Close your eyes and remind yourself what the music landscape looked like in 2012. Back then, folks like Kendrick Lamar, Killer Mike, and Frank Ocean had a majority of the country’s attention and chart position. Outside of some small, rundown clubs, ska still remained under the radar after they crested in popularity in the late ’90s. Starting a ska band when ska wasn’t “in” and when the labels were getting out of the genre entirely, is a gutsy move. When you form that type of band in those circumstances, it’s pretty obvious how much the band likes the music they create. Fast forward a few years and there is now a ground swelling of support coming from the ska fans wanting more new bands to discover.
Enter Bumsy and the Moochers
For the uninitiated, Bumsy is a ska punk band from the Chicagoland area. They’ve been around for ten years now and have grown tremendously since their early days. In fact, the band sounds better than ever. It just so happens that Bumsy has a new album coming out on September 8th that will see the them working with both Sell the Heart Records and Ska Punk International. The new album is called Diet Violence, and it’s easily the band’s best work and an album that fans of pop punk, ska, and ska punk will really enjoy. Given the environment we live in today, prepare yourselves for some political songs as well.
Ahead of the album’s release, Bumsy lead singer and guitarist Caitlin Edwards sat down to answer some questions about the new album, the band, and of course the state of ska music in the 2020s. Please keep reading to see what Caitlin had to say, and then go pre-order the album at either Sell the Heart, bandcamp, or Ska Punk International.
Your new album, Diet Violence, comes out in early September. What can folks expect from the new tunes?
They can expect some heavy shit! ::laughs:: In all seriousness, expect heavier tunes with the same ska fun you know and love. We definitely hit more political topics in some songs. There’s also a good amount of optimism and pop punk feel in this album as well. A little bit of everything really.
How have you changed as a band since the days of Bored Up!?
A LOT. Honestly we were pop punk with horn lines, still learning the ska skills. Our songwriting has gotten better since then too. Our line up has changed throughout the years, but I think we’ve finally come together with a perfect line up and signature sound.
Chicago has such a rich history for ska and ska punk bands starting with folks like Slapstick, Blue Meanies, Deal’s Gone Bad, you. Who are some of the bands from Chicago that you think are essential listening?
As far as the Chicago ska scene goes, Beat The Smart Kids, Run and Punch, The Crombies.
How have you grown as a band and as people in the last ten years?
Well we went from having only one trombone player, to two horn players, to three, saxophone, trombone, and trumpet. We used to have two front women, now it’s me, Dan, and Dave all singing vocals, horns too! We’ve also become better musicians and songwriters. I believe playing ska music will make any musician a better musician. This genre takes skills for sure.
Feels like the state of ska music is very strong right now. Knowing that you formed when ska wasn’t “cool,” what is your perception of how the tides have changed since then?
I think it’s people craving the nostalgia, but also something different. These days people like to look to the good ol’ days when things weren’t as fucked up as they are now. Ska music was apart of those good ol’ days of Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Disney Channel original movies, teen films, Warped Tour. You know what I mean? There’s also so many waves of ska for people to choose from and waves that are just beginning. People crave music variety more than ever these days and so many ska bands are coming out everyday. I also believe the ska community is so welcoming and uplifting. It’s the most accepting music space I’ve ever been apart of.
What new bands are most exciting to you these days?
As far as ska goes, JER, Death Of Guitar Pop, Joystick!. I don’t know how new those bands really are though, but I feel they’re getting some hardcore recognition right now. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Bad Nerves, Beabadoobee, White Reaper, The Beths, No Trigger.
The new album is being co-released through Sell the Heart and Ska Punk International. What is it about both of those labels that made you want to align with them?
Andy (owner of STHR) and I have been good friends since Tsunami Bomb played my music festival Punk The Burbs Fest in 2019. We talked about Bumsy doing a release with his label since then and we were so happy we finally made it happen. I love how diverse the bands are on Sell The Heart Records. I also think Andy is one of the most professional and nicest people to work with. I’ve always heard good things on social media about Ska Punk International. They’ve put out a lot of great releases by bands we know and enjoy. We’re so stoked to have them onboard as well.
What’s the story behind calling it Diet Violence? Is there an overall theme or message you’re projecting with the new songs?
Our bassist Dave came up with that title. I don’t think he was even thinking about album names, he was just using those words in a sentence to describe one of the songs. After that, we realized a lot of the songs on the record have heavier musical and lyrical content than previous releases, but not too heavy. ::laughs:: There is still a lot of fun catchy pop punk ska all over the place on this one. Hence Diet Violence.
The cover art for the album is very eye-catching and striking. Who did the art and how did they come up with the concept?
Devin Parker did the artwork. He’s a very talented musician and tattoo artist in Chicago. He’s done previous artwork for us and always nails an idea we have. We told him the album title and to create something with bright colors and a soda can. He definitely came up with something better than we imagined.
What are your touring plans to support the album?
So far we are only playing Punk The Burbs Fest 5 in Lisle, IL and FEST in Florida October 30th. We plan to play more dates after the holidays.
For folks who have never seen you live, what can they expect?
Lots of fun and energy. We’ll never look bored on stage and we want to keep the crowd moving, so there’s not a lot of down time in between songs. Expect a good time folks.
Any last words?
Yes, please wear ear plugs at shows and don’t forget to support your local artists by buying their music off bandcamp and going to their shows!