Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Tahlena and Mike of Bite Me Bambi stopped by Thunderlove Studio recently to talk about the state of ska, touring with legends, and algorithms.
Drawing inspiration from British two-tone and third-wave ska, like The Specials and Madness, Bite Me Bambi infuses their sound with pop-punk energy and a dash of rockabilly flair, creating their own distinctive musical identity.
The band's dedication to their craft is evident in their relentless work ethic. In addition to a bevy of videos on their YouTube channel, Bite Me Bambi has opened for renowned third-wave ska bands such as Fishbone, The Selecter, and Reel Big Fish, steadily building their reputation in the ska community.
In fact, as of this writing, they’re currently on tour with Fishbone.
Since their formation, Bite Me Bambi has adopted an unconventional approach to releasing music, favoring periodic singles accompanied by engaging music videos over traditional full-length albums. This strategy has allowed them to maintain a consistent presence in the music scene and continually engage with their audience.
Their active participation on platforms like Twitch, where they perform karaoke-style requests and interact with fans, further exemplifies their commitment to fostering a vibrant community around their music.
Their commitment to engaging with fans through live performances and online interactions showcases their passion, their determination, and their dedication to their fans.
In October 2024, Bite Me Bambi released the single "Do the Damned," a track that showcases their rebellious spirit with vintage girl-group vocals, punk beats, poppy hooks, and impactful lyrics. The accompanying video, inspired by the viral Wednesday Addams dance, reflects a bold attitude that is synonymous with the band.
"Do the Damned" is part of their upcoming record, Eat This, produced by Cameron Webb, known for his work with Sum 41 and Pennywise. The EP, slated for release on streaming services in February, 2025, will do much to display the band's versatility within the punk genre, offering a rich diversity of sounds.
For those who can’t wait, and why would you want to, you can pre-order the album NOW on the bands website!
Bite Me Bambi’s commitment to authenticity and their energetic performances have solidified their reputation as a significant force in the contemporary ska scene. With their innovative approach to music production and distribution, along with their dedication to engaging with fans, Bite Me Bambi pushes the boundaries of being an independent artist today.
With that said, they still honor the ska’s rich history while infusing it with modern influences and attitude.
Bite Me Bambi exemplifies the fusion of traditional ska elements with modern musical influences, driven by a hardworking ethos and a commitment to their craft. Their journey from formation to the upcoming release of Eat This highlights their evolution and dedication to contributing meaningfully to the ska and punk genres.
Here is our conversation with Tahlena and Mike of Bite Me Bambi:
Interview is also available wherever you get your favorite, or not so favorite, podcasts.
Great song and video!