Music Bugle Exclusive – Q & A – Howi Spangler Of Ballyhoo!

By Nicholas Jason Lopez

In support of their acclaimed ninth full-length album ‘Shellshock,’ which features special guests like The Elovators, Kyle Smith, Iya Terra, Hirie, Tropidelic and Bumpin Uglies, East Coast reggae scene originators Ballyhoo! embarked on a nationwide tour this fall.

‘Shellshock’ was a self-produced effort, released via Ineffable Records and shows just how smoothly the group continues to blend reggae, alternative rock, punk and pop, just like they’ve done across their 25 years of existence.

Frontman Howi Spangler expressed how his goal for ‘Shellshock’ was to just make the best songs that they could – plain and simple. The objective has always been to focus on what they want to achieve and work towards that, with no worries about views, followers, or money. Just keep making good stuff.

The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Spangler about what the band sought to change up with ‘Shellshock,’ what excites him the most about their style of music and much more, which you can check out below.

Music Bugle – With nine albums now under your belt, how did you seek to change things up this time around with ‘Shellshock’? 

Howi Spangler – We took a long time to make this one. Most of our albums and EPs over the last 10 years have been recorded in 2 or 3 weeks and I’m proud of that, considering the quality we’ve put out, but it was nice to be able to take our time and sit with the songs for a year and a half. I just tweaked and changed things over time. I got to fine-tune it all until I was happy with them. The goal was to write the best songs we could. 

Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music? 

Howi Spangler – I think we contribute something different, something fresh. We’re not reinventing the wheel or anything, but I think our approach to all these styles we mash up is exciting. Feels like there’s something for everyone, but we never force it. It’s easily digestible and we can play at reggae shows, punk shows, ska shows and even country festivals. We’ve diversified our sound to be able to play anywhere. 

Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians? 

Howi Spangler – I think it helps, mostly, but like anything else, you have to manage your expectations and try not to let it consume you. I’ve spent many hours of my life being stressed out or pissed off or even sad that, “My band isn’t doing as well as these other bands I know,” but I’ve been working on that for years. I think it’s good to see what other bands are up to, but I also try to focus on what we’re doing and how we can keep moving forward. It’s not a contest. 

Music Bugle – What has been your favorite moment while onstage? 

Howi Spangler – Every time the crowd is going off, singing loudly to the point where I step away from the mic and let them takeover… it’s just something that doesn’t get old. 

Music Bugle – What shows have you been binging on in your free time? 

Howi Spangler – I honestly don’t watch anything lately. Last year, I was on “Mad Men” for a few seasons and I still wanna revisit the first couple seasons of “American Horror Story” since it’s Fall. I do watch a lot of YouTube videos. Tech stuff, video game history. Stuff like that. 

Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise? 

Howi Spangler – Really loving the new Blink-182 stuff. The latest Post Malone album. Also digging into the 30th Anniversary ‘Dookie’ deluxe album from Green Day. Nirvana just dropped the 30 year ‘In Utero’ as well. 

Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do? 

Howi Spangler – “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Just do what you love, perfect your craft and keep moving forward. Fuck everybody else. 

Music Bugle – Being a band that has been around for 25 years, we’re curious about this one – what’s your stance on the use of AI in recent music? 

Howi Spangler – It doesn’t bother me. I think there’s always a possibility of it “falling into the wrong hands” or something, but mostly, I think it’d be a great tool to help me write or even produce. I just read that the live shows on the ‘In Utero’ 30-year release were stereo soundboard recordings. They used AI to separate the tracks and actually mix them! That blows my mind. I think it’s incredible, but I am a huge geek and love tech. 

Music Bugle – What does today’s music industry simply need more of? 

Howi Spangler – More rock music in the spotlight and more deals that benefit the artists. We’re always the last ones to get paid and we’re the ones creating the art. 

Music Bugle – What is your favorite movie, TV or video game soundtrack?

Howi Spangler – “The Crow” is my favorite movie. “Dexter” comes to mind for TV. The first few “Castlevania” games have the best soundtracks! 

*Photo Credit – Dennis Pike Photography*