Canadian alt-rock band Bleeker has seen its share of success in the past few years. With a recent album entitled Messed Up and their catchy, fast-paced new single, “Phenomenon,” the band is sure to see even more accolades coming their way. We caught up with frontman Taylor Perkins to discuss the new music, how Bleeker became a band, and the Canadian artists they’ve been listening to lately.
From The Strait: Tell us about the new single, “Phenomenon”.
Taylor Perkins: Phenomenon is a fun track. It almost didn’t make the album but then we decided to include it and we’re glad we did, its become something of a fan favourite based on a lot of the feedback we’ve seen online and in our DMs. We went a little crazy with certain parts in recording, guitars being tuned down while playing, double kicks and lots of trippy vocal accents. It’s trippy, a realization that someone has a hold of you sort of like a psychedelic trip might hold your fascination and wonderment.
From The Strait: How did Bleeker first become a band?
Taylor Perkins: Bleeker first became a band basically in early High School. My brother Cole and I have been doing this since we were really young…like early teens. There were other versions of the band but this one has been going since 2016.
From The Strait: What are your favourite – and least favourite – things about being a musician?
Taylor Perkins: Favourites would be touring and the studio, they feel like two separate jobs that work together so well and influence the other so much. It keeps things fresh and inspiring. Least favourite would probably be the time between soundcheck and the show when you just want to play…it feels like forever. Waiting sucks, we do entertain ourselves but still, we usually just want to get out there and play.
From The Strait: What are some Canadian bands you’ve been listening to lately?
Taylor Perkins: OBGM’s, every time Chris (our drummer) sees them live he raves about them and says they are incredible. We’ve gotten into them for sure. The band likes Hotel Mira, really getting into their last record, so good. The Beaches latest record is great. The Glorious Sons’ Glory is amazing, love Big Wreck’s Pages, BRKN Love, Blue Stones are pretty cool, and we’re looking forward to new records from label mates Texas King and The Trews. Lots of amazing music in this country…we could go on and on.
From The Strait: What was the coolest (and/or weirdest… we like weird) live show you’ve played so far?
Taylor Perkins: Can’t really pick one show but our last show at Lee’s palace during Music Week in June felt very special. We’re still a little high off that one. We’ve been fortunate to tour with a ton of great bands and all over North America and Europe…lots of great stories….some are just a bit foggy.
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Check out “Phenomenon” – the latest single from Bleeker!
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