The spirit of the sixties is alive and rocking in Bad Indians, Ypsilanti’s under-the-radar source of throwback psych-rock jams. Their fuzzy, lo-fi sound holds plenty of sunny pop complete with vocal harmonies, organs, harmonicas and three-chord guitar grooving. But these Indians keep sturdy footing. Songs are simple, catchy and instantly likeable, avoiding the psych-rock trap of floating into acid-dream obscurity. Guitarist Jules Nehring, who founded the band in early 2008, and drummer Autumn Wetli tag-teamed some questions we had about the band, such as how they create their style and what they’re looking forward to about returning for this year’s Mittenfest.
Can you tell me about how Bad Indians formed and give a little bit of background about the band members?
I (Jules) have been starting bands with whoever will play with me since before I knew how to play a chord on the guitar. Members would join and leave and none of the bands went anywhere. I formed Bad Indians when I was 20 with my friends Matt and Josh (Josh left the band after a few months), and later put out our first record, “Live From the Burial Mound.” Ian joined as a second guitar player but switched to bass with Josh gone. Matt lives in Brooklyn now, but after the release of our record, we decided to keep the band going so Autumn stepped in on drums. Then Ian switched to guitar after Erin joined on bass followed by Morgan on the organ. Together we recorded and released a tape with Life Like, a 7″ on Gingko Records, a 7″ on Urinal Cake Records and our forthcoming LP will be put out by CQ Records.
Ideally, what do you think is the best way for people to experience your music?
Live in a basement or living room.
Within a few seconds of putting on one of your songs, a bunch of possible influences came to mind, and it’s refreshing to hear this style being done so well and so close to home. Can you run through some of your influences and bands you admire, and how you determined this was the kind of music you wanted to make?
The Index from Grosse Pointe, Roky and the 13th Floor Elevators, Tyrannosaurus Rex, Mark Fry, the Gories, Blue Cheer, the Stooges, the Velvet Underground, and Love are all bands that have huge impacts on how I (Jules) write songs and think about music. We are all very infatuated with music and the experience it gives. There is no predetermined style that we seek out. We just write songs that we wanna hear but haven’t found yet.
How did the name originate?
We are big fans of the band Gun Club. They have a song called “Bad Indian,” and something about it just fit what we wanted to do.
Who designs your album artwork?
We’ve had different people do it every time so far. Matt did the first album “Live from the Burial Mound.” Autumn did art for the first 7” and self-released tapes. Aubrey Nehring created the artwork for the most recent 7” on Urinal Cake and for the “Are On the Other Side,” we asked friends and family to create their own interpretation of a tarot card for the cover.
Do have a release date for “Are On the Other Side?” Also, what goals did you have for this album, concerning how you wanted it to sound and what direction you want it to take the band?
It is being released just before the end of the world – December 21, 2012. We are having a release party at Arbor Vitae on January 5. The album isn’t about the direction we are going since we recorded it almost a year ago. It is more of a snapshot of what we sounded like then. We still play some of the songs, but right now we are working on recording more chilled out stuff. We have been recording without full drums using more acoustic guitar as well as with piano, violin, harmonica and lap steel.
What kind of audiences do you see at your shows on the road? How do they respond to the music?
People have responded really well so far. It’s always fun to see new places and meet new people. We haven’t been on the road too much, but the little we’ve done has been a really positive experience.
What are some of your favorite hangout spots in the Ann Arbor / Ypsi area?
Encore. Our space at Spur Studios.
Are you excited to play Mittenfest? What are you most looking forward to about it and what are some good memories about past experiences at the event?
Yes! It’s always been a good time and it’s fun to play for a different audience than we would sometimes normally reach. The first year we played New Years Eve. Everybody dressed up, and that was a lot of fun.
What are your plans for 2013?
We’re hoping to tour/go to SXSW this year and are also finishing up/releasing another album.
Bad Indians will be playing at Woodruff’s during Mittenfest VII, which takes place from December 28 through Jan. 1. Visit mittenfest.org for the full schedule and lineup.
