Meet Bethlehem Steel

If you want an in-depth lesson on the trials and tribulations of American manufacturing, give the wiki page of Bethlehem Steel a gander. It’s a doozy.

If you want to listen to some really great “fuzzy rock,” check out Bethlehem Steel. These pals are fully immersed in the Brooklyn DIY scene, bringing you all the moodiness and dissonance your heart could want. They’re also fans of playing Ninja from time to time. 

Below, we chat to the rockers about the ideal beverage when writing, the term “nightmare pop,”  and possibly start a fight about ear size. 

Grab a wrench and get to work (reading). 

Car of the Year, a Mad-lib with Bethlehem Steel

It's here, the all-new McSHANE. The most luxurious QUINTA you'll ever drive! The only four-door LONG-BOY that comes equipped with dual air CACTI, power FANNY PACKS, and contoured, plush leather GHOSTS. And, believe it or not, it is the only car in its class that can go up to a hundred thousand MEMES without needing an EVAN WILLIAMS or a HOT TUB tune-up. Run, do not SHUCK to your nearest McSHANE dealer and feast your TONSILS on the car that BRAD magazine calls the TIGHT TOYOTA TACOMA of the year. As always, we save the best for last. When you see the sticker price, you are sure to shout, "TITE!"

Would you rather

be able to lift things a hundred times your weight, or have control over all of the ants in the world? Why?

I would rather be able to lift a hundred times my weight because I currently can’t even lift a third of my weight. Leave the ants alone.

Some Questions With Bethlehem Steel

What is your ideal environment (including snack choice) when writing music?

Alone in my room on my bed with probably a dangerous amount of candles. Coffee and a smoothie if the morning. Tea and Fernet/whisky if night.

Were there any major differences between the recording processes of your 2017 album “Party Naked Forever” and your 2019 self-titled album?

Yes. “Party Naked Forever” was recorded over 9 months in Vermont while simultaneously building a camper house with Nick Dooley who is also our engineer. Jon and Pat came up for a few days but I was mostly alone working on it. We would work on building the camper by day and at night would work on the record in the other half of the barn which was sectioned off with plastic sheets to keep the sawdust at bay.

After this was finished and after some traveling we moved back to NYC and toured on the record with friends playing the guitar parts I had written but soon it was time to find a permanent member. We found Christina and worked on fleshing a lot of the parts for the new record together. 

Recording wise we all went up to the same barn in Vermont and all recorded together.

Your sound is pretty idiosyncratic. How would you define your music / what genre would you call it?

I would say that it’s hard to define and put into a genre. The songs all have a wide range of style. I feel like you can only really box it into a genre if you are taking it song by song. I do however like the idea of “nightmare-pop”.

Would you prefer people to be able to see colors or taste food when they listen to your music?

See colors.

What compels you to keep writing and making music?

There are many layers to this. I need to make music as a means of processing and releasing. Sharing that and giving it a life by creating other musical parts with my friends is a beautiful thing on its own. Recording is  addicting. Being able to share the songs with people through live shows and touring and forming real human connections is what really keeps me going when things feel hard or hopeless. When someone tells you that you helped them through something, helped give them a voice or made them feel less alone. That’s incredibly powerful.

What is your favorite outfit to wear when performing and why?

Anything black and flat sneakers so I don’t fall. Actually love wearing sweatpants but those get hot. Jon really likes his Kal Marks shirt. Pat is always in boots.

What is your take on the current Brooklyn DIY scene?

What scene? Currently it’s the heart of the people and those willing to open their homes to have shows to try and keep what may still be alive.

What is the best piece of merch you have ever bought?

The last Big Ups Sweatshirt by Noel Wilcox Finn.

Would you recommend writing as a good outlet to work through negative emotions?

Absolutely. It has been my outlet for the majority of my life. Especially if you can’t quite put your finger on the emotions. Free writing is a good way to sort out your head.

Has living in NYC impacted your songwriting? If so how?

For sure. Being surrounded but incredible artists and shows all the time is very motivating. Meeting a lot of strong women in NYC has been very empowering to give it my all and not hold back. There’s no more time for that.

Who of your band has the smallest ears?

Jon.

Has ear size brought on any controversy in the time your band has been together?

Not until this moment.

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

Steve Pike’s house outside of Austin because it’s beautiful af and you can swim in the lake at night.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

Make sure you pump the gas before you drive away from the pump.