Interview: Bite Me Bambi

Bite Me Bambi has been lighting up the modern ska scene with their infectious energy, irresistible hooks, and signature blend of ska, pop-punk, and rocksteady. Their latest album, Eat This, is packed with upbeat rhythms, sharp songwriting, and undeniable charisma, proving once again why they’re one of the most exciting bands in the genre today.

We sat down with Tahlena and Mike B to talk about the making of Eat This, songwriting and composing process, and the influences that shaped the record. From ska and pop-punk roots to unexpected inspirations, they gave us an inside look at the heart and soul of Bite Me Bambi.

Order Eat This HERE

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Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions. How have you been?

We’ve been great. Thanks for asking.

Eat This seems like a bold statement, both as a title and as a musical direction. What does this album represent for you as a band?

Tahlena: Eat This is us showing where we’ve been and who we are becoming. It’s writing the music we want to write and not apologizing for it. It represents a big step forward for the band, and with it being our first full length it’s a way of showing people we’re here to stay.

You’ve mentioned that this album is about embracing who you are without fitting into a specific mold. How did that mindset influence the songwriting and recording process?

Tahlena: That mindset allowed us the freedom to express ourselves in a fuller way than ever before. We took more risks, and we created something that we’re really proud of.

Can you walk us through the creative process for a Bite Me Bambi song? Does it start with a melody, a lyric, or a jam session?

Tahlena: Well we’re really lucky to have such fantastic writers and musicians around us, both in the band and in our extended network, so the songs can come from anywhere.

How did working with Cameron Webb shape the sound of Eat This? What did he bring to the table that surprised or challenged you?

Tahlena: Cameron Webb brought a level of experience and insight to the process that we really needed. He pushed us all to be the best versions of ourselves in the studio, and I wouldn’t be the musician I am without him.

The album has some fiercely independent themes, particularly in tracks like “Do The Damned” and “Too Many People.” Were there any specific experiences that fueled those lyrics?

Tahlena: 2024 was a year of big personal change in my life and I decided to not make apologies for the person I am anymore. I found a new freedom that I could pour into this album and these lyrics, and I hope that when people grow a connection with these songs, it might empower to feel the same way.

Ska and pop-punk have always been at the heart of your sound, but there’s a clear evolution in this album. Were there any unexpected influences that found their way into these songs?

Tahlena: Our influences are broad and ever changing, so even though people might try to pigeon hole us, we always write what we feel is best at the time.

You’ve collaborated with legends like Lee “Scratch” Perry and Dirty Walt of Fishbone. What did you take away from working with artists who helped define ska and reggae?

Tahlena: To never stop writing, to always stay open to inspiration.

“Gaslighters Anthem” had input from Jason Hammon of Dance Hall Crashers. What was it like collaborating with him, and how did that song evolve?

Tahlena: Collaborating with Jason was great, I loved working with him. Without DHC there would be no BMB. Gaslighters anthem started as an unused DHC demo from 1998, where Jason built the foundations for us to be able to add the rest of the song. We’re grateful to him and we love how it came out!

Bite Me Bambi is known for high-energy performances. How do you translate that live show magic into the studio when recording an album?

Tahlena: It’s all about the performance. Working with people you trust such as Cameron Webb, really enables you to capture the magic of the moment. It’s really important to us as a band that our music translates live and is authentic both in the studio, and on the stage.

You’ve built a strong connection with fans through Twitch and Patreon. How has that direct engagement influenced the music you create?

Tahlena: To be honest it’s been amazing to have such a strong connection with our very supportive fanbase.

The band has been part of some incredible live lineups, from Fishbone to Voodoo Glow Skulls. What’s the most memorable show you’ve played, and why?

Tahlena: Seattle at the Crocodile with Fishbone and Lynval Golding came out and performed Gangsters with us. It was a real pinch me moment.

With Eat This being such a defining album for Bite Me Bambi, what’s next? Are there any big tour plans or collaborations on the horizon?

Tahlena: No one that we can tell you about yet, but keep your eyes peeled!

The Orange County ska and punk scene has such a deep history. How do you see Bite Me Bambi’s role in keeping that spirit alive and pushing it forward?

Mike B: We are definitely a product of all the bands that came before us from Southern California …we dont take that lineage litely and were proud to be in the same conversation.  

As a collective we would like to be considered a band who will add a Chapter to the great story of the Southern California music scene and with any luck we can add something new so that another band will come along one day and site Bambi as an influence, like so many of the bands that came before us did for our band.   

The message of this album is unapologetic self-acceptance. If there’s one thing you want listeners to take away from Eat This, what would it be?

Mike B – To have a fierce commitment to being your own genuine self.  The niceties and fakeness that are propagated so easily in our collective and individual online personas will not serve you.  Do what you love and show up in your life in a way that you could be proud. 

Finally, in true Bite Me Bambi fashion, if you had to describe this album in one word, what would it be?

Tahlena: Sexy