The press uses many terms to describe Badflower: alternative, hard rock, even post-grunge. Singer/guitarist Josh Katz sees it differently. “I’m not a fan of genres at all,” Katz says, speaking from the Love Shack studio in Nashville. “I like good songs. That’s the lane we try to stay in.”
Classic Chemistry
Badflower is in Music City recording the follow-up to OK, I’m Sick, its 2019 debut. Comprised of Katz, guitarist Joey Morrow, bassist Alex Espiritu, and drummer Anthony Sonetti, Badflower is a true band. Like Cheap Trick, Queen, U2, and other classic quartets, the parts are crucial to the whole.
To that end, the band’s chemistry is paramount. “Just yesterday, we were working on a song that sounds nothing like the type of rock we normally do,” explains Katz. “Then we all looked at each other and were like, ‘But it’s us.’”
Badflower’s influences range from Led Zeppelin and the Cure to Cyndi Lauper and Dawes. Always, originality beats out predictability.
Radio Thrills
Based on the success of singles like “Ghost,” there’s no question Badflower’s method is paying off. That song reached #2 on the US Mainstream Rock Charts, while “Heroin” and “The Jester” ascended to #1. So, do the band remember hearing themselves on terrestrial radio for the first time?
“The first time was in our hometown,” says Katz. “It was KROQ Locals Only. Kat Corbett played our song, ‘Heroin,’ and it was super cool for us.”
Even with many hits, the thrill hasn’t worn off for the band. “It’s even more exciting when we don’t know it’s coming,” Katz continues. “We’ve been in an Uber on tour when our song kicks in. We giggle like children in the back.”
Independence in the Studio
They’re recording their sophomore record on their own. Katz is handling production duties this time, a job he relishes. He received encouragement from OK, I’m Sick producer Noah Shain. “He used to raise me up in that sense. Noah would say, ‘You’re a great producer. You should do the next record.’”
That hands-on aspect is shifting the sound of the material. “The new stuff has a more youthful kind of production than, Okay, I’m Sick,” Katz reveals. “It sounds more like our EP, which a lot of our fans like.”
“I'm not a fan of genres at all. I like good songs. That’s the lane we try to stay in.” -Josh Katz
Creativity and Themes
Self-aware and insightful, Katz reflects on the new material. “It’s written from the perspective of a band that had some success,” he reckons. “Now, here we are trying to figure that out.” In the past, lyrics ranged from the ultra-serious “Ghost” to lighthearted slices of life. “There’s still subject matter that’s taboo or uncomfortable,” Katz says, “because that’s what we do.”
That through-line speaks to his role as a primary lyricist. “I usually have the bulk of it—at least the concept,” Katz explains. Each song still plays out in its unique way. “Sometimes, I have a complete song I write fast. Other times we’ll jam on something, then sit and figure out moments we can’t quite get.”
Badflower keeps its sessions intentionally insular. “We don’t collaborate with other writers,” states Katz proudly. “It’s only us.”
Round-Robin
Discussing what each member brings to the group, the tour bus hours show. “Joe brings the party and great guitar playing skills,” Sonetti says of Morrow. Offering a quick take on Katz, Morros says, “Josh brings the sass. And the pink hair dye.”
It’s not all jokes. Katz gives Espiritu a heartfelt nod. “Alex is the type of person who can give a genuine compliment.” As always, drums and bass maintain a strong sense of connection. “Me and Al go to bed on time and get up on time,” says Sonetti. “It’s a rhythm section thing.”
The band members all praise Sonetti’s work ethic. Espiritu describes the drummer’s “complete devotion to his craft,” and how he “raises the bar for us.”
"There is great rock and roll music right now. It's just not as mainstream." -Josh Katz
Rock’s Past, Present, and Future
On the road, Badflower has shared stages with Greta Van Fleet, The Struts, Billy Talent, and The Veronicas. The band learns from each experience.
“Billy Talent is a huge arena band that never took off in America. Those were small crowds, but very passionate,” recalls Katz. “We still have people coming to shows who saw us on that tour.”
As diverse as their touring mates are, all possess gritty self-determination. So, is rock and roll dead? Katz has opinions. “There is great rock and roll music right now,” he states. “It’s just not as mainstream. When it does come back, people will say they miss when it was underground.”
