Bear World Playlist Featured Artist: New Weirdos
This week’s Bear World Playlist Featured Artist is New Weirdos!
Songs on Playlist: “Refill,” “Mr. Attitude”
Current City: Atlanta, Georgia
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Bear World Magazine: What can you tell us about the songs, “Refill” and “Mr. Attitude”?
James Hunter of New Weirdos: “Refill” is an indie rock song built on a melodic guitar line. If you listen closely, it’s surprisingly sophisticated, with some jazzy chords and interesting turnarounds, while still having a natural flow to it. Credit goes to the producer Greg Hendler, and my bandmates Charles, Matt, and Christopher.
“Mr. Attitude” is a power pop song with that tasty combo of upbeat music and bitter lyrics.
BWM: When writing lyrics, what subjects do you gravitate toward? Where do you look for inspiration lyrically?
JH: “Refill” was written during the summer of 2020 when I was spending most of my time alone in my room, separated from the music scene and the bear scene. The lyrics of “Refill” reflect the deep sense of loneliness and longing I felt at the time, the kind of longing that can turn into neediness and emotional dependence. I’m sure we’ve all been there.
A lot of my lyrics come from a personal place, but they are not truly autobiographical. I take artistic license with my own experiences.
BWM: Do you tend to play live shows with other queer artists/in queer venues, or do you find audiences give you the same consideration regardless of where you’re playing or who else might be on the bill?
JH: The Atlanta music scene has a lot of queer artists, and me being gay has never been a big deal. My bandmates are straight guys, and they‘ve always been cool with it. I’ve played many shows alongside queer and straight musicians without giving much thought to it.
BWM: What bands or artists are your primary influences? Do you have any favorite living LGBTQ artists?
JH: I listened to a lot of oldies growing up—a lot of Beatles, Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin and Creedence Clearwater Revival. My influences are all over the place.
When I was coming to grips with being gay around 2012 (I was 23, always a late bloomer), I had the album Copper Blue by Sugar (led by Bob Mould) on repeat. It’s a heavy guitar-driven album, but with very singable songs and pop structures.
Lately, I’ve been digging Zee Machine and I recently discovered THUS LOVE.
BWM: Are you single or partnered? What do you find incredibly attractive in another man—do you have any weaknesses?
JH: Currently single. I love a cute face and a beard, and good kissers make me melt. I definitely have a thing for the big boys. 😉
BWM: If you could make everyone reading this listen to one album start to finish, other than one by New Weirdos, what album would it be and why?
JH: The 1993 album Spilt Milk by Jellyfish. No particular reason—it’s just awesome.
BWM: Any shows on the horizon? When will we hear more new music from New Weirdos?
JH: Got a show at Innerspace in Underground Atlanta on March 21st. I’m trying to get more shows outside of Atlanta. I’m sitting on a lot of demos I want to record, so be sure to follow New Weirdos on Spotify, Instagram, and TikTok to be notified. 🙂
