Interview with Stacey Dee of Bad Cop/Bad Cop Discusses New Album, Grief, and Motivations

Stacey Dee, the lead singer of Bad Cop/Bad Cop, recently sat down to discuss the band’s upcoming album, “Lighten Up.” After a five-year gap between albums, Dee delved into how the departure of co-founder Jennie Cotterill spurred the group to reinvent themselves. She touched on the personal themes of the new record, revealing that she was able to tap into her deepest emotions and experiences to create their most intimate album yet.

Known for their fierce anthems against injustice, Bad Cop/Bad Cop took a different approach with “Lighten Up.” Instead of channeling anger, Dee aimed for compassion and faced her grief with a new perspective. She acknowledged the challenges of revisiting past traumas but expressed that she was finally ready to explore the reasons behind the band’s strong personas in previous songs.

The band’s journey to this new record was not without obstacles. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, Bad Cop/Bad Cop released “The Ride,” preventing them from touring and connecting with fans as intended. Furthermore, the departure of founding member Jennie Cotterill in 2022 marked a significant change for the group. Despite these challenges, Dee slowly began writing new material in 2023, eventually leading to the creation of “Lighten Up.”

Collaborating with her boyfriend, Antoine Arvizu, as a producer, Dee embraced a new approach to songwriting for the album. The band worked together more closely, writing tracks from start to finish, a departure from their previous process. “Lighten Up” also marks the first record without the involvement of previous collaborators Fat Mike and Davey Warsop, adding to the evolution of their music.

Dee’s personal growth and newfound perspective played a significant role in shaping the album’s content. She bravely delved into her experiences with trauma and grief, translating them into raw and honest lyrics. The track “Dead Friends” stands out as a poignant tribute to friends she lost, reflecting on their impact on her life and the process of healing.

While “Lighten Up” explores more intimate themes, Dee emphasized that it still embodies the punk rock spirit of Bad Cop/Bad Cop. Despite shifting away from overtly political topics, Dee sees the album as a form of healing and connection. She expressed a desire to move beyond anger and sadness, embracing a more compassionate and reflective stance in the band’s music.

Overall, Stacey Dee’s insights shed light on the personal and musical journey that culminated in “Lighten Up.” As Bad Cop/Bad Cop prepares to share their latest work with the world, fans can anticipate a record that balances vulnerability with resilience, embodying the essence of punk rock with a newfound depth and compassion.