Sucker Punch are a 6-piece "easycore" group from NJ, USA. We spoke to guitarist Billy Butka to cover some of their latest blistering releases, what it was like working with one of his heroes, and what's to come!
1. So straight into your latest single, "I'm ready to ride giants, Kunu," you worked with Chris LoPorto of Can't Swim, what was that like? I assume Chris / Can't Swim is one of your favourite bands?
Can’t Swim has quickly become one of my favorite bands. I actually got into them pretty late. We played with them in VA a while ago, which led to me checking them out. "Thanks But No Thanks" is definitely my album of the year. Having Chris LoPorto on as a feature was a great experience. It was touch and go in the beginning. They had just gone through some gnarly van issues on their tour at the time, so we were afraid he wasn't going to be able to swing it. We were able to make it work, and I personally got to record his part in my home studio. I’m super grateful he was able to lend us his time and that session made the song all the more special to me.
2. With your latest tracks, you've gone very television themed, is this going to continue for the album? Perhaps we'll see an Always Sunny in Philadelphia reference or something similar?
It’s actually funny you say that, because we actually had an Always Sunny reference lined up for one of the new tracks. We felt it didn’t quite fit in this round, so maybe it’ll make an appearance on the next record. We love naming songs after silly movie references. Andy has so many obscure names picked out it's ridiculous. The rest of our upcoming EP “Better Pleasures” unfortunately doesn't follow the trend.
3. Speaking of the potential new album, what can we expect from it, when may it be out?
“Better Pleasures” will be out on October 20th and we’re very pumped for it! It brings so much energy and this is definitely our most creative record yet.
4. What was it like recording the video for Worst Case Ontario? It looks like it would have been really fun to shoot!
The video was really fun. Building the set was definitely a labor of love, however. We probably sunk 20+ hours into some crazy arts and crafts. Eric DiCarlo of Square Up Studios definitely helped bring the idea to life, he's the best around.
5. What was the lyrical inspiration for your two latest releases?
Worst Case Ontario was more of a fun writing challenge. We took a page out of the Ice Nine Kills book and wrote about the cult classic “Jennifer’s Body.” We put the listener in the POV of someone about to get torn apart by a succubus Megan Fox. IRTRGK is our anthem for people struggling with anxiety and self doubt. It’s something we all face and we want to be the aid people need to extinguish that negative voice in their heads
6. You're announcing shows here and there. Is there a plan to take out your own headline tour early next year?
We’re headlining one of the coolest venues in NJ called House of Independents on 11/4!. We don’t have any headlining tours coming up just yet, but we’re in the works of some where we are direct support! It’ll be a really cool opportunity to tour the new record in brand new states for us.
7. What is the current writing process for Sucker Punch, and how has it differed from the Hope Like Hell EP?
Andy is the main instrumental writer. He usually brings a bunch of ideas to the table and we meet up and sift through the options to decide which tracks are the true gems. From there, it becomes more of a group effort and we build onto them and morph them into a banger. We’ll plan out trips and spend the weekend just hanging out and writing. It’s actually pretty exhausting, but when you’re onto something really cool, it’s very rewarding. This process was different from Hope Like Hell, because the majority of HLH were old songs that we reworked into something new. Better Pleasures is completely new material and was more of a collaborative effort.
8. After your collaboration with Chris, it must mean you're eager to go again with another artist. What would be your dream collab be and why?
Oh boy there are a few people we would love to work with. Our Chris loves Mayday Parade and would love to work with Derek Sanders one day! They’ve been his favorite band since he was a teenager. Mark Hoppus recorded “Commit This To Memory” by Motion City Soundtrack and that’s one of my all time favorites. If I could cut a record with those same conditions and gear etc, that would be a dream.
9. If we gave you £10 for a rider, what do you buy?
Hmmm, that's a good one! Water Bottles for sure would make the list! Maybe a snack of some sort. I really wish we had a more creative answer, but we’re pretty low maintenance guys who don’t need much!
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