EMQ’s With Bedbug
EMQ’s With Bedbug
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Rock project, Bedbug. Huge thanks to band founder and songwriter, Dylan, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Dylan (aka Bedbug)! There’s been a lot of iterations of the “band”, but really the band is the newest chapter for Bedbug. Most of my releases have been solo, recorded by myself with an acoustic guitar and some synthesizers in various bedrooms in New York and Boston. A few years back, after some of my songs had gotten some minor internet traction, I realized it would be a bit more fun to play fun and loud music at shows instead of getting booked as the local opener all the time. So I asked some friends to join me, and it totally worked. I’ve never looked back, although I still enjoy playing solo.
How did you come up with your band name?
Deeply regrettable choice. There was another name I used to release music under in high school that’s been thoroughly scraped from the internet. I’m not really sure why I changed it, but I was writing different sounding songs with my acoustic guitar (rather than piano) and it felt like a fresh start would be nice. Anyways, “bed” because I recorded in my room, “bug” because I thought bugs were cool, and when you put them together they make a horrible other thing. Personally, I’ve only ever had carpet beetles.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I’m from the US, and I’ve played the most in the Boston music scene. Like, 7 or 8 years. I really believe it’s one of the most vibrant and enduring scenes in the country. The city is like, majority of young, bored college students. They make every type of music imaginable. Great community too (although it comes and goes!) I believe it’d be the best music scene in the world if the cops weren’t so draconian about noise and gatherings. Decriminalizing our indie rock scene is pretty low on the list of criticisms of American law enforcement, but it’s worth noting how much pleasure they seem to take in gutting local art. Anyways, check out Puppy Problems and Really Great and Pink Navel and Alexander.
I’ve lived in LA for a little over a year now, and it’s OK.
What is your latest release?
I have a single, halo on the interstate, out now! It’s the first single for a new record out on March 15th. Reception has been cool, the record/single don’t really feel made for streaming, so the success feels earned.
Who have been your greatest influences?
It’s changed over the years (obviously). I love the sound of 90’s indie rock and emo like Modest Mouse, Built To Spill, Pavement, Cap’n Jazz and Texas is the Reason. My biggest songwriting influences are probably Teen Suicide, Brave Little Abacus and Frog.
What first got you into music?
My parents love music, so I grew up around it a bit. That being said, I don’t think they had a huge impact on my music taste overall. Honestly, I spent a lot of time on the internet. Tumblr, Bandcamp and Pitchfork probably curated my music taste more than anything, back in high school.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Collabs stress me out. I’m not sure I could work like that. I’m not a very good musician, so I don’t feel like I really bring much to the plate. Maybe if, like, Lil Yachty used a Bedbug sample or something. Or Bladee.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
There’s some cool emo bands in China, so I’d like to go there. Best answer I can give, not that into festivals.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Everything I’ve ever received from fans has always been the perfect mixture of weird and endearing. Mostly notes and messages. I don’t know if this counts but anytime someone analyzes my songs for a final project for school, I’m always charmed.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Thanks! I read every message you’ve ever sent me, even if I don’t reply! Sometimes it’s hard to know how to reply to stuff that’s so sincere, but that’s cool!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Probably Fidel Castro. He’s a rock star to me! Kidding, kidding. In all seriousness though, I’d probably have to say Lenin.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I really love making music. I like writing music, playing around with my synths, writing lyrics, etc. I do not care for performing or promoting music. Not to say I don’t get excited to play a cool show, or have a nice time playing a show with a bunch of friends, but generally it feels very separate from the reasons I started making music.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I think there should be a type of guy called The Judge who legally has to be in attendance at every show. During every set, the band must prove their worth before The Judge. And at the end of a set, bands must go through a ceremony called The Judgment. If they are considered Unworthy, their instruments should be sacrificed to flame.
I also think Spotify should stop paying musicians entirely.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“The Lonesome Crowded West” by Modest Mouse! I think it’s some of the most authentically American music ever written. I know that can come off as a bit of a red flag, as far as descriptors go, but very few pieces of art have better tied loneliness and nostalgia to American capitalism without being overly intellectual. Trailer parks getting paved to make way for shopping mall parking lots.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Cassettes, no question. They’re cheap, cute, small, and sound really warm. I will say that I’m back on my CD kick now that I’ve been driving more! Plus I love liner notes/CD booklets.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
I think it was a random house show in Allston. We played with a few other indie bands, but something about the energy in the room was unreal. I didn’t really recognize many people in the crowd, but people were throwing each other around. I think it was the first time there was ever a real pit at our shows.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I actually mostly work at a high school, so I guess that! I juggle a lot of things, so sometimes I forget that I’m a musician before anything else.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
A. Mom. Dad. My Gf (Em). Then probably at least two other friends!
What’s next for the band?
Since I moved to LA, there’s been a new lineup for bedbug, so I think the next step is practice!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Bandcamp: linkedin.bandcamp.com,
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/09Sh0bFteXDeMFMLdjldlu?si=-MRVSEIDT6i5XWfPHYzy_A
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bedbugofficial/
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Many call it a sub, grinder, hero, or hoagie. Personally, where I grew up, we call it a wedge.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Nope! Thanks for having me!
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
