Nothing Is Off The Table In Our Interview with Bad Reed

Bad Reed 3

We recently introduced readers to Bad Reed, from Ontario, Canada. Releasing their self-titled EP late last year, the band cover the gamut of musical genres in three songs. We decided we needed to find out more about them.

Bad Reed EP cover

EP: Describe your sound for the uninitiated. What’s the Bad Reed story?

BR: Without pigeon-holing, let’s say it sounds fresh yet familiar, and I think the familiarity really comes from a broad scope of influences. There are many opportunities for recognition, but I am glad to say that the other artists people hear in our music vary almost as much as our influences from member to member.

EP: You’ve all had backgrounds in other bands – what do each of you bring to Bad Reed that sets you apart from the acts you’ve been with before?

BR: Because our musical tastes and influences vary, the tracks we write and ideas each of us has are special and can be interpreted differently. This aspect of our songwriting always keeps us changing our method.

EP: Your self titled EP is only three songs long but somehow you’ve managed to traverse about a thousand different genres. How is that even possible? We described you as ‘Pseudo Rockers’, but we’re not even sure about that. Do you categorise yourselves at all, or is your style simply, ‘Bad Reed’?

BR: Originally the Bad Reed EP’s working title was ‘Pseudo-Lounge’ but we didn’t want to force the release into this mould. Each release will have its own unique edge. ‘Nothing is off the table”.

EP: Where do you see yourselves going musically, and as a band? What lies ahead for Bad Reed?

BR: Musically there’s no stopping us. We learn more every day and at this rate we’ll never run out of fresh ideas for people to chew on. As for what lies ahead, we are uncertain. We would like to play all over the world and we push for that every day.

EP: What’s a Bad Reed concert like? Any chance you’re going to come over to Europe any time soon?

BR: A Bad Reed show consists of hipsters, bros, fogies, hippies, alcoholics, and doctors. All dancing like mad. Not this year but perhaps 2017 or early 2018.

EP: If you could go back to the beginning of Bad Reed, what, if anything, would you have done differently, and why?

BR: The Bad Reed EP could’ve come out with a bigger bang. But this premier release has been a good learning experience for many reasons. Everything happens for a reason I guess.

EP: How do you define success? And what do you feel is the secret of success? Is there a secret?

BR: Success is hitting your target. Pure and simple. If you aren’t prepared or your target is unreasonable, your results will follow.

EP: What’s your take on the state of the music industry as it is currently?

BR: The industry is undergoing a massive evolution and we want to be on the forefront of those pioneering a new age for musicians. If you don’t love working hard and the bare necessities life style to go with it, this ain’t for you.

EP: What’s your fave song on your EP?

BR: That like asking which child is our fave 😉

EP: What question do you wish someone would ask you in an interview, but nobody ever does?

BR: – What is your fave Pokemon?

You can find Bad Reed online on their website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Soundcloud and Youtube. Find their EP on Bandcamp.

About the author

Lisa has been writing for over 20 years, starting as the entertainment editor on her university newspaper. Since then she's written for Popwrapped, Maximum Pop, Celebmix, and ListenOnRepeat.

Lisa loves all good music, with particular fondness for Jedward and David Bowie. She's interviewed Edward Grimes (Jedward), Kevin Godley, Trevor Horn, Paul Young, Peter Cox (Go West), Brendan B Brown (Wheatus), Bruce Foxton (The Jam), among many many more. Lisa is also available for freelance writing - please email lisa@essentiallypop.com

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