New York via Mississippi garage rockers, Bass Drum Of Death (BDOD) tour Australia next week.
The three-piece have gone from strength to strength since the release of their debut EP 'Stain Stick Skin' in 2008. However, after their 2014 release, 'Rip This', the band fell into radio silence, announcing a hiatus that was pinned down to 'personal reasons'.
That was the last we heard of BDOD for four years. But now they're back, brighter than ever, riding the success of their 2018 album 'Just Business'.
Boasting a slew of accolades as well as having their music featured across multiple television shows and video games, it is painstakingly obvious that Bass Drum Of Death are, and always have been, the quintessential lo-fi garage band.
This is the first time that BDOD will be on our shores since 2014, and we're waiting with bated breath. Before we sink our teeth into their whiskey-tinged stylings once more, we were able to have a chat with BDOD'S frontman, John Barrett, about all things BDOD: The band's imminent trip down under, how geography influences his sonic preference (and his drinking habits), as well as what gives him hope for the future despite the detrimental state the world is in.
You founded Bass Drum Of Death as a solo project back in 2008. Taking very heavy influences from the sounds of dive bars some 20 or so years ago, what originally drew you to that sound?
It was the easiest and most fun [sic] music to make by myself, and it gave me a clear path to being able to drink before I was 21 (in the US you can’t drink until you’re 21, I know, it’s f...ing stupid).
You hail from Oxford, Mississippi; can you walk us through how your upbringing and geography influenced your sonic ethos?
My mom always kept instruments around the house growing up. I’m sure she’s regretting that now haha. Geography-wise, I was around the 'blues' I guess, but I was always more adventurous in what I was seeking from music. I listened to and still listen to a wide variety of things.
I'm assuming you're an Ole Miss football fan; do you have high hopes for team success this season?
Oh we are pretty bad, but I’m a life-long fan so I still watch every Saturday. Next year is our year.
Relocating to New York City early in the band's life; how did that shape the band's future?
I actually moved to NYC after my third record, so it didn’t shape it that much. Now all of the band lives in NYC.
We live in strange times; what's one thing that gives you genuine hope the human race will survive the mess we've found ourselves in?
Watching my friends’ kids grow up and be smart, kind, and thoughtful human beings. . . much more than I am.
On a lighter note, you guys are headed back to Australia for the first time in over four years to play at Yours & Owls festival, as well as selected headline shows. Is Australia an enjoyable destination to tour as a band?
Oh I love it down there. Everyone is so nice and genuinely loves rock music, it’s very refreshing. All I remember about that tour was that a bunch of meat pies were consumed.
That tour was alongside DZ Deathrays and Hockey Dad – any wild tour stories to relay? Have you remained friends with both bands?
Definitely still friends with both. It’s been exciting to watch them both do so well. We did a lot of karaoke with our shirts off.
You wrote the lyrics for Royal Blood's 2017 track 'Lights Out'. How did that collaboration come about?
I’ve known Mike for awhile, so it kinda just came about naturally.
Any plans for future collaborations (either with Bass Drum or assisting other artists)?
I hope so, but nothing in the works just yet.
It's no secret that BDOD has seen a fair share of band mates coming and going – can you touch on some of the reasons for such a high turnover of members?
Touring for a long time is hard and people sometimes wanna do other things, which I support. Every time someone has left my band it’s been amicable.
The last BDOD album was last year's 'Just Business'; when can we expect new Bass Drum Of Death music to land?
Working on it now.
Bass Drum Of Death 2019 Tour Dates
Thu 3 Oct - The Curtin (Melbourne)Fri 4 Oct - The Lansdowne (Sydney)
Sat 5 Oct - Yours & Owls Festival (Wollongong)
Sun 6 Oct - Crowbar (Brisbane)
