Hailing from the hills of Charleston, WV, Bad Keys of the Mountain continues to refine their signature blend of vintage rock and heartfelt storytelling with their latest release, Everyday. Rooted in the timeless sounds of the 60s and 70s yet shaped by the rugged experiences of Appalachia in the 90s and early 2000s, the trio—composed of David McGuire (guitarist/singer/songwriter), Joey Lafferty (bass), and Jason Reese (drums)—has cultivated a sound that is as authentic as it is engaging.
Everyday represents a high water mark for the band, both musically and lyrically. Written by David McGuire, the song channels the influence of legends like Harry Nilsson and Paul McCartney, blending intricate melodies with seamless harmonies. It’s a track that explores the tension between electric and acoustic textures, creating a soundscape that’s both rich and dynamic. McGuire’s introspective songwriting shines through, delivering a message of resilience and acceptance. With its themes of faith and perseverance, Everyday resonates as a gentle reminder that, no matter what challenges arise, there is always a path forward.
We sat down with David from Bad Keys to learn more about the single, plans going forward and much, much more, exclusively for FLEX!
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Your music draws from the bands of the 60s and 70s, filtered through your experiences in Appalachia during the 90s and early 2000s. How do these diverse influences shape your sound?
I honestly don’t know. I don’t think consciously that we have any Appalachian influences musically. I’m sure growing up here it probably is absorbed unconsciously. The main influence I can see it having is on the subject matter of some of the songs. My experience in 90’s and early 2000’s in Appalachia was filtered through the opioid epidemic. I got swept up in it right at the beginning in 1993. I’m just grateful to have found recovery and the other side of all that.
How did Bad Keys of the Mountain come together, and what’s the story behind your band name?
We had all played in various projects over the years and admired each other’s playing. And stylistically, we have some common taste. As far as the band name, it’s nothing more than random pairing of words that seemed interesting at the time. Plus, I guess it was a nod to our area.
You’re currently completing your third album. What can fans expect from this upcoming release?
This is the first time that we have given ourselves the time and space to really experiment. We’re recording close to home with Greg McGowan at his studio Rose City Recording. So I think sonically, there are a lot more deliberate things going on.
“Everyday” is described as a high water mark for the band, drawing inspiration from Harry Nilsson and Paul McCartney. Can you share more about the creative process behind this track?
I think the chord progression was something I had on guitar. I’d just started playing piano relatively recently. I was going back and just trying out some old ideas on the piano and it fell into place. My song writing process isn’t really that thought out. The initial idea anyway. It’s almost like looking at a cloud and the giving the shape meaning.
What was the recording and writing process like for it?
The writing process developed over a few weeks. Initially I had verses, then the chorus manifested along with the bridge section. As far as the recording, I had a definite arrangement and sound in mind for it. I wanted to start sparse and slowly build, gradually adding in more and more elements.
You collaborated with Justin Puett and Eric Robbins from Parachute Brigade and MacLean Entwistle from Building Rockets on this track. How did these collaborations come about, and what did they bring to the song?
I’ve know those guys for years. All of them are fantastic musicians and great people. I know that the song needed strong harmonies and Justin and Eric more than delivered. Their band The Parachute Brigade is probably the best vocal group in the area. MacLean is a multi instrumentalist with a great sense of melody. The parts he came up with on the Mellotron really elevated the track. I couldn’t be happier with their contributions.
David, you write the band’s songs. What inspires your songwriting, and how do you approach creating new music?
I just try to be open and receptive when they come. I’m not one to sit down and force myself to write. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ll come up with a melody or some interesting chords and start shaping it from there. I’ll then record the idea on a voice memo and if it sticks with me, I’ll go back and start crafting it.
And finally, beyond your third album, what is next for Bad Keys of the Mountain? Just continue to write and record music. We plan on going back in the studio in October of 2024 at Folk Audios Studio in Chillicothe OH.
Stream "Everyday" in full here:
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