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Hi guys, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
Mike Bednarsky: Thanks for having us! It’s the start of the wonderfully chaotic time that comes with the release of a new EP! I’m personally just taking in the whole experience. I live for these types of moments.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “Tie Me Down”?
Mike: It’s the first single of our upcoming EP, Balloon Duty, which will be released on July 28. It’s also the opening track of the EP. Even though it’s considered more advantageous to release songs one by one in today’s streaming culture, we are deliberate with the tracklist to our multiple-song releases. “Tie Me Down” seemed like the perfect opening track. It’s short, it’s poppy, and it showcases a groovy bass line. The song really sets the fun, charismatic tone of Balloon Duty.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
Mike: No, not a particular event in either of our personal lives, but there was definitely inspiration elsewhere. Back in March 2021, I couldn’t stop listening to the new album Melonday by Tomo Nakayama. We were preparing for a season of singles, beginning with “Now I Want Everything,” that April, so recording or writing weren’t exactly on my mind, but I found Melonday to be so motivating. It’s one of those records that reminds you just why you make music in the first place. Sheer catharsis for me. Tomo’s pop sensibilities and attention to detail blew my mind, inspiring me to get writing again and back in the studio. I kept bugging my band partner, Ben Masbaum, to listen to the album in its entirety, and it ultimately pushed us to develop the first prototype of “Tie Me Down.”
Any plans to release any sort of video for the track?
Mike: You know, I actually don’t think it’s one of those songs that needs a music video to accompany it! I have an idea in my head for what a video would look like, but I wouldn’t want to influence what our fans envision or feel when they hear the song. The chorus is uplifting in a way that we’d like to think is universal, and because of that, I think, a music video might cheapen the listening experience for some people.
How was the recording and writing process?
Mike: Back in March 2021, or whenever we first started developing it, “Tie Me Down” was completely different. I’m talking from song title to chorus structure–almost nothing from our original idea exists any longer. But we knew that there was something special about where we were going, so we put a pin in it until we felt ready to dust it off. I’m pretty sure that what became the final vocal melodies were made up on the fly. We loved the music itself, but we needed to craft vocal melodies and lyrics that we were completely in love with. Sometimes, the best way to do that is to just get in the booth and find out what feels right. Id over ego. That sort of thing.
What role does LA play in your music?
Mike: Our nature, both personally and musically, is easygoing, and that’s considered an LA trait, for sure. It’s a creative nectar, and we try to continuously tap into that, but we also don’t want to become characterizations of ourselves. We don’t want to be boxed in, and “Tie Me Down” is critical of that possibility. It’s yet another Ginkgo Balboa song about dating, but we’re winking at our critics, too. The last thing we’d want to be considered is one-trick ponies. It’s not a threat, but most certainly not a plea, either. Simply put, “baby, you can try to tie me down,” but you’ll see- surprises are there when, and where, you least expect them.
Does the new single mean we can expect a new material – how’s that coming along?
Mike: “Tie Me Down” sets off the era of Balloon Duty, which is our sophomore EP. We have two singles after this one, and then the full EP in the dog days of summer, so think of “Tie Me Down” as the fuse. But as for the rest of 2023, say, this coming fall? Who knows. My hope, though, is to be touring in support of Balloon Duty, whether a SoCal swing or something bigger. Coast-to-coast coverage would be insane in the best way.
Any tentative release date or title in mind?
Mike: Balloon Duty will be available wherever you get your music, on July 28!
What else is happening next in Ginkgo Balboa’s world?
Mike: We’re thinking about storyboarding a music video soon. One of the Balloon Duty songs, but we’re not sure which one! Brainstorming ideas will be fun. Outside of that, we’re in the process of booking more summer shows. Performing is the sweet spot. I usually write about romance and dating. Each of our songs takes me back to particular moments of companionship, and when I’m on stage, I’m transported back there. The tastes, the scents, the waves of affection that wash over me. I’m fortunate enough to visit those memories again and again when I sing, and it’s everything.
“Tie Me Down” is out now on digital platforms and on Spotify.
