INTERVIEW: Bite Me Bambi step into ‘Hot Lava’ for latest music video
Photo: Bite Me Bambi, fronted by Tahlena Chikami, have a new song out called “Hot Lava.” Photo courtesy of the band / provided by Earshot Media with permission.
Bite Me Bambi, with one of the coolest band names around, come from Orange County, California, where they have been busily making music and gigging around town. They can be classified a number of different ways, but it seems that ska rises to the top — perhaps with a little pop and maybe some punk thrown in for good measure. They embrace it all — and have a fun time doing so.
Bite Me Bambi is fronted by Tahlena Chikami, who has also had a successful career as an actor. Throughout its history, the band has opened for the likes of Reel Big Fish, Fishbone and the Toasters, among others.
Their new song is called “Hot Lava,” and they recently recorded a music video showcasing their sound for an ever-growing audience. They promise the tune will be a welcome respite during these difficult days.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Chikami about her band and her music. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
Has the coronavirus pandemic disrupted the band’s schedule at all?Everyone safe and healthy?
We’ve been very lucky that everyone is healthy. It’s hard with a ska band. There’s seven of us, so getting in one room to make anything happen is off the table. We’re just trying to stay creative and get some fun content out to our fans.
What inspired the song ‘Hot Lava’?
There’s no single event that inspired ‘Hot Lava,’ but it definitely comes out of my teenage years. It’s a song about convincing someone to take a chance on you and showing them you can be great together.
When did you first fall in love with punk and ska?
My musical taste totally comes from my parents. I grew up in a house always playing things like Oingo Boingo, the English Beat, Green Day, etc. I’ve always been in love with it. I didn’t really have a choice.
Does Orange County have a strong music scene?
The Orange County ska scene is one of my favorite parts about playing ska. People are so inclusive and welcoming. We’re very tight knit. I think there’s a lot of great music coming out of the OC. We might not be as big as back in 1995, but we’re just as mighty!
What’s a Bite Me Bambi concert like?
We’ve tried to make our stage show high energy and exciting. We want you to be entertained and to forget your cares from the real world for a couple hours. Lots of dancing! We want to see you skank!
Where did the band come up with its name?
The name comes from the early 2000s movie Josie and the Pussycats. It was the film that inspired me to want to be a musician as a kid. It’s got three kickass chicks playing punk rock music. I was hooked. One of the characters says, ‘Oh, bite me Bambi!’ I brought it to the guys, and they approved. We’ve been BMB ever since.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Bite Me Bambi’s new single is “Hot Lava.” Click here for more information.
