. I often just face a wall sometimes and just play until something’s there. I guess that’s technically transcending meditation and it works.
I don’t need the music every time before the lyrics and some of my best songs are weirdly like poems and then I added music later.
Q) Brett Brazil handled the production and Brian Rosemeyer worked on mixing on this EP, but how much of a say does the band have when it comes to the production of your music?
A) Jack Endino recorded “What’s That Smell,” which was a huge deal. He produced Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam and Nirvana. These are top rock acts, you know. And he recorded a lot of my favorite Nirvana songs like “About a Girl,” “Ain’t it a Shame,” “Sliver,” etc. That was big and he mastered the album well. He’s a great dude. Brett Brazil is the longest member, then Alex Sanchez and then Eli Smetzer. Eli has been in the bands the longest drummer since 2022 I believe. So I kind of pay attention in production to who’s paid the most dues, but a good idea is a good idea.
The Happys started as a multi-collaborative band and imploded at periods. In 2016, we turned more into a band like Nirvana, Cheap Thrill, Green Day, Cake, etc. where the lead singer writes the music. I’m pretty particular just because it’s like a story I’m trying to convey and it won’t make sense if I don’t structure it right. I have had a lot of mental challenges over the years and taking on writing and conducting has helped my mental health and served to be a journal and keep me occupied and has inspired others. So, I’m lucky that this happened.
Mainly there will be dynamic recommendations and I like to be open minded that stuff can always be better. It honestly took a while to get to, but that’s what makes things special. Brian Rosemeyer sent a lot of mixes and really experimented, so we had fun picking specific mixes. Some literally blew my mind – the quality on the album is a big step up in my opinion!
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new EP as a whole – either as an emotion or message?
A) On the new EP I hope they just hear an album they like and resonate with. That’s all I can hope for. And so far I’m really lucky it’s doing really well. A message would be do the best you can and try not to be so hard on yourself. And during hard times keep moving. I’ve been through a lot and if I can keep moving you can too trust me.
Q) You’re headed out on tour this Summer with Kyle Rising. What can fans expect from a live The Happys performance and what are some songs you still love to perform?
A) Kyle Rising is a great player. It’s gunna be a blast! The Happys live – you can expect a range of different style songs like a Pixies show, if you will – some fast songs, some groovy songs, some new songwriter type songs and probably end with some heavy stuff. You might hear a story or something to resonate with. Expect the unexpected 🫡😉🎶🎶
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I’ve been listening to the Me, Myself & Irene soundtrack with all the Steely Dan covers. It’s just a great soundtrack [laughs] – Hilarious movie if you haven’t seen it, too. I like to switch what I’m listening to diversify my sound.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Our fans are super loyal and I would just say it’s an honor being on earth with them at the same time. Some of them have been phenomenal and putting signs around different countries, so nothing but my utmost appreciation and love and thanks.
All Questions Answered By Nick Petty