If you’ve not listened to Melbourne’s Bad Juju yet, then there’s one thing we’re going to need you to add to the “to do” list right now.
Having formed back in 2017, the group quickly got about writing a cache of stunning songs. In fact, their work was appreciated so quickly that they were even named as triple j Unearthed’s 18th most-played artist in 2018. Not bad for a band that’s one year old, eh?
Since then, things have been getting better and better for the group, with new singles being released, countless live shows being held, and their fanbase growing at a steady pace.
Chuck in appearances on the BIGSOUND lineup, and supports for Trophy Eyes, Mayday Parade, and more, and you’ve got one heck of an impressive band.
Now, having recently released their newest single ‘Say It’, we had a chat with the group to get the low-down on what they’re all about, and where it all began.
Check out ‘Say It’ by Bad Juju:
How did your artist name come about?
We were making jokes about how all the gun names on a video game we were playing sounded like death/black metal band names. Then we spotted Bad Juju and we were like, that’s sick. We had about four other options but it just felt like the right one.
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
“We play grunge music… umm it’s like rock but a bit heavier… kind of mixed with punk… hmm, do you know Nirvana? You do? Oh, well, we don’t sound like them but that’ll do.”
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Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
‘Say It’ is about standing up for yourself, particularly to someone you have been scared to go up against. We’ve all had a shit boss we’ve wanted to say f— off to, or been bullied by someone in the past, or felt controlled by someone. This is song hopefully makes people feel like they can go up against anyone and hold their own.
‘Moving On’ is about getting yourself out of a rut and getting yourself together. Changing your point of view to a positive one, and working towards being happy.
‘Bloom’ is about losing a friend too young and wanting to relive good times with the person. It reflects on our friendship and also the day I found out they were no longer with us.
What do you love about your hometown?
We’re all from the outer suburbs of Melbourne. I guess standard things like good coffee, heaps of sick live music, great food, and amazing people make it a pretty great place to live. We are really lucky to live in this city.
Check out Bad Juju’s ‘Moving On’:
Career highlight so far?
We recently played a sold out single launch for ‘Say It’ and it was our best show so far. The response to that song in particular at the show was crazy and we didn’t expect it. Other highlights would be touring with Trophy Eyes, and we are very excited about the new stuff we’ve been creating.
Fave non-music hobby?
Russ is into photography, Matt likes his reading and politics, Armarin loves “sampling” a few beers and photography, Abe loves video games and Star Wars, and Drue is into graphic design.
What’s on your dream rider?
Corn chips and Jack Daniels….and a VHS copy of Airbud is still on there. No one has come through yet.
Dream music collaboration?
That’s a hard one…maybe Thrice or Tom Delonge.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully finally riding hover boards and flying my car around the sky. I really don’t know haha but it would be awesome to be touring full time once we have a lot more material out in the world.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘Welcome To The Black Parade’, by My Chemical Romance.
Check out Bad Juju’s ‘Bloom’:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4FPbOM3tcQ
