Ep. 246: Tahlena Chikami discusses Bite Me Bambi’s “Bad Boyfriend”

Chris DeMakes A Podcast

Chris DeMakes

Music History, Music Commentary, Music, Music Interviews

4.9 • 923 Ratings

🗓️ 24 February 2025

⏱️ 74 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Tahlena Chikami of Bite Me Bambi sits in this week to break down the writing and recording of their 2024 single "Bad Boyfriend," a song inspired by friends' relationship woes and brought to life with the help of producer Cameron Webb. She and Chris discuss the evolution of ska, the challenge of keeping songs fresh in an era of short attention spans, and the importance of specificity in lyrics to create a relatable story. Tahlena also shares insights on maintaining a live feel in recordings, the role of gang vocals in audience engagement, and the collaborative process behind their album Eat This. From the joys and struggles of touring to the creative freedom that fuels authentic songwriting, this conversation is packed with insights for ska fans and songwriters alike. Chris DeMakes A Podcast is brought to you by DistroKid, the ultimate partner for taking your music to the next level. Get 30% off your first YEAR with DistroKid by signing up at http://distrokid.com/vip/demakes For bonus episode of The After Party podcast, an extensive back catalog of past After Party episodes, early ad-free releases of new episodes of Chris DeMakes A Podcast, full video versions of episodes, and MUCH more, head to the Patreon at http://www.ChrisDeMakes.com Follow Chris DeMakes A Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisdemakesapodcast/ Join the Chris DeMakes A Podcast community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2643961642526928/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	This episode is brought to you by Distro Kid.
0:02.8	Does it ever feel like you're a marketing professional just speaking into the void?
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0:26.7	campaign, go to LinkedIn.com slash lead to claim your credit. Terms and conditions apply.
0:44.6	Hey everybody. Today's guest is Talina Chikami, lead vocalist for the Orange County California ska punk band, Bite Me Bambi.
0:47.8	Together we break down the writing, recording, and inspiration behind their fan favorite
0:52.3	single, Bad Boyfriend, taken from their 2025 full-length album,
0:57.3	ate this.
0:59.0	Bad Boyfriend is exactly what you think it's about,
1:01.8	but it wasn't Talena's boyfriend.
1:04.0	She mentioned that two of her friends were dating guys
1:06.3	who were the epitome of bad boyfriends.
1:09.2	The music for this one was demoed first.
1:11.6	And when it came time for the lyrics, the band, along with producer Cameron Webb,
1:16.1	agreed that the song needed something both literal and at the same time had to hit you over
1:21.4	the head.
1:22.3	And it does just that.
1:24.0	It's two minutes and 37 seconds of pure ska fun.
	...

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