Josh Katz from Badflower opens up about the therapeutic power of music in their latest album, “No Place Like Home”.
Josh Katz, the lead vocalist of Badflower, recently shared his thoughts on the band’s new album, No Place Like Home, in a candid interview that delved deep into the emotional journey of creating the record. For Katz, the process of making music is more than just a craft; it’s a form of therapy. “This is truly therapy for me. I haven’t found the right therapist…but doing all of this is actually really good,” he expressed, highlighting the personal significance that music holds for him.
The album, set to release this Friday, represents a raw and honest expression of self, with tracks like “Pause” and “What’s the Point” serving as emotional outlets that allowed Katz to release pent-up feelings and confront difficult realities. Despite aiming for therapeutic outcomes, Katz admitted that the process was challenging and often required him to navigate creative barriers brought about by the band’s growing success. “There’s never a point where you’re like, ‘I’ve made it, now I can just chill.’ It doesn’t exist,” he mused, shedding light on the continuous pressure to innovate and evolve as an artist.
Collaborating with producer Nick Raskulinecz for the first time provided Badflower with a fresh perspective, allowing Katz to explore different approaches to music production. While Katz initially welcomed Raskulinecz’s input to kickstart the album, he eventually reclaimed creative control to steer the project in a direction that resonated with his vision. The band’s decision to work with Raskulinecz stemmed from his family witnessing Badflower’s performance opening for Incubus and subsequently urging him to collaborate with the band, underlining the serendipitous nature of artistic partnerships.
The album is not devoid of personal tribulations, as exemplified by the poignant track “Paws,” inspired by Katz’s deep grief over the loss of his dog, Maggie. Emotional undertones and heartfelt storytelling are interwoven throughout the record, with songs like “Don’t Be a Stranger” showcasing Katz’s narrative prowess and his inclination towards conveying poignant stories through music.
In his serene countryside abode outside Nashville, Katz found solace amidst nature, sharing his home with horses and a remarkable ten cats, alongside a community that boards retired movie horses on their property. Reflecting on the album’s title track, Katz explained that it serves as a thematic prelude that establishes the album’s emotional landscape and his current state of mind.
As Badflower prepares to hit the road for shows with 311 and Three Days Grace, Katz expressed excitement about sharing new tracks with audiences, indicating a dynamic live performance that incorporates their latest material. Avoiding a traditional album release tour, the band aims to infuse their upcoming shows with fresh energy and musical offerings, showcasing the evolution that defines No Place Like Home.