After releasing their latest album Blood Moon, Bad Blood stopped by The Current studio to talk with host Andrea Swensson on The Local Show. Led by singer-songwriter John Swardson, the band's album is the first to be released under Martin Devaney's new record label, Pig's Eye Records.

While Swardson didn't start playing music until his early twenties, he grew up with music. His dad was a music writer who helped edit his songs when he was first starting out, and he learned to not rush things when it came to his music.

"You find your voice, but it takes time." Swardson reflected.

One way Swardson said he has learned to be a better musician is by watching other local artists perform. You can often find him out listening to live music a couple times a week and he said there's a lot to learn from musicians in the Twin Cities.

"I'm inspired by everything," he said. "Every time I go out and see this music scene I'm just somewhat in awe of what the talent is and you can learn from any genre."

Throughout the album, Swardson said it was important to him to speak universally just about the different life experiences others may have and he hopes listeners will be able to relate to songs on the album.

"[I] just try and interpret them through my own life and figure them out but speaking in a way that hopefully [others] can relate to them and it means something to them as well," he said. Maybe they're thinking about how to express that sentiment and I can help through my songs."

Use the audio player above to listen to the full session.

Personnel

John Swardson
Bryan Hanna
Jason Murray
Michael Warren
Paul Odegaard

Songs performed

"Blood Moon"
"Lucky Man"
"Root for You"

Credits

Hosted by Andrea Swensson
Produced by Jesse Wiza
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Visuals by Mary Mathis
Web feature by Simone Cazares

Gallery

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