1. How did the band form?
We officially formed as Bad Llama in 2016, however, we did all play music together previously under a different name. The band was originally formed at Burton College as part of an assignment whilst Sam (Guitar), Dan (Guitar) and Gaz (Drums) were studying Music Technology. The band started off as an instrumental 4 piece, which later saw the additions of Kyle (Vocals) and Lewis (Bass). Sam and Kyle knew each other previously from high school and had played together in bands in the past. Lewis then joined the band soon after Kyle. We needed a bass player, and Lewis had recently started to play and is coincidentally the partner of Sam’s sister, so there were already strong relationships there and made perfect sense for him to join.
2. How would you describe your music?
We don’t believe we are defined nor confined to one particular sub-genre of hard rock or metal music, however, our influences are evident within our sound. We are heavily inspired by 90s rock and grunge but are also influenced by lots of other styles such as Nu Metal. We have combined those influences with own unique and original sound.
We can be very melodic as well as being heavy and aggressive. Because there are so many different influences that are evident in our sound, we believe we are very versatile and each song is different from the last.
3. Who would you say are your biggest influences?
Despite being heavily influenced by the 90s, we also take inspiration from more modern alternative music and have been likened to bands such as ‘Bring Me The Horizon‘, ‘Marmozets’ and ‘Highly Suspect‘ who we are also big fans of.
4. What are your gigs like?
We are a very energetic live band who pride ourselves on our live performances. The bigger the venue the more we excel as we love to move around and really make use of the space on stage. We are intense, aggressive and passionate when we perform live and love to get lost in the music. We like to keep our sets exciting and versatile and are currently playing a blend of our two E.P.s ‘Shedding Skin’s and ‘Crooked Empire’.
5. Any plans for new music?
We will be aiming to release new music by 2019, and in the meantime continue to promote ‘Crooked Empire’.