KATIE & THE BAD SIGN
Rockband based in Manchester - known for their high energy performances
"I would have never have crossed paths with any of those people without it, both musicians and spectators. Never have played places or festivals, had conversations with people. And AI can't give me or anyone else that"
Katie
Katie, You record live, the whole band in one room, with Robin's drums separated. That means you can't quietly fix things afterwards without losing the take. Where did that decision come from, and what does that room give you that a cleaner, separated session wouldn't?
We record live, but we only take Robins drum takes and still over dub the guitars. It's basically a live guide for Robin, so he can play to feel. He will still have click though usually too (depending on the song) so we still have the ability to jump and re-record parts if required, so not quite as impressive! Though we have recorded fully live in the past and it does create so much more energy and feel. There may be parts that aren't sung or played perfectly but that's a part of the beauty.
AI music is in every conversation right now. From where you stand, in the room, at the merch table, in your messages, what do you think still pulls people towards music made by people?
Well I think it's exactly that it is still made by real people, you can't watch AI play live. It isn't a person, there's no story there. It physically can't connect or relate to you. Part of the reason people go watch you live is the hope to meet you in person and have an interaction with you. Ai could never do that.
Where do AI-tools actually show up in your working life, if at all? Artwork, demos, lyrics, social posts, mastering, admin. I'm genuinely asking what's in the workflow, not making a point.
I really try and stay away from it as much as possible. The more we accept and use it in our lives the more power you give to it and making it a necessity. Though I will admit I have run some photos of the band through it for a laugh. I can see how it helps for ideas and explaining your vision of something that you can see in your mind's eye, but want to show someone else. I also think that's imagination though and I wouldn't want to stunt using that through overuse of Ai.
Where do you think all of this is heading over the next five years, and if it reaches a band like yours, how would you notice it first?
I can see how it will be useful for emails and admin but I wouldn't want it anywhere near the actual music.
I'm not sure what it will be like in 5 years whether it will die out and just be a fad for music because where do you go from it? Having Robots playing on stage? Do people want that? Maybe one band as a gimmick but I can't see that happening. Yes, it will be in recordings and already is. If others are using it and producing creatively I actually don't mind but it's when the whole song was made from Ai. No human element insight apart from the prompt. I can't get on board with that.
Here's the one I really want your answer to. If a producer you trusted used an AI tool somewhere on a Katie & The Bad Sign record and told you afterwards, and it sounded great, what would you do?
I think it would depend on what they did and how it was used. If it was something tiny that couldn't be recorded with an instrument more just an unusual sound for effect, then maybe I could deal with that. But if it's something one of us could have created played or another musician we know could have played then I would not be happy. Creating is about the process just as much as the end product. There's no sense of fulfilment if you run it through something and it's made instantly.
Suppose a listener plays a song of yours and one made from a prompt, back to back, and can't tell which is which. Does that change anything about why you do this, or not?
No it doesn't change it. It comes down to the fact if musicians didn't create the song in the first place then ai wouldn't have been able to recreate that. I feel it's a sense of being respectful of what's real and the time and energy used to make it.
A nineteen-year-old is starting a band in Manchester this year, with all of this in the room from day one. What do you tell her?
Be aware of Ai but don't let it stop you from you doing what you love. Music is about so much more than just the music, it's about connection and community. If I think of all the people I have met because of music. ( you being one Ricks)! I would have never have crossed paths with any of those people without it, both musicians and spectators. Never have played places or festivals, had conversations with people. And Ai can't give me or anyone else that... maybe there will be a crazy time in the future where we can put on head pieces and live in alternate universe but it still won't be real.
Katie & the Bad Sign are a Manchester-based rock band known for their punchy guitar sound, bold attitude, and high-energy live performances. Rooted in the city’s rich alternative and indie heritage, the band mixes gritty riffs with catchy melodies and sharp, honest lyrics.
Fronted by Katie’s distinctive vocals, their music balances raw rock intensity with moments of emotional depth, creating songs that feel both powerful and relatable. As they continue to play the UK and build momentum, Katie and the Bad Sign are gaining attention as a band to watch in the city’s new generation of rock acts.
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