Dive Into the Multi-Faceted Mind of Bad Snacks

Multi-talented artist Bad Snacks swung by to chat about her earliest musical influences, her latest EP, what’s on the horizon, and more.

The scene is full of DJs and producers who are looking to make their break, but few have added even more aspects to their growing legacies to stand tall in the crowd. Bad Snacks is one of those artists, as beyond her skills in the studio and behind the decks, she does everything under the sun—from playing multiple instruments to helping educate other aspiring artists and curious fans alike.

Originally from Boston but now living in Los Angeles, Bad Snacks has continued to carve out space for herself in the scene with each passing year. Listeners have quickly fallen in love with her unique style that is dripping with influences from lo-fi, yet leans into her skills as a violinist while delivering driving basslines from her dance side simultaneously. This can be prominently heard on her latest EP, MIDNIGHT, which features seven fresh tunes that double as a soundtrack to the slumber party of her dreams.

Bad Snacks has also impressed on the performance side of the spectrum, performing live with a violin to showcase her lush soundscapes in the best way possible. Not only has she graced the stage at Red Rocks, but she has also performed at iconic venues like El Rey and The Ogden Theatre, among others.

Bad Snacks has an upcoming DJ set, opening for Dolphin Hyperspace at The Echo in Los Angeles on September 17, but before she performs, we jumped at the chance to chat with her. Read on for the full conversation, and give her exclusive mix a spin on SoundCloud for a taste of her style.

Stream EDMID Guest Mix 476 || Bad Snacks on SoundCloud:

You’re not just a DJ and producer, but you’re a multi-instrumentalist as well. Turning back the clock, what sparked your fascination with music and helped guide you to a path to become an artist early on?

I started violin at a super early age, so in this funny way, I actually have no concept of a life that doesn’t revolve around music. However, I would say that my spark for writing songs really hit when I was a teenager and was introduced to artists like Radiohead and Björk. Then I was really hit with a spark when I started getting into producing after being introduced to artists like Flying Lotus, Bibio, Bonobo, and Tokimonsta.

It wasn’t until a few years ago that you started to DJ, and you’ve already been stunning crowds with your hybrid performances that include you playing the violin. Did it feel natural to incorporate this instrument into your sets? How has it changed your overall approach to DJing?

For sure! I actually never really learned how to DJ without the violin being a part of it, to be honest. These days, I feel much more confident in my ability as a DJ, but I think I always felt like I was bringing something special and unique when I brought the violin out. Without the violin, I think my sets are usually a lot more groove-focused, but with the violin, there’s a lot more melodic storytelling and real moments of tension and release.

In the post where you told the story behind your start to DJing, you mentioned that learning to do that helped further your knowledge as a producer. Can you elaborate on that? Was there a breakthrough moment that transitioned to your work in the studio?

Totally – after I started DJing, I really started to hear my own music super differently. I think about putting sets together as a puzzle piece, and what pieces work well on top of each other, like a short melodic hook or a cool percussive element. I also learned a lot more about the power of a moment where there’s no beat, no drums, just atmosphere and build. I’ve been leaning into that a lot more lately.

You worked with Nicole McCabe on “show me how u do it!” and her saxophone solo is incredible. Can you share the story behind how you two came to team up on this track?

Nicole is such a beast. We had been in contact mostly online, and her vibe is just so good – I went to a show of hers and was so blown away that I ended up hitting her up, saying “I have a track I think you could rip on”. She did, indeed, rip.

Your forthcoming EP, MIDNIGHT, just dropped. You described it as a sonic picture of your dream slumber party scenario. What sonic elements did you find yourself exploring and utilizing the most to help create these soundscapes?

I really wanted to capture the dynamic of the slumber party of my dreams – moments where it feels light and energetic, and moments that reflect the kind of real heart-to-heart conversations that sometimes leave you feeling like you’ve changed for the better. So sonically, I would say it’s more in terms of styles and moods – things that feel upbeat and sparkly, but also things that feel strong and lush.

Just for fun, to build off the EP’s concept – if you could invite anyone to the party, who would be at the top of your list, and why?

This is going to be an insane answer, but Padma Lakshmi (like the Top Chef host) would be incredible to hang out with for a night. The food would be incredible, the fashion would be sublime, the energy would be divine, and I’m so sure I would learn a solid life lesson or two.

As someone who has taught others how to make music, if you could give aspiring artists one piece of advice to further their path, what would it be?

Transcribe. Transcribe everything. Chords, drum patterns, sound design, arrangement, everything you can. And then when you’ve transcribed a lot, stop listening to other people and figure out what makes you, you. Keep doing that a bunch forever!!

If you weren’t already doing enough, you also host The Sauce Factory podcast. What’s been your favorite aspect of this series, and where do you hope to take it next?

I love, love, love TSF as this ongoing project because it really gives me the excuse to interview and pick the brains of people, mostly friends [laughs], that I admire so very much. It’s also a real hoot; we do some pretty fun games. I hope to keep expanding it into a regular thing because, to be honest, I love being able to put my talented friends in the spotlight.

Finally, what are some of your dreams that you hope to achieve in the future? Could we see a live tour in the future?

Oh, so many dreams! The primary one is to see the home music thing (aka the “comfortable house” that I tend to write) find more of a home with people who resonate. I know there are so many chiller supremes out there who enjoy dancing to groovy music and being in good company. I want to make that more of a thing. As for a live tour, that’s still in the works, but I do have a few one-offs throughout the rest of this year.