They definitely come across as the most controversial band in Egypt; they do things their own way, and they’re always up to some fun.
They do whatever they want! Even if you don’t like them, you must have seen them at least once live or heard one of their tracks. Guys, this is my very exclusive interview with BadApple…
Not many of us know about BadApple’s start, can you tell us about it?
BadApple: We’ve been together for almost 3 years now, and it’s the same lineup.
Tell us about your first album “Addictive Poetry”.
BadApple: Addictive Poetry explores the wide range of human emotions. Anger, fear, sadness, love, joy, hope.
I am not going to ask about the name “BadApple” because that would be boring. But what’s the story behind “Aiwa Ba2a”?
BadApple: Median heard a microbus driver saying his wife was waiting for him at home with a tasty “Molokheya” dinner, to which his friend quipped: “Aiwa Ba2a”. The English equivalent would be “Alriiiight!” We started saying it all the time, and now it has become a part of our local lingo. I hear it all the time and people don’t have a clue we started it. It’s just us being goofy, I guess. The fans took it on and it’s become our motto since.
Did “Addictive Poetry” achieve the success you were aiming for?
BadApple: Yes, a lot more actually.
Are you making a second album?
BadApple: No, not at the moment. We’re recording 2 songs.
What are they?
BadApple: The 2 songs are: Try and Never Tired. It all depends on production.
Do you remember your first concert? When and how was it?
BadApple: Yeah, it was kind of dull compared to our recent gigs. It was a blast then because we didn’t know our live potential yet, and we didn’t have our soldiers either, but our gigs are much more powerful today. Also, around 400 people came, which according to Sakia was the highest number of people to attend a first-time band gig; so that was cool.
Where have you been hiding since last May till this SOS Festival?
BadApple: We’ve been practicing, more individually than as a band, and we’ve been recording two new songs.
People say you have a bad influence on youth. What’s your comment?
BadApple: We don’t tell them anything. We let people talk. They do anyway.
What are the accusations from society that media directed towards the band?
BadApple: Not much, really. One time we had a TV interview on Dream TV and the presenters tried cornering us for using the F word, or something silly like that, but we gave them a piece of our minds and they ate it.
Do you think that you have achieved your peak of success?
BadApple: In Egypt, we have. Much more than we would’ve ever thought at the beginning, thanks to the fans, of course. But abroad, which is where we’re going with this, we haven’t even started.
Tell us about your Arabic lyrics tracks “Msh Ader Beed” and “Khaly 3andak Dam.” People say that both have good points but are delivered with improper language.
BadApple: It’s not really improper. People say it’s improper because we don’t hear those words in the media very often, but the truth is that everybody uses these words all the time. I find the hypocrisy quite amusing.
BadApple’s Arabic lyrics are so creative and really tackle good topics, do you have any intention of writing and performing more?
BadApple: Well, yeah, as long as we’re a band I’ll keep writing lyrics.
Ousso (S.O.S Music Festival organizer) stopped you guys from performing “Msh ader beed” in the last SOS, why? And what was your reaction?
BadApple: He didn’t stop us, he lowered the microphone’s volume. I’m the one who stopped when that happened. I stopped because I like the guy and I didn’t want to upset him.
Since you guys are a very well-known band right now, how do you see yourself?
BadApple: We’re always trying to improve. If we start thinking too much about ourselves then it’s all downhill from there. There’s always more music, more creativity, more expression, more fun, and that’s how we see ourselves. More people and more fame mean more fun, that’s all.
Guys you are so famous for presenting new talents and guests every single concert, can we discuss that? And is there any chance other talents can join your upcoming concerts?
BadApple: Before we began playing gigs we would go to other concerts, and no matter how good they were, we would get bored. So we decided that if you want to hear music played as it is, then listen to it at home, and we decided to make an entertaining show instead of a normal gig. Guests became part of that decision. To keep it interesting, to introduce new talents, to have fun. We like our guests, they’re all great.
What are the bands you want to share the stage with and why?
BadApple: Maybe Avenged Sevenfold one day. But we’d really have to get our shit straight then. Why? Because they’re incredible.
What do you think of Rock Era?
BadApple: It’s a brilliant achievement. Finally, we’re starting to move. Good job.
What do you want to tell your fans?
BadApple: That they are like soldiers and we’ve never seen anything like them in Egypt. We extract the most joy when we see Egyptian rock fans singing our own lyrics and head banging and dancing to our very own original tunes. Goosebumps.
Did you like the interview?
BadApple: Very much. It’s the first time I don’t have to say, “The name Bad Apple means something close to Ugly Duckling or Black Sheep”; and that’s a relief! Thanks.
