Bad Keys of The Mountain | Interview | “Everyday”
David McGuire, Joey Lafferty, and Jason Reese have spent the past six years recreating their Appalachian coming of age stories.
Together, they’ve crafted two albums full of 60s meets 90s alternative rock twinged with bluegrass. While working on their third record, they stumbled upon the jaunting, beautiful ballad ‘Everyday.’
The beauty of ‘Everyday’ rests in its simplicity. Driven by a lilting piano groove, the song’s sonic leanings mimic the ska-twinged pop of writers like Harry Nilsson or Paul McCartney. It’s a reimagining of the optimistic rock and roll of the swinging 60s for the modern era. And in a time of unrest and unchecked greed, ‘Everyday’ rushes in like a summer breeze. It’s difficult to feel anything but happy while listening to this song. With additional background vocals by friends Justin Puett and Eric Robbins as well as organ and orchestration from MacLean Entwhistle, ‘Everyday’ was very much a community effort. Working with the band, those folks helped to create a sonic palette that feels welcoming and intimate yet massive.
West Virginia has been a hub of interesting and eclectic music for years. Maybe there’s something in those mountain streams. Bad Keys of the Mountain are joining in the long tradition of WV bands that hearken to the past to inform the present. While ‘Everyday’ may fit right in on an early 70s playlist, there’s a modern twist here that feels appropriate for these times. We look back so we can look ahead, ain’t that right?
“I don’t have that kind of attachment to stuff I write”
How do you feel ‘Everyday’ compares to the songs on your previous albums?
It’s more deliberate. For me the challenge is getting the recording to match the sound in my head. This is the closest that I’ve gotten so far. Sonically, it’s the best sounding thing that we’ve done. The mix and mastering were done at Abby Road Studios and they did an amazing job.
Can we expect more songs like this on your third album?
No, not in this style. We have 4 songs completed, and 3 more almost finished. They are all different. But the approach is the same. We’ve taken our time to craft this batch of songs.
What is the scene like in Charleston, WV?
Honestly, I think we feel kinda removed from it. It’s a small town with a small scene. It has its ups and downs. Our focus over the past few years has been on recording music.
What do you hope listeners take away from ‘Everyday?’
I don’t have that kind of attachment to stuff I write. I would like to think the listener can appreciate the crafting of the song, but as far as any kind of message, that’s up to them.
When can we expect more music?
We have enough songs to put out an album, but for now we have just been releasing singles. There should be at least one or two more released this year.
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