Badflower are gearing up to kick off the new year with the release of their highly anticipated debut album, OK, I’M SICK on February 22nd. The incredibly transparent and vulnerable release finds frontman Josh Katz opening up about his struggles with panic disorder and mental health on songs like “Ghost” and their latest single, “Promise Me,” while showcasing their incredibly unique and modern sound.
Following the release of OK, I’M SICK, Badflower will be hitting the road for a string of tour dates with Nothing More, followed by a summer tour with Shinedown. With a very busy year ahead of them and new music on the horizon, we caught up with Josh Katz to talk about his goals for the new album, mental health and plans for the rest of 2019. Read the full interview now below.
Interview by Dom Vigil
Can you tell us a little bit about Badflower for anyone who might not be familiar?
We’re a rock band that focuses on lyrics/story-telling and being extremely sassy.
You guys are getting ready to release your debut album, OK, I’M SICK in February! What are you most excited for fans to hear on the album?
I can’t pick, and I’m actually more nervous than I am excited. This album as a whole is very different than anything we’ve ever done. It’s current and very opinionated. We try not to think about how people are gonna respond when we’re in the creative process, which makes the build-up before the release especially nauseating. Because now is the time to finally confront the fact that a lot of people are about to hear this.
It being your debut album and some of the first music that a lot of new fans will hear from your guys, was there anything you knew you wanted to accomplish with OK, I’M SICK?
I wanted to make the first rock album that belongs solely to this generation. A lot of bands try really hard to sound like their influences and end up writing generic, vague music that we’ve heard a million times. We didn’t do that.
OK, I’m Sick follows your single, “Heroin,” which you released before the end of 2018. Can you tell us a bit about the song?
It’s about addiction to a toxic person. Constantly running back and quite literally sleeping with someone that you should’ve let go a long time ago.
You’ve been incredibly open about your struggles with panic disorder and mental health with songs like “Ghost” and you go a little bit more in-depth about it on the new album. Was it a bit therapeutic to work through some of those emotions while working on the album?
Yes, very. I had to write these songs. Mainly for myself internally, but it really helps that people know who I am and I don’t have to hide the fact that I struggle with these things. I don’t think I could go on stage and perform if people didn’t know me intimately in this way.
If someone else is struggling with similar feelings, what do you hope they take away from the album?
I hope they feel understood. And that’s literally all I can hope for. I don’t provide answers to problems in my music because I don’t know the answers. I have an ability to express how I feel and that’s all I can offer.
What was the most rewarding thing about working on OK, I’M SICK?
Finishing it.
You’re also in the midst of a busy touring schedule that stretches throughout the next few months! What is keeping excited and inspired on this run of shows?
We have a new set list with a lot of the new album songs in it. That’s a great way to break the monotony of doing what we’ve been doing. It’s gonna be a challenge.
Do you have any other big plans coming up?
Nope, just touring. When that’s over I’d imagine we’ll make another record, rinse repeat.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Be kinder to one another.
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