BADLAWS. - The Alt-Rock band making waves in Brighton

BADLAWS. are an unsigned, Brighton based, Alternative Rock band made up of Vocalist Lucy Hinton (19), Guitarist and Back-up Vocalist Dan Bright (20), Drummer Josh Caplin (19) and Bassist and Back-up Vocalist Travis Powers (19). The female-fronted four-piece met at University and formed in 2017. They produce a sound influenced by their collective favourite artists DON BROCO, Yonaka and Bloc Party. Their new single 'Break' has just been released. It's a record full of electric riffs and heavy drums infused with the sheer melodic conventions of modern pop music. We spoke to the guys about their plans for the future and what sets them apart from others in the industry.

BADLAWS Promotional Picture

How did you guys get together?

We all met at University and after having a rehearsal together, decided to continue jamming…then BADLAWS. was formed.

How did you decide on the name?

We are seeing an increase in social injustice in the world around us. The name BADLAWS. was chosen as an attempt to shine a light on certain decisions and laws passed by officials which are unjust. “Bad. Laws.”

How would you describe the sound of your band?

You can hear elements from various genres which influence us individually within our work, but collectively we best describe our sound being derived from heavy riffs along with the melodic sensibilities of modern pop music.

What makes you different from other acts in the industry?

We’re a family! Our drive and determination when working together behind the scenes (we hope) is represented on stage with our energy and connection as a band. At the end of the day, we are real people taking the DIY approach to make music. Together we cover all aspects of building BADLAWS. and take huge pride in all writing, recording and release processes.

If someone were to listen to you for the first time, what song of yours would you recommend they start with?

Our latest single ‘Break’ is what we would recommend people to listen to first! We wrote [it] together whilst taking some time out over the Christmas period of 2018 to focus on new material. When developing our Debut EP we were still discovering and experimenting as a band, but have since discovered that ‘Break’ is best representative of our sound. Although, ‘Would You Like To?’ is proving to be the most popular song from our discography on Spotify!

Listen to their new single 'Break' here

How pivotal have social media and streaming services been to your success?

We’re lucky to have such a supportive fan-base in Brighton, our home city, and believe that social media is super important to keep engaged with those supporting us. Streaming is very limiting due to royalties etc., however without social media and a direct contact with our listeners, our lives would be much more difficult when it comes to sharing our music. Social media is a massive influence for today’s generation, so having the amenities to reach out to our audience could be considered a significant factor to our success.

(Follow the band on their official Instagram and Facebook pages.)

Biggest achievement to date?

Late last year we were given the opportunity to support Jumanji at The Haunt in Brighton, which was amazing! Growing up The Haunt seemed like a landmark venue amongst peers, so when given the main support opportunity it felt like a massive achievement for all our work to date.

How often do you play together?

We began by playing many shows in Brighton, but since re-branding and venturing out of Brighton we are more selective about where we play in Brighton. Rehearsal wise, about twice a week. We’re currently writing and rehearsing for future releases!

Where abouts have you played?

We are lucky enough to have played most relative-sized venues in Brighton, including Sticky Mike’s Frog Bar, which the Brighton unfortunately lost last year.

Favourite gig you’ve ever played?

We all have different favourite shows. Travis and Josh really enjoyed playing The Haunt. It was a lot of fun supporting friends and also a surreal experience of a much bigger venue in comparison to what BADLAWS. had played previously. For Dan and Lucy, their headline performance in Birmingham at the Hare & Hounds is their favourite show to date. For Dan, being in a new city and venue was very exciting, whereas for Lucy it felt good to be home and back to a venue where she had visited for many years when she was younger. It was a special moment for Lucy to be performing on the stage. Big up Hare & Hounds!

Where do you see yourselves in five years time?

The dream is to continue what we are doing now but full time. We would love to have played a main stage at a festival and/or completed a headline UK tour. To play a stage internationally too would be a wicked achievement!

What advice would you give to those who want to start their own band?

This road definitely isn’t easily, and you will learn to not be afraid to take risks. If you’re driven, work hard and remember to breathe, you will be onto a winner. And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy it!

There's no doubt that these guys will be huge in the next few years. Listen to BADLAWS. here on their official Spotify and keep updated with the band on their official site.