Interview with Bad Heritage

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

(TOM)    I had always felt that one day I will be creating my own music. At the beginning I didn't even know on which instrument I would be playing, but to be honest I've always been more of a rhythm guy, so drums were my first choice. I'm sure I would end up on stage even if I wasn't a musician, as I was always into acting, so stage performance runs in my veins.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

(TOM) Spending time with family and friends, watching formula 1 and discovering new amazing places. It's clearing my head and giving me more motivation and creativity, which have a big impact on creating new music.

How long has your band been around?

(TOM)    Lauren and Amelia started the band in early 2020; they joined forces as they both shared the love of Rival Sons. I've joined the band at the end of 2020 and it clicked straight away. Jonny was the last piece that made us whole and he joined in mid-2021. 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

(TOM) We all live in or around Manchester. As there are a lot of venues and recording studios, we have loads and loads of opportunities to promote our music - which we are trying to use as much as we can How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

(LAUREN) As Tom said, we all live in, I think the way It influences us is the way we just crack on with things! It’s a very robust nature that Mancunians have and I think we respond to things just as such.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

(JONNY) We played Manchester academy earlier on in the year. It was a special moment for us all as it was the biggest venue and crowd we had ever played for. I won't forget that in a long time.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

(JONNY)I particularly enjoyed Dr Feelgoods in Stockport. The bar has such a vibe and energy about it. The Royal Albert Hall would be on my bucket list to play. Looks like an epic venue.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

My opinion will differ from the rest of the band I’m sure but opening for the Darkness or Black Stone Cherry would do it for me.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

You don’t need expensive gear or even lessons. Just find a place to practise with your mates and create some noise. There's no other feeling like it. As long as you play for the joy of playing, that's all that matters. The rest will follow. I would tell my younger self to always persevere with music and never take it for granted.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

(LAUREN) (Be confident. So many good things have happened since I built up my confidence! I’m in a band, I’ve made friends going to gigs on my own, I can do work interviews well.. Confidence takes you a long way. But don’t get arrogant, that’s not cool. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

 (LAUREN) Depends how you define means the most, if we’re going for more emotional, I’d probably say More Woman as it expresses exactly how I feel about myself and modern society's pressures on women. However, in a less emotional way, I love Special Branch as it’s an ode to the first photo shoot we did together as a band, and we all got in some trouble as a band. It’s a fun story.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

(LAUREN) My favourite to play is Fading People, it’s fast and it’s punchy. The way the drums lock in with the riff just makes my body move! In terms of most requested, It’s probably More Woman, I think it resonates with a lot of people.. as well as it being catchy!

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

(AMELIA) We’re always writing music; I get inspired by my own life experience but also observations. Much of BH’s catalogue are written about observations or struggles with identity.  

Whereas Lauren is inspired by what she’s listening to at the time and random jamming.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

(AMELIA) That not everything is bad, and we can learn from our experiences. Sometimes this takes time or bigger societal change. However, you can only control what you can reach, we’re not all elastigirl. 

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

AMELIA) Not really, everything that we do is fuelled by passion. You would think it would cause tension but it does the opposite. We’re like family, disagreements are easily talked though. Also the lads are super mailable when we’re writing. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

(AMELIA) We just want to keep playing, writing and having a laugh. The opportunities that come from our positive mindset are an added bonus. Hopefully if our drive is fuelled by the joy of being in a band and working together good things will come. Keep in touch with us at - www.facebook.com/badheritageband/