Badflower are on a mission to bring modern rock back to the center stage. The foursome is accomplishing just that by invading the stages of LA's seminal rock clubs, touring the globe and releasing raucous songs that demand attention from the first strike of the opening chords. Their songs are charged and gritty, owing to frontman Josh Katz's penchant for creating and writing from the perspective of unscrupulous characters. That dark edge makes for songs and performances that are a force of their own.

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

You recently finished a tour of the UK. What were some of the highlights?

The UK tour was incredible. Our favorite part was really just soaking up the culture of each city and meeting the locals. It’s so different to America, so much history. And the shows were insane. That was our first time ever playing outside the US and it was so interesting to play for foreign crowds. True music lovers in the UK, we really enjoyed playing for them.

How did you guys come together as a band? 

The band formed from a project that Joey and I we're involved in. As songwriters, it took us a little time to find out who we we're and solidify our identity. We spent years trying to figure that out until eventually it just clicked. We knew who we we're as artists and, equally important, as people. We created Badflower and brought on two of our favorite musicians to join up. We knew of Anthony from a few other bands that we used to gig with and Alex was an old high school friend of mine. Both killer players and awesome people. We became a family really quick after the bands inception. I feel lucky to be creating with 3 guys who are just as passionate about the vision of this band as I am. It’s a rare and special thing. 

How did you first start playing the guitar? How soon after were you composing your own songs?

I actually started on the piano but I was playing any instrument I could get my hands on from a very young age. Composing and writing came soon after. I actually can't remember a time when I wasn't writing songs. I was always coming up with my own melodies and chord progressions on the piano, but I wrote my first rock song with lyrics and a guitar at age 12. I had just been dumped for the first time—the song was called "I Hate You." Maybe one day we'll release it as a B-side. It’s not the most sophisticated tune… but it's 100% rock n roll.  

Do you create the characters for your songs before you start writing the actual songs? How do the songs come to you?

It happens very organically. I rarely have a concept for a song before I start writing it. I start playing with chords and vocal ideas, repeating them over and over. Eventually the themes, messages or characters will start to surface and I just run with that concept. I've found that songwriting is a lot more successful when there's something inside that’s itching to come out, but I never know what that is until I start singing. The characters that I create are usually inspired by actual people in my life or characters in stories, films etc.   

What have been some of your favorite characters in cinema?

I grew up idolizing witty characters in films, like Val Kilmer in Real Genius or anything Robert Downey Jr. plays. Highly intelligent but totally juvenile in behavior and attitude. I think that made me a bit of a nightmare for my parents, but it’s definitely shaped who I am as a person and a performer. I also really enjoy the mentally unstable or troubled characters. Especially ones that are placed in a twisted and abstract setting. Donnie Darko was a film that inspired me greatly. And anything David Lynch writes or directs. 

What do you count as your influences?

I'm influenced by everything. Music, people, art etc. I obviously got into music because I was influenced by other bands, but now I find inspiration in so many other things. I'm driven by emotions more than I am the idea of success. I like making people feel something, it’s the reason I do it. Emotions are so powerful and music is such an important vessel to extract and exploit them.

Los Angeles has been the first stage for many pivotal rock bands? Does the history inspire you at all? Does the city have an influence on you?

LA is my hometown and it will always be a special and inspiring place to me for that reason. This city also provides so much opportunity for people like us. People come here from all over the world to collaborate, have access the community and build relationships in music. We're very lucky to be surrounded by that at all times.

What's your favorite movie soundtrack? 

Garden State, without a doubt, has the best compilation of songs that fit the theme of the movie so perfectly. Best scoring of a film would be James Horner's work on A Beautiful Mind. I remember seeing that movie when it first came out and absolutely obsessing over the music. Learning it on the piano and playing it constantly. I have the whole soundtrack on my computer now and I listen to it often. It’s weird, it’s been over 13 years and that music still makes me cry. So powerful. 

What are you most looking forward to achieving as a band?

To connect with people that are interested in exploring a more unconventional side to music. I want to challenge the musical landscape with darker narratives to stories on life and love.