The Bad Goods
Two
musicians walk into a bar. (True story) The Bad Goods founding
members, David Qualls and Pete Hackett were at a gig one night in a
local brewery and got to talking about what music their little ones
were listening to. Moreover, what kids music they themselves could
tolerate. Their reaction to all of the music that they had to endure
as parents of young children led to the formation of the Bad Goods.
The idea was to put some songs together that would keep parents from
wanting to toss the CD out the window, calling it "adult friendly
kids music." The band's multi-generational style from rock and jazz,
to rap and country covers a wide range of subjects which are
educational, currently and socially relevant, and just plain goofy
at times. "Music appreciation is part of our mission," says Hackett,
"Crossing genres is what challenges us and makes it fun at the same
time. If we're challenged, then we feel the kids will be as well."
The main lyricist, David Qualls, calls Bad Goods' songs "musical
fruits and vegetables." Kindergarten teacher Mary Kay Shaver of Taft
Elementary School in Stockton California uses the music as part of
her lesson plans. "The kids really respond well and don't realize
they are learning, then walk out of class singing the songs."
The first album Family Recipes promotes nutrition and health along
with many fresh recipes put to music. The Green Album is an
eco-friendly trip through environmental themes like recycling,
composting, planting a garden, and saving water. Response to the
music from radio has been positive as five different tunes have been
in rotation on XM/Sirius Satellite Radio (Kids Place, Channel 116),
including the Chocolate Chip Cookies rap, the funky Water
Conservation and the twangy Chicken Wing Marinade. With two
self-produced albums out and the third due out by Winter 2009, the
Bad Goods have compiled an enviable list of achievements in their
two years together.
Although David and Pete are prolific song-writers and collaborators,
the Bad Goods are also an energetic live band with a loyal
following. They are able to bring the tunes to life with a fun and
lively stage show. Says Qualls, "The live concerts are a blast. It's
cool to see kids and their parents rockin' out together to the same
songs." One of the five musicians in the band is Pete's son, 12 year
old guitarist/drummer, Matthew Hackett who calls The Bad Goods, "The
best band I've ever played in. It's also great to have my dad as my
drummer and roadie." They are joined by their long time friends,
bassist Randy Niemann and multi-instrumentalist and songster Zach
Silver. The Bad Goods have tapped into something that will continue
to keep their fans and themselves happy.
