Badflower

Americas United States Hard Rock Alternative Rock

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Band Timeline

2015

Formation and Early Years as The Cartunes

Badflower's origins trace back to 2015 when music school students Josh Katz and Joey Morrow met in their Hollywood apartment building in Los Angeles. Initially forming a five-piece band called The Cartunes, they self-produced an EP in 2011. After losing some members, they reformed as a rock band under the name Badflower, recruiting Alex Espiritu and Anthony Sonetti to complete the lineup. They played several shows in Los Angeles, gaining attention from industry figures such as Lance Bass. Their live performance opening for Kongos was pivotal, leading to a signing with the independent label Hundred Handed.

2015

Debut Single and Touring

On March 4, 2015, Badflower released their debut single "Soap" under Hundred Handed Records, accompanied by a music video premiered on Loudwire. Shortly after, the band supported the Australian pop duo The Veronicas on a UK tour with sold-out shows, including a performance at London's Heaven. Returning to the US, they played showcases at significant music festivals such as SXSW in Austin and South by So What?! in Texas, supporting established acts like Circa Survive. Their early exposure included their song "Animal" being featured at New York Fashion Week, boosting their visibility in music and fashion circles.

2016

Major Label Signing and Release of Temper EP

In early 2016, Badflower caught the attention of John Varvatos and Republic Records through showcase performances, which led to signing with the major label John Varvatos/Republic Records on March 10. Unwilling to pause their creative momentum during negotiations, the band had independently started recording an album in their garage. The label embraced this nearly finished self-produced work, leading to the official release of their debut EP, "Temper," on November 4, 2016. The lead single, "Animal," released in September, gained significant traction on rock radio and streaming platforms, earning Badflower the title of Apple Music's Artist of the Week. This period marked their breakthrough into mainstream rock, with heavy rotation on SiriusXM Octane and topping local charts such as KROQ.

2018

Announcement and Lead Singles of Debut Album

In 2018, Badflower began promoting their debut studio album with the release of lead single "Ghost" on June 8. Subsequent singles "x ANA x" and "Heroin" were released in November and December respectively, building anticipation for the album. These singles showcased the band's emotive lyrical style and dynamic rock sound, positioning them for a wider audience reach. The band maintained active engagement with fans through music videos and live performances in support of the singles, setting the stage for their full album release.

2019

Debut Album 'OK, I'm Sick' Released and Critical Recognition

Badflower released their debut studio album "OK, I'm Sick" on February 22, 2019. The album debuted at number 140 on the US Billboard 200 chart, marking a significant commercial milestone. The album included the single "Promise Me," released just prior to the album launch. Produced mainly by Noah Shain with contributions from lead vocalist Josh Katz, the album's reception highlighted Badflower's ability to blend raw emotion and rock intensity. Loudwire recognized "OK, I'm Sick" as one of the 50 best rock albums of 2019, underscoring its impact within the rock genre and establishing the band as a notable presence in modern rock music.

2021

Second Album 'This Is How the World Ends' Released

Continuing their upward trajectory, Badflower released their second studio album "This Is How the World Ends" on September 24, 2021. This release further solidified the band's place in contemporary rock, featuring their characteristic mix of emotionally charged lyrics and powerful instrumentation. The album arrived two years after their debut and was anticipated by fans and critics alike, displaying growth in their musical style and thematic exploration. Through this album, Badflower continued to build their fanbase and maintain relevance in a competitive music landscape.

Albums

OK, I’M SICK

13 tracks

2019

This Is How the World Ends

13 tracks

2021

Sponsor content

Members

Current

Name

Begin

Occupation

Alex Espiritu

N/A

Bass guitar

Anthony Sonetti

N/A

Josh Katz & Joey Morrow

N/A

Josh Katz

N/A

Joseph Paul Morrow

N/A

Story of Badflower

Badflower: From Hollywood Apartments to Stadiums

Badflower, the LA-bred rock outfit, has stormed onto the music scene with a raw, unapologetic sound. The band, formed from the ashes of a previous project called Cartunes, is a tight-knit crew led by the fiery Josh Katz on vocals and guitar, joined by the blistering Joey Morrow on lead guitar, the groove-driven Alex Espiritu on bass, and the thunderous Anthony Sonetti on drums.

Their story began in 2008, when Katz and Morrow, both music school grads, crossed paths in their Hollywood apartment building. The duo clicked instantly, sharing a passion for creating music that pushed boundaries. Their first band, Cartunes, released an EP in 2011, but after a lineup change, they decided to forge a new path under the name Badflower.

Badflower's early gigs in Los Angeles, including a residency at The Key Club, helped them gain recognition. A standout performance opening for Kongos at The Troubadour caught the attention of industry veterans, leading to a deal with Hundred Handed Records. This partnership marked the beginning of their rise to prominence.

The band's raw energy, coupled with Katz's emotionally charged lyrics, resonated with audiences. Their self-produced debut EP "Temper" in 2016 even earned them the coveted "Artist of the Week" title from Apple Music, showcasing their undeniable talent.

In 2019, Badflower unleashed their debut studio album, "OK, I'm Sick", a sonic explosion of angst and vulnerability that cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with. Their second album, "This Is How The World Ends," dropped in 2021, further solidifying their status as a modern rock powerhouse.

Badflower’s journey from Hollywood apartments to stadium stages is a testament to their unwavering passion, talent, and connection with their fans. They are a band unafraid to challenge norms, exploring the darker corners of human emotion through their music. With each release, they continue to push the boundaries of rock, ensuring their name will be etched in the history books for years to come.