On the Roam (2024) s02e01 Episode Script
The Bobby Lees
- Ibrahim
X : @sle1i
Look.
Good.
Gentlemen.
- Thanks.
This is day five.
I met them on Thursday.
It was a great night, right?
- Yeah.
We saw them yesterday.
Now we're going to Atlantic Records.
The CEO, 20 years old, the CEO
We're going to Atlantic Records
for a record deal.
Crazy. You gotta try.
I never thought that
I'd be doing 'On the Roam'
in a desert
but then again, I'm on the move.
I'm three hours outside Abu Dhabi
wrapping up 'Dune'.
We're going to talk about
the band The Bobby Lees. Go ahead.
In the studio we have The Bobby Lees
from Woodstock, New York.
We have
a live set with The Bobby Lees.
This is a song by The Bobby Lees.
It's called 'Skin Suit'.
It's very interesting.
The Bobby Lees are currently
on tour in the US.
They're coming to the UK at the end of June.
They're going to play in Europe.
Debbie Harry says:
'Go see The Bobby Lees.
The future is minimal, proto-punk.'
This is The Bobby Lees
with 'Hollywood Junkyard'.
I love music.
I found The Bobby Lees on Instagram.
I thought they were incredible.
I listened to their music.
I saw them touring all over the world,
but missed them everywhere I went.
I'm Sam.
I sing in the band The Bobby Lees.
I'm Nick Casa.
I play lead guitar for The Bobby Lees.
I'm Kendall Wind. I play bass guitar.
Macky Bowman, I play the drums
for The Bobby Lees.
I didn't know much about
the music industry
so I was a bit naive.
You see them and think: 'Cool.
Things are going well for them.
They're on tour.'
They're doing well and
we can't do this anymore.
We met each other
three days ago at the Bowery.
We walked in.
You were squatting, shirtless.
You had just arrived at your hotel.
You said: 'I wasn't expecting you guys.'
And then you gave us
the warmest hug in the world.
Yeah, it was a family feeling.
One of the top five or
top three hugs ever.
So I thought
they already had it made.
They had been a band for seven years already.
I've been following them on Instagram for a while.
I really loved them.
You see everything.
You only see positive things.
Then they posted something
that I'm going to read now. They posted
What do you call it?
- A statement.
My band posted something
that let our followers know
why we were going to take a break.
We didn't know how long it would last.
For good or
We have an announcement.
We're wrapping up this year
with the booked shows
and then we're taking a break.
We don't know
when and if we'll play again.
We are taking a step back
due to the current state of
the music industry.
It is now almost impossible for bands
like us to survive financially.
This band gave us a purpose.
You were a part of that.
We don't want to stop, but we have to.'
In love and service,
The Bobby Lees
They can't make money off of it.
They tour, but it's very difficult.
I thought: 'They're quitting. No, no.'
So I sent a message:
'Can I talk to you guys?'
I felt that
If you put out energy,
something usually comes back.
I knew someone would do something.
I didn't think
it would be Jason Momoa.
I thought:
'He's nice and likes our music.
He wants to help.'
I'm going to help them with an album.
We're going to kick down some doors
and arrange a contract.
They need to be heard.
I'm going for it,
because that's the right thing to do.
I was the one booking the gigs.
I persevered.
'We want this producer. I'll send him
20 emails until he finally replies.'
I always wanted to play with people,
but I was too scared.
I was I don't know.
I was too scared.
I didn't think my ideas were good.
I tried to break through that fear
and kept going.
I read the book 'The Artist's Way'
by Julia Cameron.
That changed my life.
I did what she said. It was weird.
I finished the book and met
Kendall and Macky a month later.
We had
a few different guitarists
but it only clicked when Nick,
Kendall's stepbrother
came to our first show.
When that happened, we thought:
'This is what we want to do.'
I have a lot of musician friends.
I know it's hard, just like
acting. It makes you think.
Would a band like Nirvana
be able to break through today?
Or Bob Dylan. Would your favorites
have become big in this day and age?
I don't know,
but something has to change.
Does that happen before it's time
to go to work?
No. You're happy.
- No, I'm going to cry.
I'm getting emotional.
- Really?
Very emotional.
I can get very emotional.
Then I just want to go home,
to bed, and cancel the show.
That's always
Sometimes I get emotional.
'I wish I didn't have to do this.'
And then I pray to my favorite people,
like Little Richard and Bo Diddley:
'Give me the energy.'
Woodstock was so cool.
They were their hometown heroes.
It was an honor to
walk through the city with them
and meet their family.
It was really cool.
The final homecoming show
I always wanted to play in a band.
I was terrified of performing.
I fantasized about it,
but never dared to do it.
I had a severe drinking problem.
When I got sober
the fear of failure disappeared.
The desire to do it
became greater than the fear.
For us, there has never been
a normal path.
Everything that has happened feels like
the universe is winking at us.
Good, weird things happen,
like meeting Jason.
When you meet everyone
Sam is just family.
She is so powerful.
When you see her sing, she's creative
and raw, but also sensitive.
She's a true artist.
Macky is made for
a royal family of
artists and musicians.
I think he's very special.
Kendall is like a sister to me.
I think she's fantastic.
I look up to her.
She's my teacher.
I ask her all kinds of things.
Nicki, my little brother, just rocks.
He's good at everything.
It's been a long road,
so the thought of
stopping
has definitely gotten to me.
What?
- That felt so weird.
You were great.
- This was a weird
It felt so weird. I don't know.
Put them on.
I need music to get up.
I can't just take a pill or anything.
I listen to a song and
It's magic.
It can completely change
my mood. It's
So to say that
it has no value anymore
feels like
It's sad. It really sucks, so
Jason said: 'How can I help?
What does a band like you need?'
I said: 'No idea.'
We thought:
'You probably need a contract.'
I thought: 'That helps, because
then we'll reach more people.'
He sounded like a superhero and said:
'I'm going to try.
I'm going to try everything.'
It felt like an adventure,
from when he called until now.
We'll see what happens.
This is great.
- Like I'm selling cookies.
When Jason took us to Atlantic,
I was really glad in a way
because we had never been
with a major label before.
He also let me read the letter.
I thought: 'This is weird
because I'm not going to impress him
by reading that letter.'
As if someone is raising
the Spotify fee just like that.
The big record labels
can survive
because they have private deals with Spotify.
If you're not on a major label,
you only get 0.004 cents per play.
Unfortunately, we've noticed
that people prefer not to pay.
I've thought and talked
about it a lot.
The problem is that the value is missing.
Every kid growing up now
thinks it has no value
because it's free.
I wish it had gone
in a certain way.
I still had hope. I still had energy.
The band probably saw it differently.
Maybe they thought it wasn't possible.
I've faced a closed door
so many times.
And I had to keep pulling myself
out of it.
I don't take 'no' for an answer.
Talent is talent. They have it.
You just have to find the right people.
When we play,
it still feels good.
When you hear people
singing your words back to you
you hope your music helps them.
There is clearly something wrong when
your shows are sold out
in New York and LA,
and you tour all over the world
but you can't make minimum wage.
We toured for 'Bellevue'
for 18 months.
We had a million plays and made $4,000 in 18 months.
Nobody wants to work for free.
The word 'disrespectful' is terrible
but when you work your ass off and tour, you think: 'This feels wrong.
I give so much. I'm exhausted.'
I think many people
feel a deep desire
for something that can be their purpose.
That they think: 'I have to have it.'
I don't have that anymore, which is really nice.
It was painful wanting
the band to be successful.
And now I feel like
it's no longer in our hands.
We play every show as if
it's our last.
We need a change.
It's too much work.
We need to stop for a bit.
We don't know if we'll come back.
I don't know.
I don't think we'll never do it again,
but I don't know.
It's also liberating to
have no idea.
I know that feeling. I work a lot
and sometimes you're drained.
You're not bringing out the best in yourself.
They said: 'We need time.'
I think
everyone just needed to step away for a bit.
A year has passed.
The band started rehearsing again.
I don't know how to do this anymore.
Yes, you do. This is how I bring you your songs:
'They're these three chords.'
Yeah.
- It's working.
I see them writing on the spot.
I see how the song takes shape.
Everything had changed.
They're back. They got some rest.
A few band members went
on tour for a while.
They came back with songs.
We went into the studio.
It was unique.
That was a beautiful part of our journey.
I saw how it went:
'Fine, let's do it.'
After that break, when I came back,
they were ready.
Something like that. Cool.
- A little faster.
That was awesome.
How are you guys?
- How's it going?
A year has passed. Right?
- Almost.
Almost a year.
I'm curious
how everyone is doing now.
How do you feel?
I want to hear it from all of you.
And you're back together. You
haven't seen each other in a year.
Yeah.
- We got together a month ago.
We said: 'We're going to write again.'
Because of your generosity
and the chance to make another record.
It was weird, because in 2 weeks
we wrote 14 songs.
Usually it takes longer.
Usually it takes a month to
write five songs.
So it was
Something had to come out.
We needed to let something out.
We like to do
things differently.
We laughed a lot during rehearsals.
That's because
we let ourselves do things
that we wouldn't normally do.
It felt good to be that free.
I think everyone is looking forward to it.
The fact that it's been a year
since we were in Woodstock,
is incredible.
I can't believe
how fast time went by.
The past year has been crazy.
There was a lot of doubt. There was a lot of hope.
Dealing with the break was
very emotional.
It felt like a grieving process.
It felt like a divorce.
Very strange.
When we took a break,
I felt like a kid.
And now I feel like an adult.
I quickly realized that
this band means a lot to me.
It will always be important to me, but it was nice to realize
that there is a whole world outside the band.
The band is just like a relationship.
You lose yourself in it.
You forget what you are as an individual.
The break reminded me
why I love making things.
In my free time, I had time to
There were moments when I thought:
'Can I live without it?'
And I can't. I have to create something.
I get depressed if I only
consume other people's work.
I am driven by music.
That is the ultimate art form for me.
I use that to
inspire myself in every way.
I love music.
I got an idea
when I was talking to them.
'Can you do it one more time?
Let's try it one more time.
I don't know much about the industry
but maybe I can open doors
or find producers.
One more album.' They went for it.
When they agreed
I went all in, because
I believe in it. I believe in them.
Found it.
Where are we?
- Los Angeles, California.
What are you hoping to get out of this?
- Songs. Hopefully good ones.
An album we're proud of.
- Have you guys ever
nerves when you record a record?
Today I feel nothing,
but three days ago
I couldn't sleep.
I was experiencing the worst-case scenario.
All the songs were bad. So I
I've had my anxiety.
Now I feel zen
and ready to get to work.
- Me too. Just calm.
Did you have a spike in
I was a little nervous to
do this.
You know? Just a little
I have no idea what to expect.
Jeez.
I can on
It can be in the verse.
- Yeah, great.
I had an idea too.
Let's repeat 'end to it'.
'This is some Elvis Presley shit,
And I'm putting an end to it.'
Yeah, see for yourself. Let's try it.
'This is the end.'
'End to it.'
Should we do it again?
- We got it.
You can feel whether
an energy is good or bad.
We notice that right away.
When we walked in,
we said: 'Awesome.
This is perfect for us.'
We're recording at Sunset Sound,
the legendary studio.
Led Zeppelin did 'IV'.
The Stones did
'Let It Bleed' there.
And a few Van Halen albums.
Going to California to
record a record
just feels really good.
Alex and Dave hear something and say:
'Let's try this.'
They come up with an idea and you think:
'Where did this come from?'
We try not to judge.
We used to do that
when we were writing.
Then the base song wasn't good.
Now we finish the whole thing.
And maybe we'll review it
in a month.
When we listen to the songs
I know I do this all the time.
My head is nodding. I look around
and everyone is there.
We were sick of garage rock.
I listen to a lot of hip-hop.
I wanted
that unmistakable nodding feeling.
We achieved that with a few songs.
It's a wave of emotion.
We've been there for four days.
I went from 'This is amazing'
to an existential crisis.
I feel all kinds of things. They said
I shouldn't judge.
I just had to do it.
I'm a big fan of Dave.
His breakthrough as a producer was
a song by the band Wolfmother.
I listened to that constantly
when I was five years old.
That's the second time.
- That's right.
It's truly a relief.
It's nice when
the producers and engineers
support you and
give you confidence in your role.
It was a great experience
for everyone.
Awesome.
- So good.
This is our fourth time in the studio. I look at Macky, Nick or Kendall.
We know when it works or not.
You can feel it. It's a feeling.
The drums need to be tighter, fewer cymbals.
Agreed.
- Good.
It really needs to rock.
- Cool.
The last two felt good and
then it got complicated again.
It's cool to see how
we're growing as musicians.
Come on.
Come on.
- Yeah.
Where do you want to start?
- There's still a lot going on.
Let's start with
Let's do a vocal take.
I wanted
'Girl.' Right before the bridge.
'And when you fly around the world,
call me your fire-starting'
I want more power.
For 'girl'?
- Yeah, right when the beat hits.
The last time I saw you,
you were pregnant.
Were you six months pregnant then?
At the first recording sessions?
- Yeah.
In Woodstock?
- Yeah.
I was four months.
And when we recorded the album,
was I eight months?
Almost done.
- It was bizarre.
And now Ozzy
- Ozzy is two and a half months.
We've known each other for a year and a half now.
- Yeah.
On November 9th we were all here.
I made them come here.
We connected via Instagram
and lured them here.
'What have we gotten ourselves into?'
I was wearing
the same jacket then as I am today.
I wanted
- You had to do that, right?
Full circle.
Let's play it. What's it gonna be?
- Do you have a favorite?
I wanted to listen with you guys.
I've only heard one song.
I wanted to wait until I was with you.
Have you heard '50 Ft'?
- I haven't heard anything yet.
Wow, that is amazing.
That song alone was worth the trip.
- Totally agree.
That's my favorite. I'm glad
we were able to make that one.
'50 Ft' is playing now
What was your first reaction?
I want to do this. I want to do that.
I want to do this. That's how it went.
It feels like Bobby Lees.
- Yeah, it feels like The Bobby Lees.
It has that sound,
the rawness, the energy.
I think the fans are going to be thrilled.
Everyone knew this was coming.
It's great.
Did John tell you about Epitaph?
No.
- That label
There is a great label that
wants to release this record.
Who do they have?
- Is Epitaph
They have Weezer, Tom Waits.
- Tom Waits is on Epitaph, right?
A subsidiary of Epitaph is ANTI-.
ANTI-.
- And that is
Epitaph is the parent company.
The founder called John
and loved it.
On Monday we're going to
do a call with him and the president.
They booked a ticket
for me and John.
We're flying there on Wednesday
to meet them.
And John
- In LA?
Yeah, John lied and said:
'Four other labels are interested.
We want to decide this week.'
They said: 'You guys need to come soon.''
They put us on
Did John tell you what
you're going to do today?
That was a huge advantage for us.
- Huge.
They were enthusiastic.
- Yeah.
That's awesome.
- They are very good.
We can't celebrate yet
until it's certain.
Let's manifest this.
- Yeah.
Barry, this is Sam.
- Hi, Barry. Sam.
That's Eric. He's our lawyer.
It was weird,
because we sold a lot of vinyl.
When we perform,
we sell merchandise.
We've spoken to other bands.
That's where the real exchange happens.
The people keep coming.
They buy everything we have.
They want the new shirt, but
the streams are lagging behind.
We sell out a 500-person show.
Someone with 100 million streams
didn't draw the number of people
that we did with 20,000 streams.
That's weird.
There are artists who
can sell out a 1,000-capacity venue.
No seats, just
a 1,000-person room.
They sell
a lot of merchandise and vinyl records
but the streams are low.
They haven't figured it out yet.
I don't know why that is.
That also applies to
some of our artists.
We want change.
That's why
- Yeah.
That's why I love this project,
because the band is great.
It ticks all the boxes:
the songs, the records, the live shows
but streaming isn't working yet.
And so
Time will tell.
If it happens live
the streams will follow.
You do need a partner
to help you with that.
And I just want to say that
the new album
is truly a level up.
I like the rest of it too,
but the new album is stunning.
The timing is perfect.
It feels like everything is bubbling
and ready to go. That's what it feels like.
We do need help
to push through.
I can tell a million stories
about people
who work in the music industry
but who haven't done anything for us.
And then Jason gave us
this opportunity on a silver platter
to create something that he likes too.
I can't thank you enough
for this opportunity.
It feels amazing that
someone believes in us this much.
He doesn't just talk the talk,
he walks the walk.
He makes it happen.
He tries to help us.
That's the big difference between him
and a lot of other people.
That felt to me like
it was going well, right?
I would be shocked if
that wasn't the case.
We've been told things before
so we'll only be happy when it's real.
Apparently they're going to make an offer.
I believed him.
He's a musician in Bad Religion.
He's been through it.
He seems honest and I like Sue too.
It's a huge victory.
If you guys hadn't been here
there wouldn't have been any incentive to
come back
and make another record.
It's nice to hear that
We think the record is good.
That's the most important thing, but I didn't
know what a label would think of it.
It's different from our other work.
If they were on a major label,
which everyone expects
they'd probably get
chewed up and spit out.
Then they'd be even more miserable
than before you guys came along.
A label that puts the artist first,
run by Brett
who is a true punk rocker,
is the best place for them.
It feels like the best deal ever.
I want to cheer, but
until the offer comes, I have to
How do you feel, Brian?
Can you cheer yet?
I don't think I'm ever able to.
- Agreed.
I'm the last person
you should talk to.
Jason would cheer.
- He would definitely cheer.
The Bobby Lees signed to
Epitaph Records.
I'm curious how
people will react and dance to this.
When I come off the stage
and see a smile
or see how we've brought joy
to someone
I live to
make someone smile.
I go from city to city
and make people
connect with it.
That is a satisfying feeling.
I can't get enough of it.
I have to, no matter what
create something,
otherwise it feels like I'm going to die.
Not just with us,
but with many other bands.
It would be sad if
only TikTok pop remains.
That is a bleak culture.
I don't know what it means, but ever since I started making music
I've felt like
I'm working towards a purpose.
I went along with it because it drew me in.
Nothing came our way
that made us think:
'Now you can make a living from it.'
You gave us a huge gift, but we are one band.
There are so many good bands.
The model has to change.
There needs to be a turnaround.
I'm staying for the adventure
to see what's next.
To see an album
from start to finish
to direct it, to be a part of it
and to help them get signed to a label, that is wonderful.
And they deserve it.
They have something special.
I hope it happens to more bands.
I'm happy to be with my friends, and to see the new songs live.
It's important to
buy into the artist.
And the records.
I also buy the cassette,
because my car is old enough.
Music is a beautiful gift that
you can give to people.
Keep passing that on. Come here.
by : ibrahim
X : @sle1i
Look.
Good.
Gentlemen.
- Thanks.
This is day five.
I met them on Thursday.
It was a great night, right?
- Yeah.
We saw them yesterday.
Now we're going to Atlantic Records.
The CEO, 20 years old, the CEO
We're going to Atlantic Records
for a record deal.
Crazy. You gotta try.
I never thought that
I'd be doing 'On the Roam'
in a desert
but then again, I'm on the move.
I'm three hours outside Abu Dhabi
wrapping up 'Dune'.
We're going to talk about
the band The Bobby Lees. Go ahead.
In the studio we have The Bobby Lees
from Woodstock, New York.
We have
a live set with The Bobby Lees.
This is a song by The Bobby Lees.
It's called 'Skin Suit'.
It's very interesting.
The Bobby Lees are currently
on tour in the US.
They're coming to the UK at the end of June.
They're going to play in Europe.
Debbie Harry says:
'Go see The Bobby Lees.
The future is minimal, proto-punk.'
This is The Bobby Lees
with 'Hollywood Junkyard'.
I love music.
I found The Bobby Lees on Instagram.
I thought they were incredible.
I listened to their music.
I saw them touring all over the world,
but missed them everywhere I went.
I'm Sam.
I sing in the band The Bobby Lees.
I'm Nick Casa.
I play lead guitar for The Bobby Lees.
I'm Kendall Wind. I play bass guitar.
Macky Bowman, I play the drums
for The Bobby Lees.
I didn't know much about
the music industry
so I was a bit naive.
You see them and think: 'Cool.
Things are going well for them.
They're on tour.'
They're doing well and
we can't do this anymore.
We met each other
three days ago at the Bowery.
We walked in.
You were squatting, shirtless.
You had just arrived at your hotel.
You said: 'I wasn't expecting you guys.'
And then you gave us
the warmest hug in the world.
Yeah, it was a family feeling.
One of the top five or
top three hugs ever.
So I thought
they already had it made.
They had been a band for seven years already.
I've been following them on Instagram for a while.
I really loved them.
You see everything.
You only see positive things.
Then they posted something
that I'm going to read now. They posted
What do you call it?
- A statement.
My band posted something
that let our followers know
why we were going to take a break.
We didn't know how long it would last.
For good or
We have an announcement.
We're wrapping up this year
with the booked shows
and then we're taking a break.
We don't know
when and if we'll play again.
We are taking a step back
due to the current state of
the music industry.
It is now almost impossible for bands
like us to survive financially.
This band gave us a purpose.
You were a part of that.
We don't want to stop, but we have to.'
In love and service,
The Bobby Lees
They can't make money off of it.
They tour, but it's very difficult.
I thought: 'They're quitting. No, no.'
So I sent a message:
'Can I talk to you guys?'
I felt that
If you put out energy,
something usually comes back.
I knew someone would do something.
I didn't think
it would be Jason Momoa.
I thought:
'He's nice and likes our music.
He wants to help.'
I'm going to help them with an album.
We're going to kick down some doors
and arrange a contract.
They need to be heard.
I'm going for it,
because that's the right thing to do.
I was the one booking the gigs.
I persevered.
'We want this producer. I'll send him
20 emails until he finally replies.'
I always wanted to play with people,
but I was too scared.
I was I don't know.
I was too scared.
I didn't think my ideas were good.
I tried to break through that fear
and kept going.
I read the book 'The Artist's Way'
by Julia Cameron.
That changed my life.
I did what she said. It was weird.
I finished the book and met
Kendall and Macky a month later.
We had
a few different guitarists
but it only clicked when Nick,
Kendall's stepbrother
came to our first show.
When that happened, we thought:
'This is what we want to do.'
I have a lot of musician friends.
I know it's hard, just like
acting. It makes you think.
Would a band like Nirvana
be able to break through today?
Or Bob Dylan. Would your favorites
have become big in this day and age?
I don't know,
but something has to change.
Does that happen before it's time
to go to work?
No. You're happy.
- No, I'm going to cry.
I'm getting emotional.
- Really?
Very emotional.
I can get very emotional.
Then I just want to go home,
to bed, and cancel the show.
That's always
Sometimes I get emotional.
'I wish I didn't have to do this.'
And then I pray to my favorite people,
like Little Richard and Bo Diddley:
'Give me the energy.'
Woodstock was so cool.
They were their hometown heroes.
It was an honor to
walk through the city with them
and meet their family.
It was really cool.
The final homecoming show
I always wanted to play in a band.
I was terrified of performing.
I fantasized about it,
but never dared to do it.
I had a severe drinking problem.
When I got sober
the fear of failure disappeared.
The desire to do it
became greater than the fear.
For us, there has never been
a normal path.
Everything that has happened feels like
the universe is winking at us.
Good, weird things happen,
like meeting Jason.
When you meet everyone
Sam is just family.
She is so powerful.
When you see her sing, she's creative
and raw, but also sensitive.
She's a true artist.
Macky is made for
a royal family of
artists and musicians.
I think he's very special.
Kendall is like a sister to me.
I think she's fantastic.
I look up to her.
She's my teacher.
I ask her all kinds of things.
Nicki, my little brother, just rocks.
He's good at everything.
It's been a long road,
so the thought of
stopping
has definitely gotten to me.
What?
- That felt so weird.
You were great.
- This was a weird
It felt so weird. I don't know.
Put them on.
I need music to get up.
I can't just take a pill or anything.
I listen to a song and
It's magic.
It can completely change
my mood. It's
So to say that
it has no value anymore
feels like
It's sad. It really sucks, so
Jason said: 'How can I help?
What does a band like you need?'
I said: 'No idea.'
We thought:
'You probably need a contract.'
I thought: 'That helps, because
then we'll reach more people.'
He sounded like a superhero and said:
'I'm going to try.
I'm going to try everything.'
It felt like an adventure,
from when he called until now.
We'll see what happens.
This is great.
- Like I'm selling cookies.
When Jason took us to Atlantic,
I was really glad in a way
because we had never been
with a major label before.
He also let me read the letter.
I thought: 'This is weird
because I'm not going to impress him
by reading that letter.'
As if someone is raising
the Spotify fee just like that.
The big record labels
can survive
because they have private deals with Spotify.
If you're not on a major label,
you only get 0.004 cents per play.
Unfortunately, we've noticed
that people prefer not to pay.
I've thought and talked
about it a lot.
The problem is that the value is missing.
Every kid growing up now
thinks it has no value
because it's free.
I wish it had gone
in a certain way.
I still had hope. I still had energy.
The band probably saw it differently.
Maybe they thought it wasn't possible.
I've faced a closed door
so many times.
And I had to keep pulling myself
out of it.
I don't take 'no' for an answer.
Talent is talent. They have it.
You just have to find the right people.
When we play,
it still feels good.
When you hear people
singing your words back to you
you hope your music helps them.
There is clearly something wrong when
your shows are sold out
in New York and LA,
and you tour all over the world
but you can't make minimum wage.
We toured for 'Bellevue'
for 18 months.
We had a million plays and made $4,000 in 18 months.
Nobody wants to work for free.
The word 'disrespectful' is terrible
but when you work your ass off and tour, you think: 'This feels wrong.
I give so much. I'm exhausted.'
I think many people
feel a deep desire
for something that can be their purpose.
That they think: 'I have to have it.'
I don't have that anymore, which is really nice.
It was painful wanting
the band to be successful.
And now I feel like
it's no longer in our hands.
We play every show as if
it's our last.
We need a change.
It's too much work.
We need to stop for a bit.
We don't know if we'll come back.
I don't know.
I don't think we'll never do it again,
but I don't know.
It's also liberating to
have no idea.
I know that feeling. I work a lot
and sometimes you're drained.
You're not bringing out the best in yourself.
They said: 'We need time.'
I think
everyone just needed to step away for a bit.
A year has passed.
The band started rehearsing again.
I don't know how to do this anymore.
Yes, you do. This is how I bring you your songs:
'They're these three chords.'
Yeah.
- It's working.
I see them writing on the spot.
I see how the song takes shape.
Everything had changed.
They're back. They got some rest.
A few band members went
on tour for a while.
They came back with songs.
We went into the studio.
It was unique.
That was a beautiful part of our journey.
I saw how it went:
'Fine, let's do it.'
After that break, when I came back,
they were ready.
Something like that. Cool.
- A little faster.
That was awesome.
How are you guys?
- How's it going?
A year has passed. Right?
- Almost.
Almost a year.
I'm curious
how everyone is doing now.
How do you feel?
I want to hear it from all of you.
And you're back together. You
haven't seen each other in a year.
Yeah.
- We got together a month ago.
We said: 'We're going to write again.'
Because of your generosity
and the chance to make another record.
It was weird, because in 2 weeks
we wrote 14 songs.
Usually it takes longer.
Usually it takes a month to
write five songs.
So it was
Something had to come out.
We needed to let something out.
We like to do
things differently.
We laughed a lot during rehearsals.
That's because
we let ourselves do things
that we wouldn't normally do.
It felt good to be that free.
I think everyone is looking forward to it.
The fact that it's been a year
since we were in Woodstock,
is incredible.
I can't believe
how fast time went by.
The past year has been crazy.
There was a lot of doubt. There was a lot of hope.
Dealing with the break was
very emotional.
It felt like a grieving process.
It felt like a divorce.
Very strange.
When we took a break,
I felt like a kid.
And now I feel like an adult.
I quickly realized that
this band means a lot to me.
It will always be important to me, but it was nice to realize
that there is a whole world outside the band.
The band is just like a relationship.
You lose yourself in it.
You forget what you are as an individual.
The break reminded me
why I love making things.
In my free time, I had time to
There were moments when I thought:
'Can I live without it?'
And I can't. I have to create something.
I get depressed if I only
consume other people's work.
I am driven by music.
That is the ultimate art form for me.
I use that to
inspire myself in every way.
I love music.
I got an idea
when I was talking to them.
'Can you do it one more time?
Let's try it one more time.
I don't know much about the industry
but maybe I can open doors
or find producers.
One more album.' They went for it.
When they agreed
I went all in, because
I believe in it. I believe in them.
Found it.
Where are we?
- Los Angeles, California.
What are you hoping to get out of this?
- Songs. Hopefully good ones.
An album we're proud of.
- Have you guys ever
nerves when you record a record?
Today I feel nothing,
but three days ago
I couldn't sleep.
I was experiencing the worst-case scenario.
All the songs were bad. So I
I've had my anxiety.
Now I feel zen
and ready to get to work.
- Me too. Just calm.
Did you have a spike in
I was a little nervous to
do this.
You know? Just a little
I have no idea what to expect.
Jeez.
I can on
It can be in the verse.
- Yeah, great.
I had an idea too.
Let's repeat 'end to it'.
'This is some Elvis Presley shit,
And I'm putting an end to it.'
Yeah, see for yourself. Let's try it.
'This is the end.'
'End to it.'
Should we do it again?
- We got it.
You can feel whether
an energy is good or bad.
We notice that right away.
When we walked in,
we said: 'Awesome.
This is perfect for us.'
We're recording at Sunset Sound,
the legendary studio.
Led Zeppelin did 'IV'.
The Stones did
'Let It Bleed' there.
And a few Van Halen albums.
Going to California to
record a record
just feels really good.
Alex and Dave hear something and say:
'Let's try this.'
They come up with an idea and you think:
'Where did this come from?'
We try not to judge.
We used to do that
when we were writing.
Then the base song wasn't good.
Now we finish the whole thing.
And maybe we'll review it
in a month.
When we listen to the songs
I know I do this all the time.
My head is nodding. I look around
and everyone is there.
We were sick of garage rock.
I listen to a lot of hip-hop.
I wanted
that unmistakable nodding feeling.
We achieved that with a few songs.
It's a wave of emotion.
We've been there for four days.
I went from 'This is amazing'
to an existential crisis.
I feel all kinds of things. They said
I shouldn't judge.
I just had to do it.
I'm a big fan of Dave.
His breakthrough as a producer was
a song by the band Wolfmother.
I listened to that constantly
when I was five years old.
That's the second time.
- That's right.
It's truly a relief.
It's nice when
the producers and engineers
support you and
give you confidence in your role.
It was a great experience
for everyone.
Awesome.
- So good.
This is our fourth time in the studio. I look at Macky, Nick or Kendall.
We know when it works or not.
You can feel it. It's a feeling.
The drums need to be tighter, fewer cymbals.
Agreed.
- Good.
It really needs to rock.
- Cool.
The last two felt good and
then it got complicated again.
It's cool to see how
we're growing as musicians.
Come on.
Come on.
- Yeah.
Where do you want to start?
- There's still a lot going on.
Let's start with
Let's do a vocal take.
I wanted
'Girl.' Right before the bridge.
'And when you fly around the world,
call me your fire-starting'
I want more power.
For 'girl'?
- Yeah, right when the beat hits.
The last time I saw you,
you were pregnant.
Were you six months pregnant then?
At the first recording sessions?
- Yeah.
In Woodstock?
- Yeah.
I was four months.
And when we recorded the album,
was I eight months?
Almost done.
- It was bizarre.
And now Ozzy
- Ozzy is two and a half months.
We've known each other for a year and a half now.
- Yeah.
On November 9th we were all here.
I made them come here.
We connected via Instagram
and lured them here.
'What have we gotten ourselves into?'
I was wearing
the same jacket then as I am today.
I wanted
- You had to do that, right?
Full circle.
Let's play it. What's it gonna be?
- Do you have a favorite?
I wanted to listen with you guys.
I've only heard one song.
I wanted to wait until I was with you.
Have you heard '50 Ft'?
- I haven't heard anything yet.
Wow, that is amazing.
That song alone was worth the trip.
- Totally agree.
That's my favorite. I'm glad
we were able to make that one.
'50 Ft' is playing now
What was your first reaction?
I want to do this. I want to do that.
I want to do this. That's how it went.
It feels like Bobby Lees.
- Yeah, it feels like The Bobby Lees.
It has that sound,
the rawness, the energy.
I think the fans are going to be thrilled.
Everyone knew this was coming.
It's great.
Did John tell you about Epitaph?
No.
- That label
There is a great label that
wants to release this record.
Who do they have?
- Is Epitaph
They have Weezer, Tom Waits.
- Tom Waits is on Epitaph, right?
A subsidiary of Epitaph is ANTI-.
ANTI-.
- And that is
Epitaph is the parent company.
The founder called John
and loved it.
On Monday we're going to
do a call with him and the president.
They booked a ticket
for me and John.
We're flying there on Wednesday
to meet them.
And John
- In LA?
Yeah, John lied and said:
'Four other labels are interested.
We want to decide this week.'
They said: 'You guys need to come soon.''
They put us on
Did John tell you what
you're going to do today?
That was a huge advantage for us.
- Huge.
They were enthusiastic.
- Yeah.
That's awesome.
- They are very good.
We can't celebrate yet
until it's certain.
Let's manifest this.
- Yeah.
Barry, this is Sam.
- Hi, Barry. Sam.
That's Eric. He's our lawyer.
It was weird,
because we sold a lot of vinyl.
When we perform,
we sell merchandise.
We've spoken to other bands.
That's where the real exchange happens.
The people keep coming.
They buy everything we have.
They want the new shirt, but
the streams are lagging behind.
We sell out a 500-person show.
Someone with 100 million streams
didn't draw the number of people
that we did with 20,000 streams.
That's weird.
There are artists who
can sell out a 1,000-capacity venue.
No seats, just
a 1,000-person room.
They sell
a lot of merchandise and vinyl records
but the streams are low.
They haven't figured it out yet.
I don't know why that is.
That also applies to
some of our artists.
We want change.
That's why
- Yeah.
That's why I love this project,
because the band is great.
It ticks all the boxes:
the songs, the records, the live shows
but streaming isn't working yet.
And so
Time will tell.
If it happens live
the streams will follow.
You do need a partner
to help you with that.
And I just want to say that
the new album
is truly a level up.
I like the rest of it too,
but the new album is stunning.
The timing is perfect.
It feels like everything is bubbling
and ready to go. That's what it feels like.
We do need help
to push through.
I can tell a million stories
about people
who work in the music industry
but who haven't done anything for us.
And then Jason gave us
this opportunity on a silver platter
to create something that he likes too.
I can't thank you enough
for this opportunity.
It feels amazing that
someone believes in us this much.
He doesn't just talk the talk,
he walks the walk.
He makes it happen.
He tries to help us.
That's the big difference between him
and a lot of other people.
That felt to me like
it was going well, right?
I would be shocked if
that wasn't the case.
We've been told things before
so we'll only be happy when it's real.
Apparently they're going to make an offer.
I believed him.
He's a musician in Bad Religion.
He's been through it.
He seems honest and I like Sue too.
It's a huge victory.
If you guys hadn't been here
there wouldn't have been any incentive to
come back
and make another record.
It's nice to hear that
We think the record is good.
That's the most important thing, but I didn't
know what a label would think of it.
It's different from our other work.
If they were on a major label,
which everyone expects
they'd probably get
chewed up and spit out.
Then they'd be even more miserable
than before you guys came along.
A label that puts the artist first,
run by Brett
who is a true punk rocker,
is the best place for them.
It feels like the best deal ever.
I want to cheer, but
until the offer comes, I have to
How do you feel, Brian?
Can you cheer yet?
I don't think I'm ever able to.
- Agreed.
I'm the last person
you should talk to.
Jason would cheer.
- He would definitely cheer.
The Bobby Lees signed to
Epitaph Records.
I'm curious how
people will react and dance to this.
When I come off the stage
and see a smile
or see how we've brought joy
to someone
I live to
make someone smile.
I go from city to city
and make people
connect with it.
That is a satisfying feeling.
I can't get enough of it.
I have to, no matter what
create something,
otherwise it feels like I'm going to die.
Not just with us,
but with many other bands.
It would be sad if
only TikTok pop remains.
That is a bleak culture.
I don't know what it means, but ever since I started making music
I've felt like
I'm working towards a purpose.
I went along with it because it drew me in.
Nothing came our way
that made us think:
'Now you can make a living from it.'
You gave us a huge gift, but we are one band.
There are so many good bands.
The model has to change.
There needs to be a turnaround.
I'm staying for the adventure
to see what's next.
To see an album
from start to finish
to direct it, to be a part of it
and to help them get signed to a label, that is wonderful.
And they deserve it.
They have something special.
I hope it happens to more bands.
I'm happy to be with my friends, and to see the new songs live.
It's important to
buy into the artist.
And the records.
I also buy the cassette,
because my car is old enough.
Music is a beautiful gift that
you can give to people.
Keep passing that on. Come here.
by : ibrahim