The Bunk Beds - Sound In The Signals Interview

I recently had the chance to interview The Bunk Beds. We talked about his upcoming album Middle Child, his covers EP, and his recording process. Check out the full interview after the jump!

First off thanks for the interview

Kevin: Thank you, I'm honored to be interviewed :)

Your new album Middle Child is out in August. Can you tell me a little about the writing and recording process for the album? How long did you work on it?

Kevin: Writing for this album was mostly done during my Junior year in college. All lyrics were either on my journal--anything I could write on really--as poems. Fun fact: The lyrics to "Promise Ring" was actually written on an orange. Long story short, my phone died one day and all I had on me was a pen and an orange. A normal person would probably ask, "why didn't you write on your hand?" Cause people sweat from hands, that's why. Anyways, the first day of recording started right after I finished my last final for spring semester. I went to Guitar Center for new strings and called my brother to get the microphone ready for me. I think that was the only time I recorded in the day time, the rest of the other times were around 2AM or so and I would fall asleep on my laptop editing.

You released a two-song teaser for the album. I really like the song "Promise Ring". What was the writing process like for that song in particular?

Kevin: "Promise Ring", despite how short and minimal the lyrics are, was a real difficult song to start because I have always wanted to write about that specific topic in a really long time and do it in a
short fashion, but I never got to it until now. It was actually the last song I recorded for the entire album and is by far my favorite original song.

The teaser features "Promise Ring" and "Metanoia". Why did you decide to release those songs as a teaser for this new album?

Kevin: I chose these songs because I think it captures more or less the mood of this entire album.

I'm guessing the album title is a reference to you being a middle child. Am I right or wrong? If it is how does being a middle child effect you both musically and lyrically as a writer? If it isn't what effects and inspires you musically and lyrically?

Kevin: Actually, the album is titled after my father; he's the middle child of seven if I'm not mistaken. That's his baby butt on the cover haha. My father and this one girl I'm still hung up on have been my source of inspiration when it comes to most if not all of my lyrics and music.

Your music has a lo-fi quality to it, very similar to early Bright Eyes, why did you take that approach with your sound?

Kevin: Bright Eyes? Oh jeez, I wish I could do what Bright Eyes does now and back then to be honest with you. And well, besides not having the proper equipment to record professionally and whatnot, something
about recording single takes in a hollow room makes the songs a bit more special in my opinion. Of course, if I fuck up in the middle of the song I'd have to do it all over again but that's where I find pleasure in recording these short songs. Plus, it's great practice.

You released a covers EP in December 2015. I really liked your take on those songs. What inspired you to do a covers release. Any chance you'll do more things like that in the future?

Kevin: One of my good friends told me to sing Creep by Radiohead for her. She enjoyed the cover and I thought it was a good idea to send her a few more for fun. After a few songs, she gave me the idea to put them up online. I'll be honest, I wasn't quite confident at first but I did it! I'm glad someone else enjoyed it as well haha. More covers? I probably will but that's if I get a few friends to sing with me.Like a "The Bunk Beds & Friends" type of thing :)



After the album comes out what are your plans for 2016?

Kevin: Keep writing sad songs and maybe play a show here and there for a couple of friends. I have been wanting to start a garage/punk band to channel out my more aggressive side of music there but we'll see how that goes.

I guess that about wraps it up. Thanks for taking the time to answer the questions. Do you have anything else you would like to add?

Kevin: You're welcome! And thank you for making me feel significant with this interview! I would love to thank everyone who has supported me in this  project especially Melissa, both of my parents, and Laura. I love all of you and anyone else who has listened to my music.