Image via Complex Original
There’s a good chance that the last time you were cruising around town listening to the radio or circumnavigating a supermarket that has a functioning intercom, Jack Antonoff’s music was playing through the speakers. As lead guitarist for the band fun., he has helped craft some hugely successful hit songs in the past few years. If there’s one thing that his track record proves, it’s that the man is not afraid of hooks. Like the kind of hooks that landed him gigs writing for Taylor Swift. In fact, the pair worked so well together that they’re now pals, excitedly sharing new song ideas with each other.
With his new project, Bleachers, Antonoff has aimed his unabashedly infectious tunes straight at the heart of anyone who’s had a teenage pop-and-punk-soundtracked romance. Strange Desire is an ambitious record that quickly extinguishes any question to whether or not Bleachers is simply a fun. side project. The album’s cinematic scale, synth-heavy timbre, and soul-bearing content would be a fitting soundrack to any John Hughes flick.
Whether you’re just acquainting yourself with the band for the first time, or you’ve been an Antonoff fan for years, here’s a look at 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Bleachers.
The Band Was a Total Secret
While on tour with fun., Antonoff secretly worked on his own tunes. He’d knock out an idea on his laptop before sound check and maybe do a vocal take in the hotel room later that night. Practically no one, aside from his family, knew he was working on what would become Bleachers until shortly before the album came out. As Antonoff told us, “The album was recorded, mixed, all artwork done, and tour dates booked before anyone knew the project existed.”
They Played Their First Show Ever in March
The time it took for Bleachers to go from having a (still secret) finished record to a headlining North American tour was extremely short. Bleachers played their first show ever, like ever, just this past March. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind year for Antonoff and his band.
Yoko Ono Is Featured on the Album
According to Antonoff, “Yoko Ono came to the studio and did 20 minutes of spoken word, noises, and singing.” Then, he says, “I took the session to bed that night and cut the song [‘I’m Ready to Move On/Wild Heart Reprise’] together.” This is one of those classic rock ’n’ roll studio stories that eventually ends up in a biopic years later.
Most of the Record Was Recorded on the Road, Around the World
Many artists say that songwriting on the road is nearly impossible. Logistical chaos, wild schedules, and constant prep for shows often get in the way of the creative process. But it didn’t stop Antonoff from doing exactly that for the Bleachers album. “Most of the record was recorded in bed, on a plane, on the bus, or in a hotel room,” he explained. Not only that, but Antonoff was playing guitar for one band while writing for another. We’re impressed.
They Performed on "Conan" with the “Lil’ Bleachers”
Just the other week, the band made a quick stop along their Strange Desire world tour to perform on Conan. It wasn’t your average performance. Kids dressed exactly as the band accompanied Bleachers on stage, even mimicking the searing dueling guitar solos in the single “Rollercoaster.” This is heartwarming stuff, people.
Jack’s Dog, Lamby, Is Sampled Throughout the Album
This one’s pretty self-explanatory, though definitely not expected. Next time you’re listening to Strange Desire, see if you can count all the samples of his trusted companion. What we really want to know, though, is what kind of sweet royalty cut Lamby negotiated.
Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode Co-Produced the Record
If you want some synth pop street cred, just call up Vince Clarke of Depeche Mode and have him co-produce your record, along with titan pop producer John Hill. Even working entirely remotely, as Clarke did, he was able to help Antonoff craft an impressive album.
RZA Remixed “I Wanna Get Better”
As if songwriting for Taylor Swift and working with Vince Clarke wasn’t enough, RZA was tapped to remix “I Wanna Get Better.” Bobby Digital adds his signature twisted production take on this otherwise straight-up pop track.
It Took a Month to Figure Out the Live Set
In today’s world of music production, it can take some serious work to translate an album from the recorded product to a killer live show. According to Antonoff, it took Bleachers “a full month of band rehearsals to get the live show in order.” In fact, they have so much equipment that they have to travel with their own soundboards.
They’re Already Working on New Music
While plenty of people would be down to just coast after having a successful debut release, Antonoff is staying true to form by keeping up an impressively unrelenting pace. According to a recent Reddit AMA, Antonoff surprised fans by coyly revealing that new music is on the way, potentially including covers by other artists of songs from Strange Desire.