By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Bandaid Brigade, the musical project of Zach Quinn (PEARS), Brian Wahlstrom (Scorpios, Gods Of Mount Olympus) and friends Paul Rucker (Armchair Martian, Street Dogs, Drag The River) and Chris Fogal (The Gamits) will release their debut album ‘I’m Separate’ on January 21, 2020. It was recorded at Black in Bluhm Studios in Denver and co-produced by Fogal.
Quinn is arguably well-known as the frontman of New Orleans hardcore punk band PEARS, while Wahlstrom is a classically trained opera singer and pianist who frequently collaborates with Joey Cape of Lagwagon. Bandaid Brigade released the official music video for funktastic track “Travel Light” on Jun. 28, 2019.
The Music Bugle recently had the chance to talk to Wahlstrom about recent happenings.
Music Bugle – What are your overall expectations of your upcoming debut full-length, ‘I’m Separate’?
Brian Wahlstrom – The first track is “Everything” and the last track is titled “Nothing.” Pretty much sums up our expectations.
Music Bugle – How would you compare the experiences of playing your music in the recording studio as opposed to live performances?
Brian Wahlstrom – Slightly different. Zach was drunk for 87 percent of the tracking in the studio and at the only show we’ve played, he was only 52 percent, so pretty close, but we’ll see as things move forward.
Music Bugle – What inspired the colorful artwork of ‘I’m Separate’?
Brian Wahlstrom – Our friend Paul (@zombieteethclothing) did it. He rules and is a gem to work with.
Music Bugle – Which musician influences would you say specifically shaped the music on your upcoming release?
Brian Wahlstrom – Joey Cape and also the singer from Lagwagon were our main influences.
Music Bugle – What was it like shooting the music video for “Travel Light”? Why did you go with that song as a single?
Brian Wahlstrom – I mean… you gotta go with the disco song, right? We did the video that way for one specific reason: We were able to get a discount on spin classes, so that was nice.
Music Bugle – What was your most memorable show?
Brian Wahlstrom – I lied earlier. There have been two shows. The first one was a house party and had an open bar and bouncy house, so we don’t remember that one.
Music Bugle – What are the top three songs on the Soundtrack of your Life?
Brian Wahlstrom – Swamp Man, Butt Train and Fast Forward (live version).
Music Bugle – Considering the group’s collective experience, what pains you the most about today’s music industry and how can it be fixed?
Brian Wahlstrom – Well, our album initially got rejected by the distributor for having an extended silence in a track, so getting automated emails from a company telling you how to edit your art for their platform is rather discouraging. I figured out how to fix the music industry, but I’m not ready to disclose that information at this time. Thank you.
Music Bugle – What’s something you feel people should know about the band?
Brian Wahlstrom – A lot of people have suggested that Zach and Brian have a relationship.
Music Bugle – What are the band’s future plans beyond early 2020?
Brian Wahlstrom – We’ve got some more tours scheduled and a few festivals. We’re also writing a musical and a new record. The musical is not up for debate.
