Join us as we unravel the stories, influences, and creative processes behind The Honesty’s “The Bridge”
From the vibrant music scene of Sacramento, The Honesty makes their mark with their debut studio album, “The Bridge.” This seven-track gem marries punk-inspired aesthetics with irresistible melodies, creating an approachable, authentic sound.
Led by the charismatic Mike Davis and featuring contributions from Nick Thompson (Hit The Lights, Thief Club), The Honesty’s “The Bridge” is a testament to their musical roots.
In a conversation with HappyMag, Mike shares insights into his Sacramento upbringing and the eclectic musical influences that shape the bands unique style.
Starting with the energetic “Tell All Your Friends” and touching on poignant themes in “Silence Is Violence,” the album takes listeners on a relatable journey. Tracks like “Next In Line” and “Continue” showcase their knack for crafting gritty, garage-style tunes. The heartfelt closer, “Get Better,” wraps up the album with a reassuring message.
Collaborations with Nick Thompson add an extra layer of warmth to “The Bridge,” enhancing the album’s appeal.
“The Bridge” isn’t about grandeur; it’s about the genuine stories we all experience. The Honesty’s debut album invites listeners to connect with their friendly, down-to-earth sound—a musical journey that feels like a conversation with an old friend.
The Honesty: First off, a quick shout out to Happy Mag for having us. We’re so excited to be here.
Happy: What are you up to today?
The Honesty: I’m flying out to the East coast to see some family. I have a few interviews for the new record, and then I’m hoping to relax a bit.
Happy: Tell us about where you are from? What’s the scene like in your neck of the woods?
The Honesty: I’m from Sacramento, CA, where there is all sorts of music in our scene right now. Punk, rap, EDM, country. It’s really a wide variety of styles and there’s always a show going on.
Happy: Describe an average day?
The Honesty: An average day consists of writing new music when I can, finding ways to promote the album since I’m completely DIY, and then taking care of my kid and practicing for some upcoming shows.
Happy: What did you listen to growing up that fueled your passion for music?
The Honesty: My first album was 3 Dolla Bill, Y’all by Limp Bizkit, but I was always more into pop-punk like Blink 182, MCR, New Found Glory.
However, I loved The Sound of Music as a kid, and that movie, along with animal from The Muppets, is really what made me want to be a musician.
Happy: Congratulations BTW on the release of your debut studio album, “The Bridge”! Could you share the inspiration behind the album’s title and what it means to you?
The Honesty: Thank you so much! The songs on the album are kind of an amalgamation of different things I’ve experienced the past few years so the album title is a play on the saying “Build a bridge and get over it.”
The album means a lot to me though. A few of the songs like “Get Better” were written during COVID, and others are based on different experiences.
It’s always cool to create something to bring that to life, and I hope others related to it.
Happy: “Tell All Your Friends” opens the album with a burst of punk energy. Can you tell us about the creative process behind this track and how it sets the tone for the rest of the album?
This was actually the last song written for the album. I really wanted some drums that were more in your face to start the record so I started there, and everything fell into place after.
The song itself is a reflection on not being satisfied with not following your dreams and deciding to give it your all, and really was the basis for why I wrote this record.
Happy: “Silence Is Violence” seems to carry a deeper message about political and social inaction. What led you to explore this theme, and how did you approach balancing the message with the music’s melodic elements?
This song was written very shortly after the insurrection that happened in the US. It’s a protest song against all of the inaction that has happened since, and a firm statement that you need to stand up for what is right.
The lyrics to the chorus came to me one day, and I wrote a melody around it, and then the rest of the song fell into place.
Happy: “Next In Line” and “Continue” showcase your mastery of garage-style tracks. What influences or experiences contributed to the creation of these energetic and existential songs?
The Honesty: I have some mental issues that I work on daily and these two songs were spawns of that.
“Next in Line” is one of those songs where you see all of your friends work hard, and go off and be successful, and you want your time to come too, but it doesn’t end up working out how you envisioned.
“Counting” is a bit darker and most of it was written when I was suicidal. Luckily, I’ve gotten past those dark days, and that’s where the ending to the song comes from.
It’s more of a message to anyone else dealing with something similar that there’s tough days but there’s plenty of good ones too.
Happy: “Get Better” serves as the album’s lead single and a fitting closer. What was the inspiration behind this track, and how does it tie together the album’s overall theme and message?
The Honesty: This song was written during the COVID lockdowns. Days became weeks became months, and it got to the point where I didn’t know if the lockdowns would ever end.
Most of the songs on the album are supposed to be the pieces of the bridge being laid down (all the experiences), and then this song is the “get over it song,” so it had to be the closer.
Happy: The album features collaborations, including Nick Thompson of Hit The Lights and Thief Club. Can you tell us about the decision to include these collaborators and how they influenced the album’s sound?
The Honesty: I knew I needed “Tell All Your Friends” to open with a bang, and that’s why I reached out to my good buddy Nick for help.
Hit the Lights is prolific in those in your face bangers, so we wrote parts back and forth and landed on “Tell All Your Friends.”
This is easily one of my favourite songs on the record and it sets up the listener really well for the rest of the album.
Honesty: “The Bridge” is an impressive debut, showcasing a clear sonic direction and depth of lyricism.
What do you hope listeners take away from this album, and what can we expect from The Honesty in the future?
I hope people find some nostalgia, yet something new in this album. It’s the first chapter to a story I hope we get to continue to tell.
We have a lot to come in the future, this is just the beginning, and each new chapter will be better than the last. You’ll definitely see us soon, so please come out to a show!!!
Happy: What makes you happy?
The Honesty: My friends, family, fans, and getting to make music every day for a living.
