Chicago-based artist Bad Bubble is a rising name in the indie music scene, rolling out an extensive catalogue of songs via his distinct musical style. Drawing inspiration from electronic, synth pop and new wave influences, Bad Bubble’s music embarks on a indie-galactic journey that beautifully combines the nostalgia of the 80s with the innovation of modern music.
At the heart of Bad Bubble’s captivating sound lies intricate vocal arrangements that showcase his versatility and talent as a singer-songwriter. His songs are a tapestry of harmonies, ranging from the warm and soothing to the cold and processed, forming a remarkable body of work that includes multiple albums, EPs and singles, totalling over 160 songs in just over two years.
In his recent single, “Queen Balloon,” Bad Bubble delivers a delicate and entrancing synth pop outing that perfectly captures his dreamy musical style. The track opens with Bad Bubble’s ethereal vocals gracefully gliding over bright piano chords and playful synth tones. It’s an inviting introduction that immediately immerses the listener in the artist’s unique sonic universe.
As the song progresses, warm basslines and the rhythmic shuffle of stuttering electronic percussion enter to provide a solid foundation for Bad Bubble’s voice to take flight. His vocals ascend to lofty heights, carrying alluring melodies that gradually weave their way into the fabric of the song. The arrangement steadily builds, incorporating layered instrumentation and rhythmic drums, creating an enveloping sound that pulls the listener deeper into the musical journey.
“Queen Balloon” is a stunning showcase of Bad Bubble’s originality and his ability to craft timeless synth pop music. The track is an adventure that transports the listener to a place where nostalgia is wrapped in a forward-thinking arrangement and filtered through the artist’s sonic lens.
As Bad Bubble continues to release captivating music, he remains a standout artist in the indie music scene. “Queen Balloon” serves as a shining example of his artistic vision, inviting listeners to join him on a musical journey filled with sonic exploration and heartfelt expression.
We caught up with Bad Bubble to find out more about his musical journey so far, his new single “Queen Balloon” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out out interview with Bad Bubble below.
Hey Bad Bubble, howâs things?
A mixed bag to be honest. Iâve been busy, and that is exactly how we all want it. But on the other hand, it seems at times I am not satisfied with anything. I always want to reach the next level. I do not like settling or saying to myself, ânot badâŠit could be worseâ…if I keep saying that, I know Iâll end somewhere I donât want to be. So I start burning the midnight oilâŠ
Whatâs new since we last spoke in August?
Iâve surpassed a couple of milestones. I have uploaded my 200th song. Keep in mind, I stay WAY ahead. I usually try to stay one full year ahead of schedule. The albums I release were all written between October, 2021 and January, 2022. That said, there are videos I make for almost every release, a ton of live videos (which I love doing, check them out on YouTube), then the promo and networking I have to do. Iâm about to release one of my favourite EPâs, âZap the Enemyâ…This starts BB down a road I have not been down and to be honest, Iâm half excited, half scared to death. All things change and have to change. When I wrote everything, I knew this would be the case. My sound, and even my genre is about to change, completely.
Whatâs been your highlight of 2023 so far?
Good Question⊠I released a video of a song I did live called âThe Broken for Todayâ. You can see it on YouTube. I recommend. It was out of nowhere. I didnât know I would even be doing that song, much less a video, and it turned out to be one of my greatest achievements. I woke from another nightmare after having fallen asleep from exhaustion. I woke up and finished âThe Broken for Todayâ. All I had to do was sing it, as this is where I left off. Iâm visibly shaken and soaked with sweat. I did in that one video what Iâve been trying to convey for over 2 years. Watch the video, youâll see what Iâm talking about.
Which artists have you been listening to recently?
Blondeking. A ton of Blondeking. I cannot get enough of his music. Itâs as close to perfect as it gets. Blondeking is incapable of writing and recording a bad song. Itâs one of those rare instances where every song is my favorite. Iâve also been diving back into my childhood lately and have been jamming The Smiths a lot.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
I actually do not collaborate. Years ago, I was in a series of bands with bandmembers who were, lets just say not up to it. Not all, but enough to help make me turn my back on music. That said, I am enjoying every last bit of being a solo artist and will never go backâŠ
However, in the spirit of your question, hands down, James Mercer. I am a huge Shins and Broken Bells fan so yeahâŠDefinitely James. A close second would probably be Billy Corgan. I realize a ton of people are hot and cold on Billy but heâs just such an important part of my childhood and adolescence, I would be remiss if I didnât list him in this questionâŠ
On an indie level (the best level), again, Blondeking. Iâd love to work with Saphira 79 and Acacia Carr. I love their music so muchâŠ
How did you find making your new single âQueen Balloonâ?
Queen Balloon came easy. I wrote it and recorded it in roughly 4 hours. I remember wrapping a towel around my mic when recording the guitar at the end. I wanted a âweakâ sounding guitar. To have it come out and drop heavy would have been inappropriate. So I had to weaken it. The towel worked perfectly as it muffled the noise.
Queen Balloon was a fun one to do, considering the subject matter is so heavy. But I have to enjoy my work, even if my goal is to write depressing, melancholy music. Queen Balloon is of course a true story. But again, I canât be in a horrible mind frame all the time, even though I want to be. Nothing would ever get done if that were the case. I wonât say I âhad a ballâ doing Queen Balloon, but it wasnât exactly miserable. I was of course alone in my studio but thatâs where so much of my life is anywayâŠ
What were inspirations for writing it?
My daughter, Anna. I never had the opportunity to see her before she passed. So I imagined it. I imagined it for years as I watched her grow. I used to daydream about having to get on her about leaving laundry on the floor or doing homework with her or turning her music down. It got to a point where I actually got to know her. I got to know her well. I know itâs not exactly the healthiest thing in the world but I donât care and I would gladly do it again. Itâs funny, those who say that are never here IRL. If they were, we could occupy my time in a healthier way. But until that happens, Iâll do what I have to do to get through the day and into the next.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
This may sound strange, but I have no âmessageâ other than to tell whoever will listen what I go through and what others possibly go through. I have been told I should give more advice to those who are in a similar circumstance. But Iâm not a counsellor. And I have NOT made good choices concerning my predicament. To be fair, I had no âwise old manâ to help me navigate through the bullshit and the solitude. So Iâm kind of winging it. However, I cannot be the only one. There are others out there no one gives a damn about and for whatever reason, they were born without the ability to sell used cars and tell others what they want to hear. Instead, theyâre honest. Even if it hurts them and chases others away. They live alone. They eat alone. They work alone. They sleep alone and they always will. Thatâs just the way it is. I suppose Iâm trying to tell those people something⊠I just havenât yet figured out whatâŠ
Whatâs the main thing you want people to get out of listening to this release?
If you have to, fabricate a life and live it out. Others are going to judge you regardless so what do you have to lose? Me personally, Iâve lost just about everything. So when no one was here, I did what I had to do. Some say thatâs âunthinkableâ. I say not yet⊠The alternative is unthinkable.
Finally, whatâs next for you and your music?
War.
Album 6 is out beginning 1/1/2024, titled âWarâ. Iâve seen and have done many things in my life. Some I discuss, some I don’t. I feel as if itâs time to talk about thisâŠ
Listen to Queen Balloon below
More from Interviews
INTERVIEW: TATE SEDAR drops “Take It All Back”
Born in San Francisco, raised in London and now based in Los Angeles, TATE SEDAR has spent much of his âŠ
INTERVIEW: Cinematic conceptual album from INYO
Coming out of Los Angeles, newcomer INYO is an artist whose musical vision is informed by a desire to explore âŠ
INTERVIEW: Brand new single from Thomas Azier
Dutch singer, composer and producer Thomas Azier has spent the last twelve years making an impression in the European music âŠ
