Single premiere: Big Bill drops new single Ex-Con today in nod to Austin act Smog
Big Bill has released their newest single, “Ex-Con.” The release comes with unveiling the Austin punk act’s upcoming LP, Strawberry Seed, due out June 14. Big Bill is a band that makes a unique event out of every live show, demanding audience participation with inclusive stage presence, pogoing mosh pits, and matching red stage-wear that depicts their distinctive logo and creates a vibe of special occurrences that require their own regalia. Frontman Eric Braden’s eccentric vocal delivery pays homage to punk rock through the generations, singing to both the rejection of conformity and the overall displeasure with a 9 to 5, milquetoast version of society.
The first offering from Big Bill’s forthcoming album comes as a cover tune from Bill Callahan-led band Smog. Known for his DIY approach, Callahan embraces philosophies similar to Big Bill’s, keeping their lo-fi sensibilities intact as their recorded output progresses. The rendition almost resulted in an entire album of Callahan covers, which likely would have been titled Bill Does Bill. The upcoming record comes as a followup to Big Bill’s 2022 LP Public Freakout Compilation, which comes as a quirky, jittery rock and roll runaround that clocks in at just under 30 minutes. Since playing various gigs around Austin and touring vigorously, Big Bill has also since started holding their annual event, Big Bill Ball, whose last edition took place last Fall at Radio East in Southeast Austin.
“Ex-Con” kicks off with happily strummed guitars and locked-in drum passages from drummer Jeff Olson. “Whenever I get dressed up, I feel like an ex-con,” Braden sings. Despite this being a cover tune, the local act makes it sound like one of their own, allowing for a cut that emulates the original tastefully while still making room for Big Bill’s off-kilter, punk rock sensibilities, which are readily evident in their satirical yet cartoonishly fun delivery.
With their upcoming full-length being their third LP release, Big Bill is cementing themselves as a coveted Austin staple, making their local performances a packed endeavor in the vein of prominent Austin attractions such as A Giant Dog, Die Spitz, Annabelle Chairlegs, and Golden Dawn Arkestra. The energy from Big Bill in live music settings is palpable; tracks like “Two Weeks” from their debut EP have made for Austin crowd singalongs that turn into experiences of liberation, crowd-surfing, and aggressive crowd finger-pointing by the dozen.
The upcoming album is recorded with producer John Michael Landon of Estuary Recording in Big Bill’s hometown of Austin. The studio is known for hosting the likes of Walker Lukens, Harvest Thieves, Porcelain, Lola Tried, and Band of Heathens. It also has hosted Bill Callahan, who has since become an Austin resident as of 2022.
With this summertime record announcement, Big Bill is moving fast to their next chapter as a scene favorite. Since being able to fit into any live bill in Austin, Big Bill has proven many times over that they’re nothing but a good time. Whether it’s a South Austin honky tonk or a dirt field in the middle of nowhere, the band’s time and place can be everywhere.
Strawberry Seed arrives on June 14 on Spaceflight Records on all streaming services.
Featured photo by Dave Creaney
