Interviews About Albums: Bellhead - Good Intentions (2023)

In this new interview, we sat down with the American Post-Punk band Bellhead to ask some questions about their latest album "Good Intentions". 

1. What can you say about this new EP/CD?

Karen: I’m really proud of this EP. I think it shows a progression of how Ivan and I are evolving and growing together as a band. You can really hear the combination of both our singing and writing styles and it was a lot of fun to create.

2. What is the meaning of the EP/CD name?

Ivan: I pulled “Good Intentions” from our song “Unicorn Bones” lyrics “Like good intentions with broken glass She turned from pale to blue as death came so fast”. I enjoy the duality of “Good Intentions” being honest or potentially being more sinister.

3. Which one is the composer of the CD/EP?

Karen: We work together on composing the music which is enjoyable. Ivan writes the lyrics and does the programming, and I write a good portion of the low bass lines and help with arrangements. Most of the time, one of us has an initial idea and then we build from it. So for example, with “Into the Deep”, I came up with the low bass line part and recorded it, and sent it over to Ivan. He then took it and arranged it, adding drums, and vocals. We went back and forth together in rehearsal and eventually, it turned into what’s on the EP. It’s exciting to watch songs progress.

4. If you had to pick one song, which one would you pick?

Karen: “Take me Home Tonight” by Eddie Money

Ivan: “If Your Kisses Can't Hold the Man You Love” by Sophie Tucker

5. Is there a special message in this EP/CD? If there is what it is?

Karen: …I’m not saying to play the EP backward at ½ speed… but…

Ivan: That’s up to the listener.

6. Are there some lyrics that you'd love to share?

Hey there Valentine

Where you going so fast

Won't you waste your gifts on me

You know your looks won't last

Come on Valentine

You can't run from the past

Won't you sit a spell with me

As autumn leaves downcast

Wake up Valentine

The flags are all half mast

Wash your funeral eyes

All things must pass

Listen Valentine

To your heartbeat next to mine

For your silver dollar smile

The hardest days are worthwhile

Listen to the sparrows

Hanging in the breeze

Telling all their secrets

To the yellow ribbon trees

Wake up Valentine

The flags are all half mast

Wash your funeral eyes

All things must pass

Come on Valentine

You can't run from the past

Won't you sit a spell with me

As autumn leaves downcast

May the Sunshine

May the Sunshine

On Valentine

Valentine

Listen to the sparrows

Hanging in the breeze

Telling all their secrets

To the yellow ribbon trees

7. Which inspirations have been important for this album? Like musically or friends, family, someone you'd love to thank especially?

Ivan: I like unreliable narrators. When there is a soul survivor of a shipwreck do you take him at his word? I wanted to go all in on song lyrics that were open to interpretation. Are the intentions truly good or is there something else unseen?

8. Something to add?

Karen: We hope everyone loves the new EP and we look forward to seeing you all on the road!