The Minneapolis-based group Bad Bad Hats have been turning heads with their catchy melodies and thoughtful lyrics.
Led by singer/songwriter Kerry Alexander, the band includes bassist Chris Hoge and drummer Connor Davison. Formed in 2010 by Alexander and Hoge after meeting at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota, the band initially consisted of Alexander on guitar and vocals, Hoge on guitar, bass, and drums in the studio, and Noah Boswell on bass.
After graduating college, the band quickly caught the attention of Minneapolis label Afternoon Records. The record label decided to sign Bad Bad Hats and released their It Hurts EP in early 2013.
Despite only being together for a few years, Bad Bad Hats has already significantly impacted the music scene. Their debut album, Psychic Reader, was released to critical acclaim in 2016. The album's lead single, "Queen of Hearts," received heavy rotation on college radio stations across the country.
The band crafts hook-laden songs that are immediately catchy, complexly layered and anchored by Alexander's clear and beautiful vocal delivery. Onstage, the band is known for their high-energy performances and undeniable chemistry, making them a must-see.
As the primary songwriter, Alexander and her perspective drive the tone of most of the music. Influenced by popular female songwriters of the '90s like Alanis Morissette, Kim Deal and Letters to Cleo's Kay Hanley, Kerry developed her unique voice. Unafraid to touch on deeply emotive issues, she often tackles personal subjects like heartbreak, anxiety and self-doubt in her songs.
Their second full-length album, 2018's Lightning Round, was well-received and reflected the band's growth as songwriters and performers. The album's success offered the opportunity to play with prominent bands and musicians such as The Front Bottoms, Margaret Glaspy, Third Eye Blind, Kississippi, and The Beths.
With their third LP, Walkman, the band shows off their perfected sunny, bouncy, smooth indie-pop expertise still underpinned by Alexander's sharp, poignant lyrics.
There is no other indie-pop band doing it like the Bad Bad Hats. Get tickets to see Bad Bad Hats on tour today at Ticketmaster.