We recently featured alternative rockers Bleeker as our Spotlight Band. These guys blew us away when we caught them opening up for The Struts out on their headlining tour. They delivered a high energy set that blends the edge of alternative, fun-spirit of pop, and kick ass rock n roll. We had the opportunity to talk with vocalists Taylor Perkins and are pleased to bring that interview to you here:
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Music Junkie Press: Thank you so much for your time. We were blown away with your recent performance in Santa Barbara opening for The Struts. Was this first time for you guys to be playing out in California?
Taylor: It was! We have spent a lot of time in California making records and writing but never actually playing! We usually spend our time in LA, or Malibu, so it was great to see some of the surrounding cities as well.
Music Junkie Press: It is refreshing to see such energy from a band on stage and how the crowd was fully engaged. Do you guys have any preshow rituals to harness that intense energy?
Taylor: We spend so much time waiting to play that when it happens, it is easy to get excited and exert all the energy we have pent up. We are together all day making fun of each other right up until we walk on stage. Never a serious vibe…ever! At that point we feed off each other and I think it contagious. The crowd is there for a good time and so are we!
Music Junkie Press: What was exciting to see was many more fans in the crowd interacting and not glued to their cell phones or cameras. Have you noticed a difference lately with the fans getting back “in the moment” at your shows?
Taylor: YES! I don’t know why, or what has happened but yes! Taking pictures etc is great to an extent and from our recent shows. I think it is in a perfect spot. Not too much, but just enough to document the night and share with friends.
Music Junkie Press: The video for Highway is bad ass and really just invigorates us! Will you be working on more videos?
Taylor: Of course! It’s a great chance to have fun and meet other people in different parts of this giant music industry. Directors, producers, etc. We enjoy making our own videos as well so I foresee a bunch of band made videos for some of the songs that may not get as much attention as the others.
Music Junkie Press: Congratulations on the release of the new EP. These five songs pack a heavy punch of rock and you guys did a great job on it. One of my favorite songs is Free, can you tell us more about that song?
Taylor: One of the most fun to play live!. Although I wasn’t always a fan. The boys always loved it, but it had to grow on me. And it has sadly.. Because that means I was wrong! The opening riff and vocal were almost left out… But I love how it sets up the song. Major blues influence in this one.
Music Junkie Press: Being a support band can always be a tough spot, but with your guys energy and kick ass music, you win over crowds in seconds. How has it been to be out on the road and meet so many new fans?
Taylor: I actually think being the support is the best spot there is! Everyone thinks your going to suck… So all we have to do is not suck and we win! It’s always nice to hear after the show that the fans didn’t know what to expect and have never heard of us, but they fell in love with the music and the show. There is no better feeling than knowing you made someones night better than they expected it would be.
Music Junkie Press: Your music brings a fusion of music from grunge, rock, alternative and much more. Who were some of your biggest influences with your music?
Taylor: We all grew up on the classics, being Zeppelin, Hendrix, U2 etc. That turned into the Chili Peppers, Soundgarden, and more. Now it has turned into anything and everything. We don’t discriminate. A good song is a good song. Our Californian tour was filled with Twenty One Pilots, Kanye West, Weezer, Wavves, and a bit of Sabbath for the most part.
Music Junkie Press: We are excited to hear that you will be out on a summer tour with Sublime (with Romes) and Dirty Heads. What can we expect from you guys out on that tour? Will you be playing any shows before heading out in July?
Taylor: We have some Canadian dates lined up before heading out including Canadian Music Week! Then it’s all America and it’s going to be crazy. We will get to travel the entire U.S seeing most of the major cities and meet thousands of people. You can expect a short, but sweet set! We are anxious to put together. A few beers, sun burns, and us trying to experience as much of each city and people before moving onto the next one!
Music Junkie Press: Lastly, is there anything else you would like to share with our audience and your fans.
Taylor: Come check out a show. We don’t suck
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These guys definitely put on an incredible show so don’t miss them if they are coming remotely close to you! We look forward to their return to California. Check the tour dates below and get yourself to a show:
Sublime with Rome & Dirty Heads Tour with special guest Bleeker:
07/02 – Miami, FL @ Bayfront Park Amphitheatre
07/03 – Tampa, FL @ MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
07/05 – Charlotte, NC @ Uptown Amphitheatre
07/07 – Baltimore, MD @ Pier Six Concert Pavilion+
07/08 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
07/09 – Philadelphia, PA @ Festival Pier (at Penn’s Landing)
07/10 – Wantagh, NY @ Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
07/12 – Boston, MA @ Blue Hills Bank Pavilion
07/14 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Freedom Hill Amphitheatre
07/15 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
07/16 – Indianapolis, IN @ Farm Bureau Insurance Lawn at White River State Park
07/17 – Chicago, IL @ FirstMerit Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
07/19 – Lawrence, KS @ Crossroads
07/22 – Eagle, ID @ Eagle River Pavilion
07/23 – Missoula, MT @ Big Sky Brewing Company
07/24 – Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater
07/25 – Eugene, OR @ Cuthbert Amphitheatre
07/27 – Murphys, CA @ Ironstone Amphitheatre (on sale April 7)
07/28 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion
07/30 – Chula Vista, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
07/31 – Phoenix, AZ @ Comerica Theatre
08/03 – Corpus Christi, TX @ Concrete Street Amphitheater
Make sure to check out their social media sites and stay up to date on their latest news.
~ Marisol
Information & Links:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BleekerOfficial/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BleekerOfficial
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