Bad Athlete is a four piece Indie Rock band from Norman, Oklahoma. The group first got together four years ago and made their recording debut in 2018 with a self titled EP. That record introduced a creative band with a unique mix of Lo-Fi Indie and classic Alternative Rock. Band members include married couple Matt (vocals and guitar) and Kristen Howard (bass and vocals), Sean Barker (guitar) and Isaac Nelson (drums).
“Don’t Call Me Friend” is the latest single from Bad Athlete, released worldwide to all major streaming services on June 4, 2021. The track is their second single from their forthcoming debut full length album “Super Bad Athlete,” due in July. The song combines the band’s Indie Rock aesthetic with Matt Howard’s keen Pop songwriting sensibilities.
Guest keyboardist Grant Nordean adds a synthwave vibe as Kristen Howard states her case for not being friendzoned. With its grungy guitars, rich harmonies and Pop hooks, the overall vibe of the song is a mix of classic Pop and late 80’s Alternative. That’s no coincidence as the band lists groups like The Beach Boys and Pixies as primary influences. It is a fun and lighthearted groove, and that is by design.
My wife and I had an acoustic act for a few years. The songs were sad and angry and I decided I wanted to do something upbeat and exciting. So the goal with every Bad Athlete song is it’s fun for us to play and hopefully fun to listen to.
Matt Howard (Bad Athlete)
Check out “Don’t Call Me Friend” below. You can also hear the track on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Follow the links below to connect with Bad Athlete. Get on their socials and get in the loop on all of the current and future projects from this talented group of musicians. And get ready for next month’s release of “Super Bad Athlete.”
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