The Bad Bees are an American alt-rock band from Cinnaminson, New Jersey, formed in 2015. Their music ebbs and flows from the likes of The Smashing Pumpkins and Grizzly Bear to Chon and The Mars Volta.

Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.

Jacob Barbadoro - Guitar / Vocals

Bryan Kelly - Bass / Backup vocals

Jt Melvin - Drums / Back up vocals

Brandon King - Guitar/ Backup vocals

For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to The Bad Bees? How long has the band been around?

Brandon Jt and myself (Jacob) started playing music together in middle school. It was metal music and so we played together growing up all throughout highschool. Then we went our separate ways for college. Once we all started making our way back to Cinnaminson after college we started jamming together again. That was about four years ago now around 2015. And here we are!

What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?

We have always been The Bad Bees. In the earliest days of the group we were on our way to a performance. At the time we still didn’t have a name for the group and so we started firing off suggestions. Someone had weird bee paste on tattoos and I remember sticking one on my throat. Felt pretty badass. Then someone suggested the bad bees as a name and we though it had some zing to it so we went with that for the night. And it just really stuck.  

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?

(Jacob) I write the songs based off of how Im feeling at that moment in time. The lyrics and themes are very much interwoven with my life, experiences, emotions, and everything in between. Its served me well so far, and I’d like to think that by doing it this way the topics and feelings of the music will always be different overtime, because I’ll never be the same person twice. 

What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

Fleet Foxes was recently turned onto me and I’d have to say that they were a big influence. I wouldn’t say we sound like them but one thing that I really tried to take away from them and apply to our music was the way that they keep their songs interesting. Somethings always coming in or out, they have such good timing and their songs always seem to pull you along by the ear. You can’t help but listen. Thats something that we’re always working for in our music.   

Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?

I remember when we all started playing together again about 4 years ago, I was finishing up school, and while driving around from class to class I would play The Mars Volta and try to sing along. I’ve always admired the places that their singer can go. I remember trying to match him and I think thats what kind’ve inspired the sound I found for my voice. If I could be like him surely I’d be great! 

 What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

We started scheduling days off from our jobs when we know we have a big show on the same day. It took a while to realize but going through the daily grind then trying to play a show later that night really takes a lot out of you and your performance. Other than that I’ll drink a ton of water that day. Don’t smoke before and keep the beers to a minimum. I’ll try to do some cardio in the morning on the day off a show. Ride a bike or lift. Cardio is a singer’s best friend make no mistake.  

What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?

We were asked to open a big concert at Festival Pier in Philadelphia for a big radio station in the city, 104.5. That was one of my favorite memories. Biggest stage we’ve played to date. It was a very cool feeling.

If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?

We’ve all always shared a mutual love for the group Mastodon. They just seem like a bunch of really cool, funny dudes who absolulely rip it. That would be a lot of fun.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thanks so much for taking the time to listen to our music!