The members of Bug Bath describe themselves as playing “big guitar music,” so it’s only right that their guitar lines and pulverizing chord-playing are front and center in every song. Whether it’s faster alternative punk (“Closer 2 U”) or more poppy rock (“Every Moment is Pain”), the band navigates a guitar-forward approach to many genres by bringing a consistent, distinct singing style that has hints of emo and pop stylings. For more info, check out bugbath.bandcamp.com. Bug Bath is set to open up for Scowl, Militarie Gun and Big Laugh at the Holland Project on Friday, Oct. 20. Tickets are $20. For more information, visit hollandreno.org. Lead vocalist/guitarist Brigdon Markward of Bug Bath is the latest to answer The Lucky 13.
What was the first concert you attended?
Warped Tour, 2010 or 2011. I told my parents I was watching movies at my friend Gunnar’s house, but we convinced his parents to drive us. It was a hugely pivotal moment in my young life. I vividly remember watching The Wonder Years at, like, noon, and I’m pretty sure A Day to Remember and The Devil Wears Prada headlined.
What was the first album you owned?
The first album I ever bought was Jimmy Eat World’s self-titled CD when I was in seventh grade or so. I was listening to a lot of Fall Out Boy and Paramore at the time, and both bands cited Jimmy Eat World as their biggest influence, so I was like, I’ve got to listen to them.
What bands are you listening to right now?
Swirlies, Polvo, Hotline TNT, Ex Pilots, Momma, Dogbreth, Red House Painters and Mo Troper.
What artist, genre or musical trend does everyone love, but you don’t get?
I’m going to sound like an old head, but musicians, more specifically guitarists, I guess, who never leave their room and record videos for content. Go make some friends; go play a show. I don’t want to know what “Vampire” (by Olivia Rodrigo) would sound like as a Deftones song.
What musical act, current or defunct, would you most like to see perform live?
Defunct: Red House Painters. Active: Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Last year, I caught Grouper and Land of Talk, which were both previously near the top of my list.
What’s your favorite musical guilty pleasure?
Not even guilty, really, but I love early 2000s guitar pop à la Michelle Branch, JoJo, etc. It’s really cathartic and well-written, emotionally charged pop music. I’ll call it like Disney Channel rock (nonderogatory), and I like current artists doing this, too, à la Beabadoobee, Olivia Rodrigo or even Sun Spots from Seattle.
What’s your favorite music venue?
The Holland Project has been incredibly influential to me as an artist and a person. I moved to Reno at 18 and started going to and playing shows at Holland. I’ve made some of my best friends, and discovered all my favorite music in one form or another, through Holland. All the bands that are going to headline festivals or open for your favorite band in a year or two are playing there right now.
What’s the one song lyric you can’t get out of your head?
I’ve had “You Belong With Me” by Taylor Swift stuck in my head for at least a week, maybe two.
What band or artist changed your life? How?
Maybe Surf Curse. I started listening to that band when I moved to Reno circa 2013 or so, and I didn’t even know Nick (Rattigan), who was my station manager at Wolf Pack Radio at the time, was the singer. It was kind of the first time I’d known someone in a band that I actually enjoyed listening to, and could go see whenever. It’s really cool seeing your friends, and people who come from DIY, go from basements to stadiums.
You have one question to ask one musician. What’s the question, and who are you asking?
I’d ask Bijou (Bell, Bug Bath’s bassist) if she wants to grab boba.
What song would you like played at your funeral?
“5 Million Intro” by Gucci Mane.
Figurative gun to your head, what is your favorite album of all time?
Ovens’ self-titled album. It’s a triple or quadruple album, but all the songs are like a minute long. I’ve probably listened to this album more than any other
What song should everyone listen to right now?
“The Morning of Our Lives” by Jonathan Richman and the Modern Lovers.