Los Angeles-bred and Nashville-based rock band Badflower—Josh Katz [lead singer, guitarist], Joey Morrow [lead guitar, backing vocals], Alex Espiritu [bass] and Anthony Sonetti [drums]—craft music rooted in raw emotion and unflinching honesty. The band’s approach, described as siphoning “stress, sleeplessness, sex, sadness, mania, pain, and truth” into their work, aims to provoke discomfort and self-reflection in listeners.
From Los Angeles to Nashville
Formed in Los Angeles in 2014, Badflower released two EPs before achieving recognition with their 2019 debut album, OK, I’M SICK. Their second full-length offering, This Is How The World Ends, arrived in 2021. Before completing the album, the band relocated from Los Angeles to Nashville with their crew, fulfilling a long-held desire to live on a farm and rescue animals.
A Unique Recording Process
The band prioritized a spontaneous and natural sound during the recording of This Is How The World Ends, eschewing traditional demoing processes. Katz described the process as “the most human thing we’ve ever done,” noting that drum and vocal takes were often first attempts. He also admitted to drawing inspiration from watching fan-captured live performances on YouTube.
Exploring Personal Themes
Badflower’s lyrics delve into deeply personal territory. The single “Family” explores Katz’s strained relationships with his family, admitting to placing blame on them for years as an “excuse to be shitty.” Other songs, like “Don’t Hate Me,” showcase self-awareness and introspection, examining personal change and identity. The album also touches on themes of mortality and despair, as evidenced in the song “My Funeral.”
Continued Momentum
Badflower has garnered acclaim from publications including LoudWire, Nylon, Alternative Press, Music Connection, and Substream Magazine. They have also performed on national television programs such as The Late Late Reveal with James Corden and Last Call with Carson Daly. The band has amassed over 100 million streams and previously charted singles “30” and “F*ck The World” reached Top 5 and Top 10 at Rock Radio, respectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Badflower form?
Badflower formed in Los Angeles during 2014.
What is Badflower’s approach to songwriting?
Badflower aims to create music rooted in raw emotion and unflinching honesty, siphoning “stress, sleeplessness, sex, sadness, mania, pain, and truth” into their work.
Where did Badflower record their album, This Is How The World Ends?
Badflower recorded This Is How The World Ends in a studio built in a barn in Nashville.
Given Badflower’s dedication to authenticity and their willingness to explore challenging themes, what impact might their music have on listeners grappling with similar experiences?
