In this captivating episode of How I Learned to Sing, we are joined by the talented frontman of Badflower, Josh Katz. His journey through the music world is both inspiring and educational for aspiring singers and musicians alike.

It’s been an incredible ten years since the alt-rock band Badflower released their breakout single, “Soap,” and they have recently unveiled their third studio album, No Place Like Home, under their longstanding label, Big Machine. This new album showcases their evolution as artists and cements their place in the music industry.

After a four-year hiatus following 2021’s critically acclaimed This Is How the World Ends, Badflower has been incredibly active on tour, performing over 200 shows. This extensive touring schedule places a significant demand on any singer. Katz candidly shares insights on the challenges of maintaining vocal health while on the road, especially when illness strikes, as he explains in the engaging video below.

Katz attributes much of his unique vocal style to two pivotal influences. The first is musician and actor Reeve Carney, whose “light, delicate, almost feminine” voice captivated him while performing with a gritty bluesy rock band. Katz’s admiration for this contrasting vocal style has significantly shaped the signature sound of Badflower.

The second influential figure in Katz’s musical journey is Emily Armstrong from Dead Sara, even before her collaboration with Linkin Park. Katz fondly recalls being a huge fan of Dead Sara during their early days in Los Angeles, where Armstrong’s “insane” vocal talent inspired him to push his own limits, incorporating a heavier and more aggressive vocal style into his performances.

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It wasn’t until he reached the age of 18 or 19 that the thought of becoming a lead singer truly crossed his mind, primarily born out of necessity. Katz admits, “I never sang at all, really. I had no interest in singing. I just love music; I made music my whole life.” When the opportunity arose to form a band, he stepped into the role of vocalist because someone needed to take that responsibility.

While Katz acknowledges that he has never received formal singing lessons, he recognizes that such training could help improve his vocal consistency from one performance to the next. His willingness to learn and adapt is a testament to his dedication to his craft.

During Badflower’s inaugural headlining tour, Katz gained valuable insights into the importance of adjusting setlists to accommodate his vocal capabilities. He discovered that careful tailoring of the set was essential to protect his voice and ensure a high-quality performance every night.

What happens when he falls ill? Katz humorously describes his process: “When I’m sick, I kick and scream. I yell. I complain and make sure the audience knows that I’m not feeling well.” Despite the humor, he takes the matter seriously, as he is concerned about leaving a negative impression on fans. By being open about his condition, he hopes to alleviate any misconceptions about his live performance abilities, emphasizing that off nights happen to every singer.

To delve deeper into Katz’s remarkable journey as a singer and learn more about his experiences, be sure to watch the full episode of How I Learned to Sing featured below.

Don’t miss out on Badflower’s latest album No Place Like Home, available now for purchase at the Loudwire Record Shop. Connect with the band on social media platforms like Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook, and catch them live on their U.S. tour through late August. For all upcoming tour dates, visit Badflower’s official website.

Explore How Badflower’s Josh Katz Mastered the Art of Singing