Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
There are five of us altogether. Justin Bard (guitar and vocals), Jeremy Dubs (guitar and vocals), Rebecca Macomber (bass guitar), Matthew Newman (the president of drums), Jack Science (synthesizer and vocals).f
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to BUNNIES? How long has the band been around?
BUNNIES has existed as a group since approximately 2005. Since then, Jer, Matt, and Jack have made music as BUNNIES. At different times we’ve been a three-piece or a five-piece group. We’ve all been in several Western Massachusetts bands from time to time, but have always performed as BUNNIES since 2005.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
We’ve changed the name of our band once. Jer and Jack played in a band called BENNIES since they met in 1997/1998. In 2005 they changed the membership of the group and began creating less “alt-rock” and more “art-rock.” With both the players and music changing, it made sense to change the name also. But we are lazy, so we just changed one letter.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
We all contribute to the song writing process. Some of us to different degrees than others, but we very much see our output as a group accomplishment.
Lyrically, the content we produce is rooted in science-fiction. It’s about futuristic, distant, and fantastical places and times and the circumstances of those who inhabit those places and times. Science-fiction is a wonderful story telling tool. We can’t imagine ever not having something to explore intellectually with the sci-fi framework, but maybe someday that could change.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
A lot of music is burning our brains lately. Foxtrot era Genesis, Gentle Giant, Syd Barrett, Flower Travellin’ Band, Devo, Melvins, Can, Roxy Music, T Rex. The list can go on forever probably… We are also super inspired by a ton of great Western Mass bands including but not limited to Dust Witch, Hot Dirt, Landowner, Carinae, the Synth Wizard JT, Connecticut River Band, Sunburned Hand of Man, The Leafies You Gave Me, etc.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
In the early 2000’s the BENNIES (Jer and Jack’s old band) toured with the Pixies for a short period. It was an eye opening experience to say the least. It very much encouraged us to find our voice.
What do you do to prepare for a show?
Three rehearsals. Bare minimum. Mind bend.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
That is really hard to say. We have shared the stage with so many bands that we respect deeply. Mission of Burma, Les Savy Fav, Frank Black, Parts and Labor, Arab on Radar, Rough Francis, Speedy Ortiz, Guerilla Toss, Fat Worm of Error... Nothing beats a killer show. Recently the release show for our new record Transportation To Mind Transformation was pretty magical. Hearing Charles play Los Angeles as the opening to the night was something else.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Holy Cow! What a question! Genesis in 1973/1974 though probably.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Hey thanks for being interested in our music. Have a listen. Grab some spoons or something. Spoon along to our new stuff. And some more stuff to be released soon. Or eat some cereal with your spoon.