About Bad Books
In 2010, singer-songwriter Kevin Devine and Manchester Orchestra frontman Andy Hull joined together to form Bad Books. The duo’s long-stemming friendship began in 2007 with their respective acts touring together and releasing a split EP in 2010 in which each covered one of the other’s songs. Following that split was the release of Bad Books, consisting of songs penned individually by Devine and Hull backed by Hull’s fellow Manchester Orchestra members (bassist Jonathan Corley and drummer Ben Homola). In January 2012 the band headed into the studio to record a follow-up album II, this time taking on the songs in a collaborative effort.
“I’ve never had anyone do that with me before. I’ve always written everything. I’ve never asked for any help. But this time, I asked. I said to Kevin, ‘This is what I want to say here, how can I say it better?’ And he was able to help me, which is cool. I think my pride probably up until this point wouldn’t have allowed that to happen, but to be honest, I don’t really care anymore.”
-Andy Hull“There’s so much delicate ego involved. You can feel very vulnerable. I think it speaks to how much we relate and respect each other that now it seems to have developed into letting even the most sensitive part of what we do be up for grabs.”
-Kevin Devine
The result is a cohesive, harmonious album released by Triple Crown Records on October 9th, 2012. The songs stem from stadium rock to ballads, pop tendencies to indie beats. II reverberates with boundless excitement and artistic fervor. While all involved intend to continue their day jobs, Bad Books is now very much a going concern with plans in the works for a considerable amount of international touring.
“This record deserves to be worked more than the last one. It doesn’t matter what band you’re in, if you create something that deserves to be worked by touring, we should try and push this as much as we can.”
-Hull“We’ve made a record that stands up favorably against anything either of us have made on our own. I think it has the potential to connect with people who don’t like either of us a whole lot. I think it could turn some heads.”
-Devine
Check out our review of the album here!
Listen
Interview: The Gunz Show
Tour Dates
- 10/16/12 New Orleans, LA – The Parish at House Of Blues
- 10/17/12 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
- 10/18/12 Nashville, TN – Mercy Lounge
- 10/19/12 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade
Support
Check out the new Bad Books album, II, on any of the following:
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