Bite Me Bambi directly appeals to the individuals, the outsiders, and the mavericks brave enough to be themselves at all costs. Rising up out of the perennial punk proving grounds of Orange County, CA, this lively collective—anchored by original members Tahlena Chikami [vocals, guitar], Mike Berault [keys], Ryan Brown [Bass], and Dan Evans [drums]—ignite unapologetic and undeniable anthems powered up by uncontainable pop-punk energy, soaring ska spirit, and intoxicating island bounce. After gathering millions of streams, performing alongside legends, and earning acclaim from Orange County Register, OC Weekly, and more, the group hold nothing back on their 2024 independent album, Eat This.
“We are taking off the gloves of what we think other people want and just be who we are and who we want to be without trying to fit in a pre-packaged box of musical expectations,” shares Tahlena. Mike goes on. “It’s been a creative journey, and we feel like we finally hit the sweet spot that reflects Bite Me Bambi for us and our audience, the old school and potential future fans.”
As the story goes, Bite Me Bambi initially came to life back in 2019. Their 2020 debut Hurry Up And Wait EP boasted a string of fan favorites such as “Strippers on a Sunday,” “Crazy,” and “Hot Lava,” which reeled in over 365K Spotify streams and 115K YouTube views on its music video. Marking his last collaboration, late reggae legend Lee “Scratch” Perry notably remixed “Crazy,” while the band returned the favor by covering his “Police & Thieves.” They pressed both songs on a 7-inch with artwork by none other than Shepard Fairey. Not to mention, Lynval Golding of The Specials welcomed them on stage to perform “Gangsters.” Renowned for showstopping live sets, they’ve also shared bills with everyone from Fishbone and Voodoo Glow Skulls to The Skints and Big D and the Kids Table in addition to curating, hosting, and headlining their own annual Summer Sizzler Festival. Engaging an active fanbase, they stream live on Twitch twice per week and maintain an active presence on Patreon. Entrenched in the local scene and culture, Mike notably owns and runs Club 616 in Santa Ana where Tahlena hops on the decks to DJ monthly. Throughout 2024, they recorded what would become Eat This with GRAMMY® Award-winning producer Cameron Webb [Kelly Clarkson, Sum 41, Pennywise].
They initially teased this chapter with “Girls of Summer” and “Bad Boyfriend,” going on to kick a new season into high gear with the single “Do The Damned.” The latter’s bright guitar groove and boisterous horns can barely contain the venom in the frontwoman’s intonation as she warns, “You got a small mind and a big mouth, if you fuck around baby, then you’re gonna find out.” The hook gives way to a wailing rockabilly-style solo. “Whether in this industry or in life, everybody has an opinion on you,” she goes on. “The song is about getting rid of people in your life who don’t support you or serve you anymore. I’m saying, ‘I don’t need that energy in my life. You’re never going to like me no matter what I do.’ Let’s not waste our time worrying about those kinds of people.” On “Girls Like You,” surf guitar rolls towards a chantable chorus as she laments, “Gotta get away from, girls like you!”
“It’s basically about dating a girl who you become obsessed with,” she continues. “I’ve been with that person before who’s bad news, but you can’t help yourself because they are so attractive and fun. However, you're asking yourself, ‘Why did I even do any of this?’.”
Then, there’s “Too Many People” which features Dirty Walt of Fishbone. Organ echoes over a punchy drumroll. A hummable horn section accelerates the momentum, and Tahlena takes control, “Steel toes on, let me grab this mic. So, pour another shot ‘cuz it’s got me feeling like, ‘Too many people running ‘round my brain’.” “It’s like a mission statement,” she continues. “Say what you want about us, but we’re here doing our thing, and you can’t drag us down. I’m proud of how open we are in the song.”
“Gaslighters Anthem” originated from a skeleton shared with the band by Jason Hammon of Dance Hall Crashers. The track tempers her gritty delivery with a propulsive rhythm. “This was the most fun I ever had writing a song,” she grins. “We were all creating it together and trying different things. Lyrically, it’s very personal.”
With Eat This, Bite Me Bambi might just inspire you to live your truth out loud too.
“I want listeners to know it’s okay to not listen to people who are trying to bring you down,” Tahlena leaves off. “You are always enough, and there are people who love and support you in this world. Whether it’s a bad relationship or someone who just isn’t good for you, you don’t need that in your life. For the first time, I feel like we aren’t editing ourselves. We're making the music we want to make and sharing the message we want to share.”
“I believe everything happens for a reason, and I think the band is in a space where we are in the right place at the right time,” Mike concludes. “The community we have created is pretty amazing, and we want to keep doing this as long as we can.”
https://bitemebambi.com
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TikTok: Bite Me Bambi (@bitemebambi) | TikTok
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1vjaaSHq0FXHmhFFFE8LNZ
Twitch: BiteMeBambi - Twitch
