Atlanta punk up-and-comers Upchuck are set to make waves with their upcoming album I’m Nice Now, out October 3rd via Domino Records. Fusing elements of metal, psychedelic, and hardcore, the record captures the band’s raw energy and fearless creativity. Vocalist TK discusses the album’s theme of preservation amid chaos, its live-to-tape production approach, and the experience of working once again with producer Ty Segall. The conversation also explores Upchuck’s new partnership with Domino Records and their forthcoming European and U.S. tour.
Welcome to Upchuck
Hi, TK. Welcome to Femme Metal Webzine. Thank you for joining me here today. I want to ask you, how are you, and how is this period treating you with all the promotion and the new album coming out?
I’m very good. Furthermore, I’m glad to be back for a little bit. I’m just stoked that we were finally able to push this out. It’s all part of the process, and I’m just stoked to have everyone.
The new album of Upchuck – I’m Nice Now
I know that I’m Nice Now is to be released via Domino Records on October 3rd. I wanted to ask you a little bit about the album’s general production and conception—when you started to collect the first ideas for it.
Actually, I would say it’s about a level of preservation. There’s so much shit being thrown at us constantly. I feel like there isn’t a day when something is going to shit, and that’s meant to break us down and make us feel defeated. I think that’s why the title is important; I’m trying to preserve myself to continue to deal with this day-to-day shit.
The power of preservation
You said, “I feel like I can take a breath in a way, but it’s the dirty air, but at least I can breathe”. These are important words if I put them in perspective.
Yeah, I think that’s what I was saying earlier. It’s still shitty, especially in the States, and it’s only getting worse. But because I’m preserved, I’m trying not to be defeated.
Recording live with minimal overdubs
Yeah, you know, this album was also recorded live to tape with minimal overdubs. That’s almost unheard of nowadays because people love going to the studio where everything is digital. When I listened to the album and read that, I thought, “That’s great.” Almost nobody has attempted to do that, so it feels more honest than ever and also challenging. My congratulations.
Thank you. It felt natural each time. I don’t know why we did it, but we’re pretty chaotic ourselves. The writing process is a lack of organization, now that I think about it.
Upchuck debuts with Domino Records
“I’m Nice Now” also marks your debut with Domino Records. I wanted to ask how Upchuck came in contact with them and how the new collaboration adventure is treating you so far.
Our manager, Cyrus, was the main person behind this. We were with him on his old record label, but he had worked for Domino Publishing. We were talking about how sick it would be to be on Domino Records’s roster.
He did it, and Lawrence came to see our worst show. The sound man came up to us right before we went on, and the show sounded like shit. It’s funny, but they gave us a chance and saw us in Florida. It’s been sick; everyone comes to our shows and helps us out with logistics and everything. I feel like that’s a crazy weight lifted. I know it’s new for us, but I don’t feel overwhelmed.
The upcoming tour for Upchuck
Furthermore, I also know you have a big tour in Europe, consisting of the UK, and also shows in the US. It’s a lot, and it’s almost impossible for me to remember everything. What are you looking forward to most? I saw Berlin, Copenhagen, Manchester, and Amsterdam—it’s a big, extensive tour.
I think I’m most stoked for Copenhagen and Berlin because we’ve never played there before. Not only that, but I have a friend who lives in Berlin, so it’s going to be a good time.
Working with Ty Seagull
I was about to ask you about I’m Nice Now being produced with Ty Seagull. What was it like to work with him, and what’s the main lesson you’ve taken from the experience?
Honestly, I think what makes it sick is that he allows us a lot of freedom and morphs whatever we do to take it to another level of professionalism. He’s great to work with, and it was sick to work with him again. It felt like we were picking up where we left off. We only had 10 days to record. It was difficult to maintain that live factor. He would use strange tactics to keep us focused, but they were fun. I love working with Ty.