Baddies – Tiger Face Interview
May 22nd, 2011
“I’m feeling predatorial, I am the animal” roars frontman Michael Webster as half way through comeback single Tiger Face it soon becomes clear that Baddies are back, and they mean business…
Released on June 6th, Tiger Face is the band’s first new material to see light since their killer 2009 debut album Do The Job and it’s raised the bar through the roof for the quality of it’s follow up to meet. Their sophomore record is completely written, and in the hands of a Pledgemusic campaign curated by the band before they head to the studio in July this year.
For those not in the know, the pretty amazing Pledgemusic is a website where fans can essentially pre-order their favourite artists new album before it’s even been recorded and are rewarded with exclusive access to extras not available elsewhere. Not only can a copy of the new record be obtained but also pledges can be made for one off extras to go with the album, such as, in Baddies case, instruments used in the recording of the album. It is also to be noted that this is the only way of obtaining the new Baddies record this year.
Baddies drummer Jim Webster tells Rhythm Circus’ Dale Larwood how album number two is shaping up…
What stage are you at with the recording of the album at the moment?
We are currently in the pre-production stage of recording our record. This is where we chose the group of songs that go best together and go through them with a fine tooth comb to make sure that they are all up to scratch. This involves getting together regularly with our producer Sean Genockey at our rehearsal room, sending him over live demo’s etc. etc. and being constructively critical.
Do you feel there’s an element of pressure on you because of the Pledgemusic campaign?
I don’t think that we feel pressure in terms of what we are going to deliver our fans/pledgers as we all believe in the record so much that we know that 99% of our fans will love it. The only potential pressure is if the Pledge campaign is unsuccessful, i.e we do not reach our target and therefore the whole campaign is redundant…. which is very bad for us and for those that have pledged. We are confident that this will not happen and that the target will be hit.
How does the sound of the new record compare to Do The Job?
The record still has Baddies signature sound, but has moved on massively. Its a bigger sound, with more parts and more going on. There are now digital elements to the sound, which makes them sound more anthemic and gives us a dynamic that was not present on Do the Job.
Are there lyrical themes running through the album?
I do not write the lyrics, but mike and I have spoken about this a lot. There is a concept to the album, which is largely based around the future and the relationship between man, technology and robots. I think this has been influenced by the new sounds that have been introduced. Sounding slightly electronic can make you think about electronic subjects or concepts when writing.
Does the album have a title yet?
The album does not have a title yet… we have a few ideas and it will most certainly go with the concept of the record.
Are there plans to release it conventionally after the campaign has finished?
We plan to release our second record officially, just like ‘Do The Job’. Our fans that have pledged, get to be part of the whole process with us from start to finish and get rewarded by being the first to hear our record, whilst having access to exclusive products and see behind the scenes footage… it will then ideally go for production and be on the shelves as normal for the general public to buy. We want our fans feel privileged.
What made you decide to offer your instruments you’ll be using to make the album in the pledgers campaign?
We thought that there may be some fans out there that would like to own an instrument that is played on the record and signed by a band they admire or adore… this may be a long shot, but you never know…. We have not sold any yet, however we have sold the drum skins that will be used on the record.
Are there any plans to venture onto the festival circuit this summer, or are you going to remain locked away until the album is in the bag?
Festivals are out of the question this summer I’m afraid. We have to channel all our energy into finishing this record and creating something very special for us and our fans, this is our goal and priority at the moment. We will be back with avengence in 2012! Watch this space.
Tiger Face is released on 6th June 2011 on Yo Yo Acapulco Records.
for more, and to pledge to the album,visit: LISTEN TO BADDIES
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