Bastards On Parade will be releasing “Empty Bottles & Broken Things” next August 30th, 2013. We have talked with David (vocals and guitar) about the new album
Hi David. First of all, which is the current line-up of the band?
It’s almost the same that recorded the previous album. Pablo (accordion) and Alber (electric guitar) instead of Ruper are the new members.
Where have you recorded the new album?
The disc was recorded at Bonham studio, in A Coruña. We have been working together with them since the recording of the "Death Shore Pirates" EP.
Regarding the tracklist, how many songs have made the album?
14 songs this time.
Are all of them songs or is there any instrumental number? Apparently you have recorded one song in Galician …
There is one self-penned instrumental and yes, a number is sung in Galician. It’s a traditional song and the only cover on the album.
On your previous album some friends guested, particularly Andries “The Dutch Irish Bastard” on accordion and songwriting. Which "guest stars" will be featured on "Empty Bottles and Broken Things"?
We are very happy with all the buddies that have guested on the album: Finny McConnell, Johnny Rioux and Perez (Twenty Fighters) on vocals; Perez has also made the artwork once again; and we've had the pleasure of having the Galician folk band Tiruleque.
How did you meet Finny and The Mahones?
We organized the gig in A Coruña on their 2008 tour, they were at my home and we became very good friends. Later we opened for them on their Spanish tour, we shared the stage at some European shows, we recorded a song for their 20th Anniversary tribute album … haha
The album is being mixed in the U.S. by Johnny Rioux. But, who has produced the album? And how did you get in contact with Johnny?
The album has been produced by the band. It’s OK when a producer helps you, but we wanted to be totally free.
We shared the stage with the Street Dogs in Germany and we met Johnny. We knew his work with Flatfoot 56. So I contacted him after having recorded the “Shallow Waters” EP and he liked the project from the very beginning. We are very happy with his work and his help. Besides, it’s always an honor to work with people from your favorite bands.
A lot of Celtic punk bands are mastering their albums in Finland, Australia or the USA. Are you getting the album mixed abroad?
It’s going to be mixed at Mammoth Sound Mastering in California by Dan Randall. We are also very excited, he has worked with Street Dogs, Strung Out ...
On which formats will the album be available?
It will be available on CD, digital and a limited vinyl edition.
Which label will release the album? Carnage again?
The album will be released by Wolverine Records, a German label.
Are you going to tour around Europe to support the album?
Sure, we will be touring Europe in September and October . We intend to play a lot of gigs and visit a lot of new places. Can’t wait!
In which countries have you felt more comfortable on stage?
Germany is always great and the Basque Country is not far behind.
I guess that people from all over the world have bought your previous recordings. Any uncommon place?
I don’t know what to say. We have got orders from Alaska, Colombia, Indonesia ..
Last year your bagpiper, Aspy, was touring with The Real McKenzies. This involved a short break for Bastards on parade. I guess that the experience was amazing for him. Has this opened new doors for the band too?
We were not inactive. We met Pablo and we kept on gigging and songwriting. So, we had more leisure time to work on the second album and we feel that this has paid off, we are very happy with the album.
Despite the evolution of the band, there are still some people that label you as a Dropkick Murphys wannabe band . Maybe it’s because your name was lifted from a DKM’ s song. Flatfoot 56 were also considered as the Dropkick Murphys from Chicago, but thanks to their latest albums this has changed. Do you feel that the new album is the evidence that you have your own identity?
It’s true that both of us have bagpipes and our name is the title of one of their songs. Anyway I feel that musically we have shown that we are closer to other bands. I think that the new album follows the same path that was opened with our debut album and it strengthens our own identity.
Finally, which is your goal as a band?
We enjoy travelling, giging and partying. We will try to do this, to visit new places, to meet people and drink local spirits as long as we can . And we are proud to represent Galiza out there, of course!
