Interview: Sleigh Bells Reflect on Going Through Major Life Changes and Discuss New Album ‘Bunky Becky Birthday Boy’ and Tour

Before the release of their latest album, Bunky Becky Birthday Boy, Brooklyn duo Sleigh Bells already had a solidified legacy behind them thanks to projects such as Reign of Terror and Treats. However, for a group often noted as an influence for many experimental groups today, their continuing career has seen Alexis Krauss and Derek E. Miller push the envelope for what Sleigh Bells can accomplish. And despite the multitude of life-changing events that preceded Bunky Becky, their brand of experimental indie-pop-rock is still as revolutionary as ever.

In this Sleigh Bells interview, we talked to Krauss and Miller about Bunky Becky Birthday Boy (BBBB), touring with a toddler, and newer artists and bands that inspire them. See them live in LA at the Fonda Theatre on Thursday, May 8.

Editorial and Interview by Sandra B. Olinger and David Sosa.

With Bunky Becky Birthday Boy coming after Texis, do you feel those two records were made from a similar headspace, or were the approaches different for both albums?

DEREK: Our headspace(s) were very different from Texis to Bunky Becky. Alexis became a mom, I finally got drugs out of my life, we incorporated live drums courtesy of Chris Hornbrook, and Steve Evetts engineered most of the live elements. I think on a personal level Alexis and I were/are in good places for this record, but the world is even more chaotic and heartbreaking than usual, so that’s, yeah, very, very difficult [and] hard to know how to feel most days. Very happy to be alive, though, both of us.

Alexis, did motherhood inspire any elements of BBBB?

ALEXIS: My son’s birth and my dog Rizla’s death inspired the album title, but I wouldn’t say pregnancy and motherhood really impacted the writing process for the album, since the majority of the songs were written before he was born. If anything, pregnancy and early postpartum gave us the gift of time and allowed Derek to focus on mixing and production without feeling rushed. I was seven and eight months pregnant when I recorded all the vocals for BBBB, which was wild. I definitely had to work harder on breathing and stamina, but in a way, I felt even more powerful and connected to the visceral process of singing. I also think going through some serious postpartum challenges shifted my perspective on life and what it means to be able to create and release music. Not that I think I took things for granted before, but now I’m just so much more present and grateful to be alive and in a band I love.

Are you bringing the little one on tour with you? If so, what does touring with a child look like?

ALEXIS: Yes, we are touring with a toddler! We just made it to Phoenix after a very long day of travel, and I’m in awe of myself and my little one for our resilience and flexibility. He currently has a cold, and I’m feeling super anxious about getting sick, but I’m just trying to surrender and stay calm. We couldn’t do it without my mom and husband, who will be taking turns helping with childcare, and our wonderful tour manager, who connected us with a professional tour nanny who gave us a ton of amazing advice. We move onto our bus in a couple days, and that’s when the real adventure will begin. Whatever happens, I’m sure it will be absolute chaos, but in the best way possible.

When listening to BBBB, it sounds like the two of you are having the time of your lives recording each song. Are recording sessions like that, or is it more methodical than it seems?

DEREK: Once we lock on to an idea, it usually happens pretty fast which can definitely be exhilarating…it’s my favorite part of the whole entire thing…that first playback of a rough mix with scratch vocals when you really hear the SONG for the first time and get goosebumps, I kind of live for that. That’s what drives me forward.

Is there a song or moment from BBBB you’re looking forward to performing live?

DEREK: “Bunky Pop” and “Wanna Start A Band?” are the ones I’m anticipating the most. Bunky Pop for the forward momentum and last chorus, Wanna just because it’s such a physical riff I’m excited to feel the subs hit my heels and travel up my legs and watch the room, I don’t know, headbang or hopefully get active!

Will Sleigh Bells perform with a full band on the tour?

DEREK: YES! Outside of Alexis and myself, we have Coach Kate [Steinberg] on synths and backup vocals, and Billy Rymer from Dillinger Escape Plan/Atomic Life on drums. Both or super effing dialed/prepared…LOVE IT, they are a blast to play with.

When playing in LA, are there any haunts you like to visit?

ALEXIS: I absolutely love Trails Cafe in Griffith Park. Hoping to make it there before the show for coffee and breakfast, and then a quick hike with friends and babies.

Alexis, I love your activism and how you use your voice. Between the horrors our current administration is carrying out on Americans, both legal and illegal, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the ongoing Palestinian genocide, and so many injustices around the world, how do you keep your spirits up? As a mother, I find it especially hard. It all hits differently when you’re a mama. 

ALEXIS: It hits so incredibly hard as a mama. I just try not to get too overwhelmed. When I’m overwhelmed, I become immobilized. In these times, staying hopeful requires discipline and rigor, and it’s all too easy to sink into despair. Activism looks different now as a mother, and I’ve been thinking a lot about small but meaningful ways to make an impact and continue to build just, equitable, and inclusive communities. Sometimes that looks like marching in the streets, attending webinars, brainstorming with collaborators, and sometimes it just looks like connecting with loved ones outside and going rock climbing because goodness knows we all need some joy and catharsis in our lives right now. 

Grimy Goods has been covering Sleigh Bells’ live shows since 2010. The on-stage fashion, for the most part, has always been darker tones, stylish, but comfortable, leaning towards a rocker style. With BBBB, we’re seeing all the colors of the rainbow! What inspired the playful looks?

DEREK: Honestly, we just got tired of the semi-blandness! I’m also a huge Faith No More fan, they stuck out like a sore thumb in every way in the best way…they are a huge inspiration for us, especially the color, but really everything. Shoutout F.N.M. forever.

Sleigh Bells is often cited as an influence for noise-pop and hyperpop artists. Are there any newer bands today who influence you or who you’re diggin’?

DEREK: Def yeah, I still listen to everyone’s records, both new and old, obsessively. Off the top of my head, Jane Remover, Underscores, Ada Rook, HudMo, Charli [xcx], A.G. Cook, Turnstile, Wishy, Record Setter, Deafheaven, Paris, Texas, Tyler the G.O.A.T., SZA, Kendrick [Lamar], one of the new Scowl tracks, “B.A.B.E.,” Addison Rae, etc., etc. 

Thank you! We can’t wait to see you guys live again. The last time was at last year’s Just Like Heaven and in 2021 at the Teragram Ballroom.  

Sleigh Bells: Thank you! Really grateful for your continued support over the years.

Sleigh Bells are about to kick off their Bunky Becky Birthday Boy Tour with a sold-out show in Phoenix on May 7, followed by a Los Angeles gig at the Fonda on May 8 and an Orange County show at the Observatory on May 9. See their full list of tour dates for a show near you.

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