California rockers Decent Criminal recently dropped a music video for their song “Bleached.” You can watch the video right here on All Punked Up!
We got to sit down with Decent Criminal to talk about how their latest EP Bliss came about, as well as their inspirations, music videos, and quarantine activities. Check out our interview below!
Be sure to follow Decent Criminal on social media.
Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Spotify
Q: Take us through the writing and recording process for Bliss. What are some things that inspired you while writing?
There was a lot of transition going on during the Bliss writing era. I’d gotten out of a nearly six-year relationship, moved to Long Beach, we became a long-distance band, parted ways with our old bass player Alex, and I went through a difficult process of dealing with being in a heavy car accident that involved me watching a man die while waiting for paramedics. As bizarre of an experience it was, it allowed a unique opportunity for perspective in pinning mental roadblocks against mortality, ultimately motivating myself in life and influenced writing songs that became Bliss. “The man without a face” dedication on the back of the record is in his honor. Recording the record was tedious, time-consuming, and over-analyzed but fun as usual with the nature of our band. I think we felt we needed a record that was a leap forward as opposed to a step.
Q: If you could pick one word or phrase to describe Bliss what would it be and why?
“Ch ch ch ch changes, turn and face the strange”
Q: The music video for “Bleached” was fantastic! Do you have any more videos on deck? What about quarantine content like acoustic covers or live streams?
Glad you dug the video! We have a video for ‘Creep’ as well, that will come out at some point. Not sure when this is coming out but we are doing live streams the 17th and 18th of this month. 17th is a benefit for Thee Parkside, a rad venue in San Francisco, the ladder is for Wiretap Records.
Q: Obviously COVID-19 may have hindered many plans for recording, filming, shows, etc. But what are some things fans can look forward to as soon as the pandemic calms down?
We had a mess of tour dates, a few months’ worth, that came to a halt due to COVID. So, we plan on doing those, they include a couple of European tours, Punk Rock Bowling, Pouzza Fest, a tour with Red City Radio and Sjock fest in Belgium. Outside of that, we have been demoing songs for a new album so that’ll be in the works.
Q: How are you holding up with the quarantine? What have you been doing to stay healthy and occupied?
We’ve been well in quarantine, been spending it with family so we’re fortunate. Restlessness happens but exercise, music, and cocktails in the backyard on sunny days are getting us through.
Q: What songs do you have on repeat right now?
Guided By Voices – Game of Pricks, Fountains of Wayne – Radiation Vibe and Radiohead – Let Down
Q: What musicians or bands inspire you?
Pixies, their ability to write songs that range from raunchy and grotesque to euphoric and absolutely beautiful is always inspiring. Smashing Pumpkins have a similar gift in their own style, I admire the range.
Q: Where do you see the band in 5 years?
Maybe we’ll get a chance to open for some big 90’s band on their farewell tour, then go fill up 350 cap rooms across the country, that’d be a sweet place to be.
Q: Is there anything else you want to tell your fans or All Punked Up readers?
Excited to share all we’ve been working on and will be working on through all this, see ya soon!
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