Meet Bad Nerves, East London’s punk rock gift to the world, featuring Bobby Nerves on vocals, William Phillipson and George Berry on guitars, Jonathan Poulton on bass, and Samuel Thompson on drums. Their electrifying performance at the Regent in Los Angeles left Emmanuelle in awe, and Vulkan made the journey to Atlanta for an exclusive meet-up with the band during their final show supporting The Hives on their US tour.
In the gritty underbelly of East London’s music scene, a story unfurls—one that charts the meteoric rise of Bad Nerves, a band that’s as much a phenomenon as it is a creative powerhouse. With a sound as electrifying as a live wire and lyrics that slice through modern-day facades, they have etched their name into the hearts of those seeking refuge in raw, unadulterated punk rock. The essence of Bad Nerves is a blend of awareness and optimism, a balance of critical thought and boundless imagination. In the face of societal challenges, their music serves as a reminder that change is possible. Through their punk ethos and energetic engagement, Bad Nerves not only revives the genre but also redefines it, offering a soundtrack to those who dare to disrupt and dream.
Emmanuelle sat down with Bobby and Jonathan to delve deeper into each facet of Bad Nerves, unraveling the layers of passion and perseverance that define them. The band’s journey, marked by unwavering dedication to their craft and message, paints a vivid picture of artists unafraid to carve their niche in the musical landscape.
Let’s dive into the origin story of Bad Nerves. How did you guys cross paths and decide to make music together?
It all started with Bobby and Will embarking on a journey for the sheer joy of creation. “We started with just me and Will, really. We wanted to write some songs for fun, without planning on ever playing them. But as we got quite excited about it, we thought they sounded too cool not to play,” Bobby recounts. Jon was the first person they reached out to about joining the project. Initially skeptical, Jon was quickly converted. He admits, “I didn’t listen to the songs for ages because I thought they were going to be rubbish. But when I finally listened to them, I was like, ‘This is actually pretty good.'” This was a turning point.
With the addition of an interim drummer, they became a four-piece for a while, with Bobby initially playing guitar and singing. We witness the evolution of Bad Nerves as Bobby stepped away from his guitar duties to seize the spotlight with sheer vocal power. The catalyst? A video shoot for “Radio Punk.” Jonathan reflects on the moment of revelation: “We shot a video for ‘Radio Punk,’ and when you put the guitar down and just did vocals, we were like, ‘Actually, this is way cooler.'”
Embracing this new dynamic, Sam and George joined the band. Bad Nerves found their true calling on stage, blending punk energy with uncontainable charisma. This unfiltered energy became the cornerstone of Bad Nerves. From Bobby’s vocals that seem to snag your soul to Jonathan’s bass lines that resonate with your very heartbeat, they’ve mastered the art of creating music that feels both familiar and revolutionary. Bad Nerves is not just revisiting punk; they’re redefining it for a new era, proving that punk’s rebellious spirit and the dream of a more authentic, connected world are very much alive.
Bad Nerves is catchy pop with the adrenaline of heavy music. How do you translate that energy into your visual presence and fashion choices?
Fashion is an intrinsic part of Bad Nerves’ identity, a visual extension of their music. Their style, deeply rooted in authenticity, not only forges a deeper connection with their audience but also serves as a vivid representation of their sound. In their words and actions, Bad Nerves encapsulate the essence of music and fashion’s interplay, crafting an authentic identity that’s as timeless as the influences they draw from the ’70s fashion aesthetic and punk icons like the Ramones. It’s about taking the raw, gritty elements from the past and bringing them into the present in a way that’s both modern and powerful. “That’s the essence of what we do” says Bobby.
It’s a style that doesn’t just nod to the past but razes through the present with the reckless abandon of a band fully in tune with their identity, drawing from the wells of punk’s swagger to something uniquely their own. This sense of fidelity to their roots, despite external pressures, solidifies their identity both in sound and appearance, crafting an emblematic style that fans can resonate and identify with.
“Fashion’s come and go, but style is forever,”Jonathan chimed in by sharing this quote on their aesthetic evolution, reminiscing, “our style kind of evolved because at the start what we wore was deemed quite unfashionable… but it’s funny because we have kids turn up to shows wearing the same stuff as us now.”
Bobby acknowledged the inseparable bond between music and fashion, a realization that came with time. “When I was younger, I did not want to admit how closely fashion and music were tied. But the truth is, fashion is a visual element of our music.” Agreeing, Jonathan pointed out the dangers of losing authenticity. “If you let others dictate your style, it becomes contrived. It’s about staying true to who you are, and that authenticity resonates with people.”
Your music often carries strong messages or social commentary. Is there a particular cause you’re passionate about? Is crafting these messages something deeply personal to you?
They outlined the foundational cause the band rallies behind: freedom. The sentiments circle back to critical thinking and challenging the status quo. Bobby’s views echo a collective weariness with the state of current affairs, as he posed a call to arms for intellectual self-defense: “I think there’s a lost thing there that we need to get back.” Jonathan pointed to a shared belief, underscoring a need for unity against divisive tactics often employed by governments: “You know, it’s like when people are divided, that’s when they can be controlled.” The band channeled a general yearning for liberation from misinformation and manipulation, a frequent theme in their songs like ‘Television.’ “It’s about people’s willingness or unwillingness to have a conversation, we want people to question things” Bobby stressed, further diving into the band’s ethos of encouraging open discourse and resisting apathy and division. Jonathan continued, alluding to the inherent skepticism they hold towards authorities that have historically distorted the truth: “They haven’t got our best interests at heart. The only people who do are your friends and family, not faceless governments.”
The band members turn to music as their weapon of choice for rallying people together. As Jonathan simply put it, “I feel like music is one of the only things that can actually unite people.” Through their melodies and words, they aspire to tear down walls that divide, championing the power of music to bring people together, no matter the differences.
Do you think you manifested touring America by writing ‘USA’? How do you envision the progression of your career in the USA compared to Europe?
Bobby opened up about the serendipitous creation of the song ‘USA’: “I’d been inspired by Liam Lynch’s ‘United States of Whatever.'” He shared how the song seemed to have preconceived their future success in the U.S., a true manifestation of their dreams, which became reality. “It gave me, kind of, a moment where I really thought, ‘Fuck, you know, this is like magic,’ because I used to be a bit skeptical about the power of manifestation.” Reflecting on their journey, Bobby shared, “I was really envisioning us performing that song in America as I was making it.” Jonathan adds, “I totally believe in it; I love it.”
Bobby reflected on their increasing popularity across the pond. “We’ve met some of the coolest people who are so enthusiastic, even just your normal person on the street.” Jonathan added, “It would be a dream to move here, but we cannot forget that the rest of the world is calling as well.” They continued to underscore the time and commitment they’ve invested in their craft. “I don’t know when we even have time to think about trying to move to the US. I think if the band blew up a bit more and we could actually sustain ourselves, then I think all of us would like that,” said Bobby. Jonathan concluded with a nod to practically living on the road, “We have such little time at home, it doesn’t really matter.”
Digging deeper into their passion for making music their full-time job, Jonathan acknowledged their all-in mentality, saying, “We’re happy with our choice. We went all in. Threw all our cards, eggs, chips on the table.” Bobby reinforced this sentiment, saying, “And this is what it takes; you have to go all in, no matter what.”
The band is receiving monumental support from industry titans such as Iggy Pop, Matt Skiba, Davey Havok, Billie Joe Armstrong, Corey Taylor, Simon Lebon, and now The Hives. This mix of appreciation and light-hearted banter encapsulates the band’s feelings about their current standing in the music scene, highlighting a journey marked by unexpected alliances and dream collaborations that once seemed out of reach.
As the founder of Vegan Fashion Week in Los Angeles, I’m deeply interested in exploring the complex connection between music, fashion, and sustainability. What are your thoughts on that and any tips, designer or brand recommendations?
On the road, if they are lucky to have some free time, they visit record stores, vintage shops and support independent designers. Fervent advocates for unique style, the band highlighted a store in the Lower East Side of New York, The Cast, around for 20 years and owned by Chuck Bones, a figure of the NYC rock and roll scene. “The best leather jackets,” Jonathan said, emphasizing the authenticity and craft behind these iconic pieces. Another nod was given to Straight to Hell, a Chicago-based brand.
For Bobby, it’s not only about the brands; he agrees sustainability is an important consideration across the board. Although they are not flying a flag for the cause, they do support it. “Some of my favorite pieces of clothing, I found in thrift stores. What you wear is a statement,” he says. Jonathan insists on the authenticity of their style: “You find pieces of clothing you like, cut them up, and make them cooler than anything else. I don’t go home and put on regular clothes; this is who we are.”
To further illustrate their approach to fashion, they explained how they started to customize their merchandise in response to their fans’ requests. “All the kids started asking how we cut up our t-shirts, so we began customizing them right at our shows, cutting them up ourselves—and the fans loved it,” they said. It wasn’t just about selling merchandise; it was about sharing a piece of their identity. This is a testament to their DIY ethos, further solidifying the symbiotic relationship between their music, their fashion sense, and their interaction with fans. “Yeah, we’ve sold a lot of them,” Bobby laughed, adding, “We’ve become quite the experts at cutting shirts post-gig.”
Mentioning my passion for ethical fashion and wondering if this would take off in the punk scene, Bobby concluded with a nod towards a sustainable future, “I would happily wear all vegan stuff. I think the world is moving towards that in certain areas.”
The band reveals the DIY ethos at their core—driving every aspect of their project from music production to creative direction, underlined by an organic growth untouched by external influences. It is this self-reliant, community-oriented approach, combined with a refusal to let financial limitations stifle creativity, that forms the backbone of their identity.
Photo credits: Ryan Jay and Bekky Calver
Find Bad Nerves online:
@badbadnerves
What’s the dynamics within the band; how do you complement each other’s strengths and manage creative differences?
After back-to-back tours and studio sessions, Bad Nerves are now hitting the US roads for the second time this year, featuring headline shows, and opening for The Hives, followed by Nothing but Thieves. The dynamics within Bad Nerves are like navigating a road trip with your best mates—challenges are just part of the journey. Bobby puts it plainly, “You have to be friends,” especially when things go sideways like canceled hotel rooms after a coast-to-coast flight. It’s all about sticking together, especially when everyone’s running on empty.
Jonathan chimes in with some wisdom about their long-time camaraderie, “We’ve been doing this for a long time now… We have had this lineup for 6 years now. We all know what’s important.” Jonathan emphasizes. For them, it’s about keeping the end goal in sight—to put on a great show, no matter what. Bobby dives deeper into how they cope with the ups and downs, “You see everyone’s good and you see everyone’s bad.” It’s all about understanding each other and pushing through, whether they’re in high spirits or hitting a rough patch. He reflects on their variety, “Different personality types… you become like brothers.”
Jonathan appreciates the unique journey they share, highlighting, “We’ve traveled the world together.” It’s a bonding experience that most people don’t get, and it’s not taken for granted. Through thick and thin, Bad Nerves stays tight. “Touring with The Hives was like a dream come true,” Jonathan reminisces, looking back at the invitation to join them on their US tour.
Bobby, you’ve been regularly streaming your shows live on Twitch and engaging with fans during your Sunday radio show, which is pretty amazing. What’s your take on these digital hangouts with fans?
Bobby is streaming their shows live and hosting a radio show on Twitch, and building a community on Discord. His take on these digital hangouts is one of enthusiasm and genuine engagement. Bobby revels in the immediacy and authenticity of these interactions. Discussing the politics of social media visibility, Bobby shares, “You can’t connect with fans on Instagram and Facebook, it’s a lot of bollocks. Some of these other places you’re able to cut out the middleman and actually build a relationship with people,” underscoring the value of direct interactions with their audience without the intervention of promotional mechanisms. “Twitch and Discord feel like a real community where you can actually get to know people a bit and that’s really cool, I think it’s important,” Bobby states.
The conversation takes a turn towards the authenticity and vulnerability in putting oneself out there, to which Bobby admits, “There was a time where I was kind of an anti-social media, you don’t want to do it too much. And I’d put off doing that stuff for ages, but I’d been thinking about doing this little radio show thing for quite a long time.” This candid admission leads to a deeper reflection on authenticity and its importance in connecting with their audience, “Yeah. Because we spent years kind of, well at least me personally, I felt like I wasn’t really authentic on stage, in interviews.”
Jonathan, chiming in, stresses the grounded approach they strive to maintain, “We don’t like to have like a big division between like, oh, we’re rock stars on the stage and you’ve paid to sit like that sort of behavior has always cringed us out and made us never want to be like that.” Bobby summarized, “Yeah, well that’s exactly it and I think that’s one thing we’ve learned as a band is that the best thing you can do really is to be authentic.” This encapsulates the band’s ethos towards their fan engagement—prioritizing authenticity, direct connection, and mutual support within the music community.
What’s next for Bad Nerves?
Emmanuelle’s got her finger on the pulse, curious about what’s on the horizon for Bad Nerves. Bobby jumps in, all fired up, “We are doing a European tour. Yeah, we’re doing a massive headline tour to support the new record, you know.” There’s a vibe of pure energy when Bobby talks about the band hitting the road, with just a quick breather at the tail end of October before they’re out there making waves until Christmas. “Just enough time off to restring the bass” Jonathan laughs.
Bobby shares that they are preparing their biggest ever headline show on January 17th in London at the Electric Ballroom, “which is about 1,200 people.” That thought alone – filling the Electric Ballroom with their sound and fans – is pure adrenaline for these guys. But Bad Nerves? They’re always on the lookout for the next big thing. Bobby’s making plans “And then we really, I guess we want to write some more songs and just keep playing.” Bobby gets real for a sec, talking about the grind, “We just want to keep doing it whilst we can, whilst there’s so much fun there. It will be fucking hard, you know? Sometimes you don’t have enough money to pay bills,” But the struggle is part of their story, and it’s what pushes them to light that fire in others, “I think we ought to inspire them to do that, you know? Follow your fucking gut.”
Wrapping it up, Bobby’s words smack of raw ambition and love for what they do, “But yeah, next year, write loads more songs, loads more tours. Keep doing it until we die.” It’s not just about the shows; it’s Bad Nerves living out their passion, day in and day out. Their story isn’t just heard; it’s felt – in those moments before the crowd goes wild, in every riff and line they belt out. Bad Nerves stand as a living, breathing monument to chasing the dream, music stitched into their very essence, unapologetically and fiercely alive.
Is there anything you want to add to this interview that I didn’t mention, or something you’re really keen to share?
Bobby invites listeners to explore their discography, suggesting the song “Can’t Be Mine”, despite not being his personal pick, has gained popularity for its catchy essence. Jonathan chimes in with a different vibe, sharing his preference for “Antidote” and its rapid-fire thrills. Emmanuelle reflects on the band’s creative process and the challenge of selecting a single song as the band’s defining anthem, given the depth of their music. Bobby and Jonathan agree, reiterating their drive to craft albums devoid of any “skip” tracks. They aim for diversity but are also dedicated to keeping the band’s sound cohesively evolving, ensuring that each track contributes to their sonic landscape while still resonating with their fans.
The conversation transitions to shoutouts, with Bobby acknowledging Loosegroove Records, Suburban Records, and their dedicated crew, including Mike Curtis, responsible for the signature sound and Donnie Clemson for his filmmaking skills.
As the interview unfolds, it becomes clear that Bad Nerves is more than a band—it’s a movement, a testament to the power of music as a form of expression and connection. Their narrative is a compelling mosaic of ambition, authenticity, and artistic integrity, promising to resonate with fans old and new, and to echo in the annals of modern music history.
