Two-minute chunks of ridiculously infectious garage-rock? You’re in the right place. East London via Essex newcomers Bad Nerves are making waves.
Hey Bobby, how are you?
I’m doing okay. I just ate a large handful of pickled onions, and I’m watching Hook, so I’m on a bit of a nostalgic trip while I write this, albeit with a mild stomach ache.
What first made you want to start a band? Have you always been into music?
Yeah, I’ve always been into music. I wasn’t brought up on much of what I now consider the good stuff though, in fact, it was mostly just Meat Loaf and musicals, but that was enough to get me singing at least – even if it was to the tune of Mary Poppins. I first wanted to be in a band after hearing Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ at the beginning of high school. I’d just started playing drums, and that record really sparked my middle-class teenage angst.
How did you guys meet?
Me and Will Power have known each other for years but we never really got along. We figured the best way to remedy that situation would be to start a band. We still don’t get along, but we dig the sounds we make together. The music would be shit if we were best friends.
What’ve been the highlights of band life for you so far?
Just playing music this fast is a constant highlight. It’s so much fun. But it’s been really cool getting support from BBC Introducing, and Radio 1 etc.. We really didn’t think people would get it, so that’s been a nice surprise. Shows-wise we loved playing Garageland and Some Weird Sin. Both really cool punk/garage punk/alternative club nights in London. The dudes that run those are absolute legends.
[sc name=”pull” text=”I first wanted to be in a band after hearing Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’.”]
Tell us about what you guys are working on right now.
We’re just writing non-stop. I guess we’re working on an album really, but our main focus right now is to nail some decent singles.
Are there any other new bands around at the mo who you particularly like?
The Cavemen, Fat White Family, Eat Fast, Uranium Club, Lumpy and the Dumpers, The Lemon Twigs.
What inspires you, musically or otherwise?
Anything trashy that sounds like a crisp packet is always inspiring. Love that awful messy sound. As far as musical influences there are a few obvious names: Bowie, Ramones, The Clash. But more recently, stuff like Marked Men, Radioactivity, Jay Reatard. ‘Blood Visions’ by JR is genius.
What do you do for fun?
Mainly just write music, to be honest. But I like making videos and stuff too, so I do that a fair bit when I’m stumped for song ideas. I made the last two videos we put out actually. I’m no Spike Jonze, but it’s fun to pretend.
What’s the best song of yours for new listeners to start with?
Just start with ‘Radio Punk’, the new single. There are a few more songs on Spotify after that, and then the two that started this whole thing are on YouTube – ‘Can’t Be Mine’ and ‘Wasted Days’.
Taken from the October issue of Dork, out now. Bad Nerves’ single ‘Radio Punk’ is out now.