By Nicholas Jason Lopez
With an eye-grabber of artwork that resembles as if Dragon Ball Z’s Goku adopted a punk lifestyle, Montreal’s own, The Nailheads, actually showcase some musical versatility on their new album, slated to drop on July 2, 2021.
No strangers to the United States either, the band is eager to get back on the stage and steal the show once more, if bangers like their current single “Kill Or Be Killed” serve as any indication.
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with member Ritchy Nails about the new album and more.
Music Bugle – How did you guys decide the band name?
Ritchy Nails – When I was in high school, a friend and I used to spend our free time recording cassette tapes of ourselves improvising comedic songs, skits and dialogue. We called that project The Nailheads. Some kids at school would borrow those tapes for a laugh. Not long after that, the two of us started a more serious band, playing shows and recording under the same name. Therefore, several years later, when I formed a new group altogether, I kept the original name because of the history behind it and because it had come to mean so much more to me over the years, that it wasn’t even a question on what the new band’s name should be.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Montreal to someone who has never been there before?
Ritchy Nails – Delightfully multicultural, causing the city to come to life with a vast array of traditional music, art and food. Old architecture. Live music is always a stone’s throw away, in any which direction and there’s an openness to visitors. If you were to just stumble upon Montreal, having never visited, it wouldn’t take long to feel like you’ve always known the place.
Music Bugle – What are your goals with your new album?
Ritchy Nails – To get the songs out to as many people as possible. You never know who needs a new song. It could be anyone.
Music Bugle – Which of your shows was the most memorable to you?
Ritchy Nails – Offhand, the ones held in German punk squats and Mexican border cities are among the first that spring to mind.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Ritchy Nails – For starters, our band has had to cancel plans for touring two summers in a row and for being a band that enjoys the road as much as we do, that isn’t an insignificant detail and like the rest of the world, curfews and isolation have become the new normal.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Ritchy Nails – John Mellencamp and The Gaslight Anthem.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Ritchy Nails – For a car ride with no particular place to go.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Ritchy Nails – Well, that depends. I noticed that for musicians that grew up with it, it’s second nature, making it effortless to promote themselves in that regard. As for those that did not grow up with it, there is a possible danger of your musical output and creative habits taking a back seat due to the constant demand it entails.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Ritchy Nails – ‘’’Til things are brighter, I’m the Man In Black,'” by Johnny Cash.
Music Bugle – What do you hope for from the rest of 2021?
Ritchy Nails – It would be great to see the spread of the coronavirus slow to a trickle and eventually fade away and for live music to make a comeback.
*Photo Credit – Insolite Photographie*
