In any creative realm, inspiration often blossoms through the cross-pollination of diverse influences. Beauty School Dropout, a tenacious trio dedicated to carving out their own niche space in the rock genre, embodies this notion to create their own unique identity. Drawing from alternative, pop, and even a subtle touch of grunge and hip-hop, they’ve seamlessly woven these threads into a harmonious fusion of musings.
Fresh off of the release of their sophomore full-length album, READY TO EAT, and actively on an extensive tour promoting the October 13 launch, Beauty School Dropout’s 9-track collection bursts with hit after hit of radio-ready anthems. Each song is highlighted by irresistibly catchy hooks, infectious instrumentation, and the group’s unyielding drive to connect with their audience by exposing their vulnerability to addiction, relationships, and the complex nature of love or its absence. READY TO EAT serves as a masterful follow-up to their debut We Made Plans & God Laughed.
Preceding the powerful release, the band describes READY TO EAT as the amalgamation of their highest peaks, deepest valleys, and everything in between. The album acts as a mirror reflecting their evolution and their indomitable spirit to conquer every challenge of life’s myriad challenges. While the world may perceive their lives as ascending to new heights, they still face the same enduring issues, albeit amplified. READY TO EAT represents both a catharsis shared with their fans and a testament to their growth, offering a glimpse of where their path is leading them.
In an exclusive chat with Beauty School Dropout—Colie Hutzler, Bardo, and Beepus Burdett—the trio delve into the key influences that have sculpted their distinct sound. Discover how this blend of inspirations continues to mold their sound.
Colie Hutzler’s Influences:
Nirvana
I often turn to Nirvana for inspiration on song dynamics. They did such an amazing job of writing pop songs and cloaking them in heavy sonics, which is essentially what we do, too. I also don’t have the typical soft tone that a lot of singers have, so listening to Kurt [Cobain] has always helped me embrace the intensity in my vocals.
Tyler the Creator
I turn to Tyler the Creator for a lot more of the attitude and world-building aspects of marketing our band. Watching the OF rise to fame as a kid was super inspiring to me because, as careless and obnoxious as they were, everything was so calculated and intentional. Or at least it felt that way.
Bardo’s Influences:
Bring Me The Horizon
In the last couple of years, Bring Me The Horizon has become one of my favorite bands. Which is funny because I didn’t grow up listening to them at all. I’m constantly inspired by how they’re not afraid to be different and keep pushing the envelope in rock music. All while still being cool British mother*ckers.
Skrillex
Skrillex was a big reason I started making beats when I was a kid. His sound design continues to be the coolest thing out there. I’m constantly inspired to pull from electronic music and bring it into what we’re doing in alternative music.
Beepus Burdet’s Influences:
Turnstile
Turnstile is hands down the sickest band of our generation and has heavily influenced our overall vibe. Their ability to be effortlessly cool and create an identity that is centered around their fan culture is like no other band. After having toured with them and seeing how they navigate really solidified that they deserve all the attention they’ve received. Amazing humans. Amazing band. An incredible band to look up to.
Red Hot Chili Peppers
The kings of stage chemistry. If you watch any of their concerts, you can feel the energy of each member bouncing off of each other. We strive to have the same energy on our stage. It’s unrehearsed, it’s funky, it’s soulful. Our live show defines us. And we feel that Red Hot Chili Peppers has mastered theirs in a way we will always attempt to recreate.