“Go get our new record, ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll,’ dropping Aug. 21,” demanded Buckcherry vocalist Josh Todd when HNGN got a hold of him.
Known for both risqué tunes (“Lit Up,” “Crazy Bitch” and a whole EP, “F--k,” of songs featuring the F-word in each title) and tender ballads (“For the Movies,” “Sorry” and “Dreamin’ Of You”), the hard rockers' new batch of tracks fit both categories — and everything in between. With songs that easily could have been on Buckcherry’s self-titled debut — which came out 16 years ago! — the band’s seventh studio effort is just as raw and rocking as one would expect.
For both this record and last year’s “Singles Club” EP, Buckcherry used PledgeMusic, a music platform in which fans who pledge money get to follow the group from the beginning stages of making a new album to the finished product through special content direct from the musicians. “Pledge is cool,” explained Todd. “Fans can follow along in the recording process, and get exclusive packages and experiences to purchase. For instance, I write a lot of handwritten lyrics to specific Buckcherry songs that people want and that’s pretty cool.”
The Los Angeles-based group — singer Todd, guitarist Keith Nelson, guitarist Stevie D., drummer Xavier Muriel and bassist Kelly LeMieux — will be on tour throughout the remainder of the year to promote “Rock ‘N’ Roll.” In between gigs, Todd answered our questions about the new album and so much more.
Why did you decide to name your new album after your genre of music?
We were kind of tired of the “rock ‘n’ roll is dead” talk. People have been saying that since our first record in ’99. “Rock ‘N’ Roll” was a title we talked about for a few years — it was just time. We’ve been playing rock ‘n’ roll for two decades.
Was the writing and recording process easier for this album since it’s your seventh record?
Nothing is easy when you’re creating a record from the ground up, but we love what we do and are very passionate about making it the best we can. This record was fun. [Our 2013 album] “Confessions” was very emotional and, on this one, we got a chance to get back to our bag of tricks.
One of the most random things fans love about your concerts is that you bring out a tambourine. No one does that anymore — especially in rock! Why do you like to play it?
It’s something to do when I take a break from singing. I love the rhythm — it’s sexy.
The band has its own line of sex toys, Crazy Bitch Toys. Are the products hot sellers?
Yes! We have a dildo, condoms and are working on adding a vibrator and butt-plug. People like us to sign them, usually. I hope they use them. We have some things in the works though it’s too soon to talk about them.
You filmed a very funny sketch for “Tosh.0” earlier this year. How did that come about and how much fun was it to make?
Tosh’s people reached out to us about doing a sketch based on the YouTube clip of that couple that got married and the bride was singing “Crazy Bitch” when she walked down the aisle. It was fun! Tosh is cool and talented.
You’ve done some acting in the past, anything new coming up?
Nothing yet. I went out on some general castings, and did one audition and didn’t get it. I hate auditioning. I just want to work, but it’s a necessary evil.
For more on Buckcherry, visit the band’s official website, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook.
