Contributor’s Note: I was lucky enough to catch The Backseat Bullets and talk with them about their origin story, musical influences, and a bunch of other cool stuff. If you ever find yourself in Albany and in need of some sweet, sweet pop punk you gotta catch one of their shows.
How did you guys meet?
Zac and I met at junior prom when I [Jeremy] was an emergency prom date. After a year Zac made a post saying they were looking for a drummer and I hit him up not thinking much of it but after that first practice, something clicked. We met our bassist Paul through mutual friends and at this mini festival we threw in our hometown for local bands.
Who are some of your biggest influences?
Zac: American Pleasure Club (fka Teen Suicide) , Nothing, My Bloody Valentine, Pity Sex, Cloakroom, Johnny Marr
Paul: The Descendents, The Marvelous 3, The Garden, Rancid, my dad’s old band The Same Four, Andrew W.K.
Jeremy: Happy Diving, Title Fight, Prince Daddy And The Hyena, Gleemer, Movements, Turnstile.
Where did the name Backseat Bullets come from?
Driver’s Ed Class lol
How’s the music scene in Albany? How is it different from other cities?
There is a rebirth going on right now it seems like. By this, we mean there are a lot of new, young bands popping up getting shows at the venues we’ve been playing forever.
It’s different because most of the venues focus on money and it ultimately comes down to that for promoters. There is a strong lack in DIY venues as well.
I know the DIY ethos is very important to your band, how do you feel it affects your band’s sound?
This is very important to us because knowing that you had a hand in the process of writing and recording really makes it that much more special not only to us, but also to the people that we share our music with.
Do you have any rituals or traditions that you guys like to do before you play a show?
We usually show up to venues very early so we can check it out, soak in the atmosphere, and then we usually like to walk around the town/city nearby to get a feel for the vibes.
Your fan outreach is really strong, what advice do you want to give to other artists who want to emulate your success?
We’re successful?
I guess just don’t say no, take opportunities and have an open mind. Your fans are what gives you a purpose so treat them very well 🙂
And there you have it! Fans can check out The Backseat Bullets at the following locations:
www.facebook.com/thebackseatbulletsBSB
www.instagram.com/the_backseat_bullets
www.thebackseatbullets.bandcamp.com
Fans can check out the song “Nothing New” by The Backseat Bullets below.
