The OBGMs’ forthcoming self-titled debut album will be released in the UK in a few weeks and the band have revealed a third track from the record in the form of Beat Up Kidz, which has been released alongside an illustrative music video. The video is full of colour and goes some way to demonstrating the punk rock dance party that is a The OBGMs live show. It’s a party vibe that The OBGMs brought to London’s Afropunk last month and they were even able to translate the good times to a stripped down set for Sofarsounds. The acoustic-based performance was no mean feat for a band whose fully plugged live presence is so wild and loud.
The upcoming album (pre-order here) was mixed by the incomparable Dave Schiffman (The Bronx, Pup, and more) and marries the band’s hip hop roots with punk rock sensibilities in a unique way. The resulting sound is a fully original onslaught on the senses that will make you want to move straight off the bat. There is no standing still whilst this music plays. The OBGMs’ brand of punk rock is exuberantly and inextricably married with a flow that’s unmistakably born from hip hop. Check out Beat Up Kidz below!
We managed to catch up with the band as they talk about their latest single and more!
Can you tell us something about the video no one knows?
Joe: Beat up kidz was a funny filming session because Densil LITERALLY fell off the kick drum during a take with (at the time MY) Gibson SG and somehow rolled beautifully for its safety – the shot is USED in the video too. It’s jokes.
How pumped are you for the release of your debut album?
Joe: I could not be more happy to enter the world stage with this album – it’s solid and now has the mastering work it deserves.
Jemuel: Super excited to share our music with the world on a larger scale!
What is your favourite song from the record?
Joe: My favourite song is “House” because I wrote my bass line hours before recording and it really shaped the tune to be what it is now.
Jemuel: My favorite song is “chambre à coucher” because of how fun it is to alternate between piano and tambourine when playing it live!
If you could work with any band on a new song, who would it be and why?
Joe: Comeback Kid – because we recently became friends with Andrew Neufeld, and he is a fan of ours too!
Jemuel: Death from above 1979 because they pack such a musical punch despite being the fact they are only a two piece.
Will you be touring at all this year?
Joe: We SHOULD be touring, stay tuned
What were the first gigs you attended?
Joe: At a church in Brampton Ontario. I was 14 and saw .moneen. Alexisonfire, the junction, wheels on the bus and the most serene republic at a church in Brampton and it made me want to play music.
Jemuel: My earliest concert memory would have to be Kanye West at the Ottawa Bluesfest ten years ago. I was 17, and completely shocked at the amount of energy he had at the time. Never missed a beat or a single word and no backing tracks. Very impressive!