Interviews: Bellhead

This is a new interview with the Post-Punk band Bellhead from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

Ivan: It was a short list and a quick decision. We tend to not overthink the band. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Ivan: The music made me do it.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Ivan: We have known each other for some time in the Chicago music scene. We both played bass in the same band at different times. Chicago is a tough city to be a musician in. I’ve seen a lot of attrition. Karen and I are lifers. It made sense to join forces in a band with combined forces.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Karen: The Monkees, T-Rex, Roxy Music, Magazine, David Bowie

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Karen: Our fans. We write and release music so everyone can enjoy it.

6. Where was your last gig?

Karen: We've been playing a LOT lately- it’s not the very last show we did, but recently we supported Christian Death on their tour when they came into Chicago. It was a really fun gig.

Ivan: Our last couple of shows have been wild. we played with Traitrs, Night Club, and Powerman 5000 all in quick succession.

7. Where would you like to act?

Karen: Both Ivan and I have been lucky to have played all over the United States in our careers. I used to have a dream to play the Viper Room in LA, but (shrug) that’s gone now. We’ll play anywhere that takes us.

Ivan: In front of an audience who’s looking for entertainment.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Karen: We’ll play with anyone that makes sense for us to play with.

Ivan: I’m excited to play with up-and-coming bands. I like the aspect of there still being rough edges and an “anything can happen” vibe.

9. Whom not?

Karen: I don’t think there’s anyone we wouldn’t play with. It may be an awkward show if we play with Garth Brooks, but if he’s willing to revisit Chris Gaines I’d be down.

Ivan: I would drop everything to do a Chris Gaines show are you kidding me? I’d never pay for a drink again with that story to tell.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Ivan: Put in the work. Whatever you are least good at, do the most. If you have stage fright get on stage more, open mics, work production, spots with other bands etc. None of us came into this world knowing how to walk or speak but through sheer repetition, we have overcome obtainable obstacles.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Karen: Currently I’m really inspired by Lady Gaga- no joke. Watching her go from her neo-burlesque act with Lady Starlight, to the “meat dresses”, to her current evolution is just fantastic. I can’t wait to see what she does next.

Ivan: Alice Cooper.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Ivan: I’ve had some unique requests…I don’t know about weird. I encourage anyone of our audience that has a query to ask.

Karen: …I autographed a shoe once…

13. What do you think of your fans?

Ivan: Our audience support has been fantastic. When we asked an open-ended question “Would you like to hear BELLHEAD do a Bauhaus cover?” The feedback we got from our audience was the deciding factor in what song we should do. I truly appreciate all the people who come out to see us live most of all. We make face to face time with everyone we can after we play.

14. What do you think of our site?

Karen: It’s a great site to discover new music. I appreciate all the different types of reviews from Track by Track, Behind the Artwork and the “Free Music” section is great for people to check out new bands.

15. Something to add?

Karen: Thanks again for the support, and we look forward to seeing everyone on our tour this year.