The Bad Tenants

The Bad Tenants have been staples in the Bellingham hip-hop scene for about two and a half years. Known for their infectious tracks and energetic performances, the trio has been changing it up and will be releasing a new EP.

Formerly a foursome, The Bad Tenants are now a three-man group including members Casey Gainor, Matthew Goodwin and Gabriel Ghirardini. Onstage they become Casey G, Good Matters and DJ Idlhnds. The departure of Dutch as a member of the crew is definitely unfortunate but there are no bad vibes within the group. In fact, he and Matt are currently roommates in Seattle. Gainor, Goodwin and Ghirardini are a very impressive group of men who just happen to love making, contributing and listening to music. Gainor is a WWU journalism grad and Ghirardini just graduated Western last spring with a ridiculously cool major “experiential musicology.” Goodwin attended Loyola Marymount in California. Also holding down other jobs, music remains The Bad Tenants’ first love. And now, that love is getting some extra T-L-C.

A process that began six months ago, The Bad Tenants are changing their sound as they make their official move from Bellingham to Seattle. This move has been one of The Bad Tenants’ goals for quite sometime. “The wealth of opportunities for the hip hop community in Seattle seems like a logical step,” remarked Goodwin. Although they are moving to Seattle, Bellingham is still going to be a part of The Bad Tenants. Ghirardini was born in the ‘ham, Gainor and Goodwin since they were young lads. Not to mention The Sunday Cypher has been a powerful musical presence throughout The Bad Tenants’ career. Many Bellingham friends are featured on their upcoming album as well as being cited as influences for the band. From My Dad Bruce to IG88, the community is close-knit, and The Cypher also has a Seattle branch that contains Bellingham friends.

This change marks a shift in the entire group dynamic. The evolution is all reflected on their album, Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1 which will be released on Oct. 9. Some tracks on the album feature all four original members and other tracks have the current three. The perfect transition album, it is meant to guide listeners through the journey that The Bad Tenants have been on, displaying both a cohesive sound and individual talent. Gainor is an enthusiastic MC that constantly engages with the audience, and Goodwin is a charming crooner and rapper, while Ghirardini is of the rare breed of DJs who actually spins on vinyl.

While Gainor and Goodwin have more interaction during sets, Ghirardini typically spends most of his time behind the decks. By bringing turntables to shows, he aims to bring energy and the traditional DJ perspective to the experience.

A notable change in The Bad Tenants sound, there is a dominant jazz influence throughout the album. In various opening tracks, Gainor and Goodwin are the musicians behind the instrumentals. Gainor plays jazz trombone while Goodwin plays alto sax and blues guitar (an influence sparked in a way by the Last Band Standing series, in which The Bad Tenants made it to the finals). This sound consequently sets The Bad Tenants apart from the standard rapper with a laptop.

Goodwin explained that “fans should expect a completely different sound that much more polished and improvement for the group as a whole.”

As Gainor simply put, “we pour our heart and soul into this everyday.”

The album release is just around the corner as well as a West Coast tour in November that starts at The Shakedown on Nov. 3. For their tour, The Bad Tenants are taking the Make.Shift Magic Van, with Triceracorn and Chance Random also performing on the tour. When released, the album will be available for free, and the “Stay Classy” single has already been making rounds in the community. Also featured on the album are contributions from Jesus Chris Willis, Ashley Hoppes and beats from Thaddeus.

For more information about the Bad Tenants, including future shows and their new EP, visit facebook.com/TheBadTenants. - What's Up! Magazine

The Bad Tenants have been staples in the Bellingham hip-hop scene for about two and a half years. Known for their infectious tracks and energetic performances, the trio has been changing it up and will be releasing a new EP.

Formerly a foursome, The Bad Tenants are now a three-man group including members Casey Gainor, Matthew Goodwin and Gabriel Ghirardini. Onstage they become Casey G, Good Matters and DJ Idlhnds. The departure of Dutch as a member of the crew is definitely unfortunate but there are no bad vibes within the group. In fact, he and Matt are currently roommates in Seattle. Gainor, Goodwin and Ghirardini are a very impressive group of men who just happen to love making, contributing and listening to music. Gainor is a WWU journalism grad and Ghirardini just graduated Western last spring with a ridiculously cool major “experiential musicology.” Goodwin attended Loyola Marymount in California. Also holding down other jobs, music remains The Bad Tenants’ first love. And now, that love is getting some extra T-L-C.

A process that began six months ago, The Bad Tenants are changing their sound as they make their official move from Bellingham to Seattle. This move has been one of The Bad Tenants’ goals for quite sometime. “The wealth of opportunities for the hip hop community in Seattle seems like a logical step,” remarked Goodwin. Although they are moving to Seattle, Bellingham is still going to be a part of The Bad Tenants. Ghirardini was born in the ‘ham, Gainor and Goodwin since they were young lads. Not to mention The Sunday Cypher has been a powerful musical presence throughout The Bad Tenants’ career. Many Bellingham friends are featured on their upcoming album as well as being cited as influences for the band. From My Dad Bruce to IG88, the community is close-knit, and The Cypher also has a Seattle branch that contains Bellingham friends.

This change marks a shift in the entire group dynamic. The evolution is all reflected on their album, Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1 which will be released on Oct. 9. Some tracks on the album feature all four original members and other tracks have the current three. The perfect transition album, it is meant to guide listeners through the journey that The Bad Tenants have been on, displaying both a cohesive sound and individual talent. Gainor is an enthusiastic MC that constantly engages with the audience, and Goodwin is a charming crooner and rapper, while Ghirardini is of the rare breed of DJs who actually spins on vinyl.

While Gainor and Goodwin have more interaction during sets, Ghirardini typically spends most of his time behind the decks. By bringing turntables to shows, he aims to bring energy and the traditional DJ perspective to the experience.

A notable change in The Bad Tenants sound, there is a dominant jazz influence throughout the album. In various opening tracks, Gainor and Goodwin are the musicians behind the instrumentals. Gainor plays jazz trombone while Goodwin plays alto sax and blues guitar (an influence sparked in a way by the Last Band Standing series, in which The Bad Tenants made it to the finals). This sound consequently sets The Bad Tenants apart from the standard rapper with a laptop.

Goodwin explained that “fans should expect a completely different sound that much more polished and improvement for the group as a whole.”

As Gainor simply put, “we pour our heart and soul into this everyday.”

The album release is just around the corner as well as a West Coast tour in November that starts at The Shakedown on Nov. 3. For their tour, The Bad Tenants are taking the Make.Shift Magic Van, with Triceracorn and Chance Random also performing on the tour. When released, the album will be available for free, and the “Stay Classy” single has already been making rounds in the community. Also featured on the album are contributions from Jesus Chris Willis, Ashley Hoppes and beats from Thaddeus.

For more information about the Bad Tenants, including future shows and their new EP, visit facebook.com/TheBadTenants. - What's Up! Magazine

The Bad Tenants have been staples in the Bellingham hip-hop scene for about two and a half years. Known for their infectious tracks and energetic performances, the trio has been changing it up and will be releasing a new EP.

Formerly a foursome, The Bad Tenants are now a three-man group including members Casey Gainor, Matthew Goodwin and Gabriel Ghirardini. Onstage they become Casey G, Good Matters and DJ Idlhnds. The departure of Dutch as a member of the crew is definitely unfortunate but there are no bad vibes within the group. In fact, he and Matt are currently roommates in Seattle. Gainor, Goodwin and Ghirardini are a very impressive group of men who just happen to love making, contributing and listening to music. Gainor is a WWU journalism grad and Ghirardini just graduated Western last spring with a ridiculously cool major “experiential musicology.” Goodwin attended Loyola Marymount in California. Also holding down other jobs, music remains The Bad Tenants’ first love. And now, that love is getting some extra T-L-C.

A process that began six months ago, The Bad Tenants are changing their sound as they make their official move from Bellingham to Seattle. This move has been one of The Bad Tenants’ goals for quite sometime. “The wealth of opportunities for the hip hop community in Seattle seems like a logical step,” remarked Goodwin. Although they are moving to Seattle, Bellingham is still going to be a part of The Bad Tenants. Ghirardini was born in the ‘ham, Gainor and Goodwin since they were young lads. Not to mention The Sunday Cypher has been a powerful musical presence throughout The Bad Tenants’ career. Many Bellingham friends are featured on their upcoming album as well as being cited as influences for the band. From My Dad Bruce to IG88, the community is close-knit, and The Cypher also has a Seattle branch that contains Bellingham friends.

This change marks a shift in the entire group dynamic. The evolution is all reflected on their album, Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1 which will be released on Oct. 9. Some tracks on the album feature all four original members and other tracks have the current three. The perfect transition album, it is meant to guide listeners through the journey that The Bad Tenants have been on, displaying both a cohesive sound and individual talent. Gainor is an enthusiastic MC that constantly engages with the audience, and Goodwin is a charming crooner and rapper, while Ghirardini is of the rare breed of DJs who actually spins on vinyl.

While Gainor and Goodwin have more interaction during sets, Ghirardini typically spends most of his time behind the decks. By bringing turntables to shows, he aims to bring energy and the traditional DJ perspective to the experience.

A notable change in The Bad Tenants sound, there is a dominant jazz influence throughout the album. In various opening tracks, Gainor and Goodwin are the musicians behind the instrumentals. Gainor plays jazz trombone while Goodwin plays alto sax and blues guitar (an influence sparked in a way by the Last Band Standing series, in which The Bad Tenants made it to the finals). This sound consequently sets The Bad Tenants apart from the standard rapper with a laptop.

Goodwin explained that “fans should expect a completely different sound that much more polished and improvement for the group as a whole.”

As Gainor simply put, “we pour our heart and soul into this everyday.”

The album release is just around the corner as well as a West Coast tour in November that starts at The Shakedown on Nov. 3. For their tour, The Bad Tenants are taking the Make.Shift Magic Van, with Triceracorn and Chance Random also performing on the tour. When released, the album will be available for free, and the “Stay Classy” single has already been making rounds in the community. Also featured on the album are contributions from Jesus Chris Willis, Ashley Hoppes and beats from Thaddeus.

For more information about the Bad Tenants, including future shows and their new EP, visit facebook.com/TheBadTenants. - What's Up! Magazine

The Bad Tenants, Bellingham’s beloved hip hop group, lives up to their jazzy and soulful reputation with their new album, Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1, released on Oct. 5. After refining the group down to the trio of Casey Grant Gainor (Casey G), Matthew Goodwin (Good Matters) and Gabriel William Ghirardini (DJ Idlhnds), the band transitions smoothly into a new era with Eloquent Scoundrels.

The album opens with “The Rundown,” and if you somehow aren’t hooked by that, “Stay Classy” will surely get you dancing for the duration of the album. From the more upbeat opening tracks the album transitions into the melodic, ballad-like style of “Sweet Talk” (featuring Jesus Chris Willis and Ashley Hoppes) and later into the old-school sounding style of “The Speakeasy.”

The Bad Tenants are not only a fine representation of Bellingham hip hop; they are also central figures of the Bellingham hip hop community—this album was produced by IG88, mastered by Jesus Chris Willis, features Ashley Hoppes, and beats from Thaddeus Gincig and Beatmaster Joda, all of whom are from the area.

Ultimately, Eloquent Scoundrels is worth a listen, or 10. It has a polished, cohesive sound that makes for an easy listen, as well as catchy beats and clever lyrics that make it entertaining. The album is accessible to both the layman and the hip hop connoisseur. Even if you know nothing about hip hop or aren’t particularly into the genre, The Bad Tenants may change your mind. Eloquent Scoundrels Volume Vol. 1 can be downloaded for free from their Bandcamp. - What's Up! Magazine

After a releasing When I'm Back and The Special, The Bad Tenants release their latest album Our Neighborhood. TheJourney is proud to present Our Neighborhood in it's entirety. Downloading Our Neighborhood + raging at your local Halloween festivities = a successful Halloween 2011. Make sure to say what up to The Bad Tenants on Twitter and Facebook. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

After a releasing When I'm Back and The Special, The Bad Tenants release their latest album Our Neighborhood. TheJourney is proud to present Our Neighborhood in it's entirety. Downloading Our Neighborhood + raging at your local Halloween festivities = a successful Halloween 2011. Make sure to say what up to The Bad Tenants on Twitter and Facebook. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

he Bad Tenants, a hip-hop group out of Bellingham, Washington, recently emailed me their self-titled debut mixtape, The Bad Tenants. I'm glad they did. Tentative Man and Love and Happiness, both off The Bad Tenants, have been on repeat ever since I opened up my inbox. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

A few weeks back, I posted a couple of insanely sick tracks by The Bad Tenants. Grab them here. I also meant to post The Bad Tenants' latest video, When I'm Back, but between the hustle and bustle of school, life and researching new music, I somehow forgot to post it. My bad. When I'm Back has a really really catchy chorus. So catchy in fact that ADHD riddled viewers [like myself] should be sufficiently entertained throughout the entire 10 minutes. In related news, TheJourney is stoked to announce that we will be world premiering The Bad Tenants' upcoming album. Good sh*t. Major shouts to The Bad Tenants for choosing TheJourney as the exclusive blog to release their upcoming project. More info on a release date will be coming very soon. As an extra, check out TheJourney's prior World Premieres here. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

A few weeks back, I posted a couple of insanely sick tracks by The Bad Tenants. Grab them here. I also meant to post The Bad Tenants' latest video, When I'm Back, but between the hustle and bustle of school, life and researching new music, I somehow forgot to post it. My bad. When I'm Back has a really really catchy chorus. So catchy in fact that ADHD riddled viewers [like myself] should be sufficiently entertained throughout the entire 10 minutes. In related news, TheJourney is stoked to announce that we will be world premiering The Bad Tenants' upcoming album. Good sh*t. Major shouts to The Bad Tenants for choosing TheJourney as the exclusive blog to release their upcoming project. More info on a release date will be coming very soon. As an extra, check out TheJourney's prior World Premieres here. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

From the northern-most part of the Northwest, Bellingham, Wash.-based group The Bad Tenants make their Potholes debut with the free six-track project Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1. With what sounds like a heavy Jurassic 5 (who should NEVER be referred to as J5) influence, this could be a group we hear from a lot more in the future. If you dig jazz-heavy boom-bap, don’t sleep on these cats. - potholesinmyblog.com

From the northern-most part of the Northwest, Bellingham, Wash.-based group The Bad Tenants make their Potholes debut with the free six-track project Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1. With what sounds like a heavy Jurassic 5 (who should NEVER be referred to as J5) influence, this could be a group we hear from a lot more in the future. If you dig jazz-heavy boom-bap, don’t sleep on these cats. - potholesinmyblog.com

The Bad Tenants are back! Executively produced by the homie IG88, The Bad Tenants latest project Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1 is jam packed with energy from beginning to end. The unique approach The Bad Tenants brings to their choruses truly sets them apart from most other hip hop acts. Make sure to check out all our prior posts on the Pacific Northwest hip hop collective known as The Bad Tenants and hit the jump to stream and download Eloquent Scoundrels Vol. 1. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

In honor of their EP release today, Shadi G gets the scoop on Northwest group The Bad Tenants.

1. Who are The Bad Tenants?
We are Casey G, Good Matters and DJ Idlhnds. A trio of devilishly handsome 20-somethings dead set on invading your privacy with good music. Everyday.

2. How would you describe your sound to people who aren’t familiar with The Bad Tenants?
Forward thinking hip hop with roots in Blues, Jazz, and Turntablism. Greasy breakfasts, strong coffee and last night’s debauchery.

3. You have recently moved to Seattle from Bellingham. What was the reason for the move?
It was time for a bigger pond. Bellingham will always be our home, but we are really excited to chase big things in the 206. Bring it.

4. What should people expect from The Bad Tenants in the future?
We will be heading down the left coast next month on our “Kinda Like Us Tour” with fellow KLU homies Triceracorn and Chance Random. The tour hits Seattle Nov. 4 at LoFi with special guest Scribes. You can also expect to see us freestyling in various parks, and dancing enthusiastically at locations yet to be determined… Oh yeah, and more good music.
- misscaseycarter.com

In honor of their EP release today, Shadi G gets the scoop on Northwest group The Bad Tenants.

1. Who are The Bad Tenants?
We are Casey G, Good Matters and DJ Idlhnds. A trio of devilishly handsome 20-somethings dead set on invading your privacy with good music. Everyday.

2. How would you describe your sound to people who aren’t familiar with The Bad Tenants?
Forward thinking hip hop with roots in Blues, Jazz, and Turntablism. Greasy breakfasts, strong coffee and last night’s debauchery.

3. You have recently moved to Seattle from Bellingham. What was the reason for the move?
It was time for a bigger pond. Bellingham will always be our home, but we are really excited to chase big things in the 206. Bring it.

4. What should people expect from The Bad Tenants in the future?
We will be heading down the left coast next month on our “Kinda Like Us Tour” with fellow KLU homies Triceracorn and Chance Random. The tour hits Seattle Nov. 4 at LoFi with special guest Scribes. You can also expect to see us freestyling in various parks, and dancing enthusiastically at locations yet to be determined… Oh yeah, and more good music.
- misscaseycarter.com

"The Bad Tenants are the most active, energetic group to rise out of a sea of local artists making intelligent, well-produced hip-hop music." - Seattle Weekly

Even a Hustler is the second music video off The Bad Tenants' incredibly dope new album Our Neighborhood. TheJourney's stoked to have been able to present The Bellingham, Washington, bands latest album Our Neighborhood, in it's entirety. The first video off the project is When I'm Back, which features lots of back roads and one of my favorite choruses of 2011. Song after song, and video after video, The Bad Tenants give us a peak into their genuinely crafted art-form. Is it me, or does The Bad Tenants kinda remind ya of a new-age Jurassic 5. So sick. Make sure to say what up to The Bad Tenant's on Twitter and Facebook. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

Even a Hustler is the second music video off The Bad Tenants' incredibly dope new album Our Neighborhood. TheJourney's stoked to have been able to present The Bellingham, Washington, bands latest album Our Neighborhood, in it's entirety. The first video off the project is When I'm Back, which features lots of back roads and one of my favorite choruses of 2011. Song after song, and video after video, The Bad Tenants give us a peak into their genuinely crafted art-form. Is it me, or does The Bad Tenants kinda remind ya of a new-age Jurassic 5. So sick. Make sure to say what up to The Bad Tenant's on Twitter and Facebook. - thejourneythroughlawschool.com

CD Reviews: The Bad Tenants – Our Neighbor
The Bad Tenants avoid every off-putting cliche, mostly because they stick to making songs that listeners can relate to. They don’t rap about being ultra-aggressive, alpha-males but, instead, coming to terms with who they are as people.

This album sounds like an homage to 90s hip-hop with hints of Bellingham laced over each track. Jenni Potts sings on “Familiar Arms,” which is interesting since Potts usually sings folk-pop, however the combination sounds fantastic. “When I’m Back,” shows a more reflective side of the Tenants, although there are a few lines that fall short, it’s easy to focus on the memorability of the chorus. In fact, the album is so well-rounded, it’s hard to find any particular problem with it. ”

Our Neighborhood,” opens the album through a comfortable beat, while they rap, “Swag is dead/God is love/My church observes through mixtape,” only furthering their credibility as rappers who ignore commercial trends. Also, the inclusion of other Bellingham artists establishes The Bad Tenants as collaborative-friendly hometown heroes. IG88 and Jesus Chris Willis produce a few of the beats, and Chance Random, Willis, and Courtney Crooks guest-star on some tracks.

Our Neighborhood finds the Bad Tenants rhyming over slick beats that would be at home on a 90s hip-hop station. The album is the most fun hip-hop album in recent memory. The whole album is a solid collection of songs that will undoubtedly translate even better into a concert setting. - What's Up! Magazine

CD Reviews: The Bad Tenants – Our Neighbor
The Bad Tenants avoid every off-putting cliche, mostly because they stick to making songs that listeners can relate to. They don’t rap about being ultra-aggressive, alpha-males but, instead, coming to terms with who they are as people.

This album sounds like an homage to 90s hip-hop with hints of Bellingham laced over each track. Jenni Potts sings on “Familiar Arms,” which is interesting since Potts usually sings folk-pop, however the combination sounds fantastic. “When I’m Back,” shows a more reflective side of the Tenants, although there are a few lines that fall short, it’s easy to focus on the memorability of the chorus. In fact, the album is so well-rounded, it’s hard to find any particular problem with it. ”

Our Neighborhood,” opens the album through a comfortable beat, while they rap, “Swag is dead/God is love/My church observes through mixtape,” only furthering their credibility as rappers who ignore commercial trends. Also, the inclusion of other Bellingham artists establishes The Bad Tenants as collaborative-friendly hometown heroes. IG88 and Jesus Chris Willis produce a few of the beats, and Chance Random, Willis, and Courtney Crooks guest-star on some tracks.

Our Neighborhood finds the Bad Tenants rhyming over slick beats that would be at home on a 90s hip-hop station. The album is the most fun hip-hop album in recent memory. The whole album is a solid collection of songs that will undoubtedly translate even better into a concert setting. - What's Up! Magazine

Looks like we might have some local celebrities on the rise! Bellingham band The Bad Tenants are being featured in the above commercial for NW Honda. The music playing in the commercial is "Even a Hustler," which will end up being the first single off the band's next EP, said Bad Tenants vocalist Casey Gainor (aka C-Spot).

The commercial was made by local production company Darkheart Visions, a company that frequently supports local musicians. Gainor said the company and the band had been talking about filming an upcoming music video, so Darkheart Visions had some of their unreleased music, which made it's way into the commercial.

"It was a surprise, but it was a good surprise," Gainor said. "We're excited they wanted to help support local bands."

The Bad Tenants are a four-man band whose alternative hip-hop style comes from a background of "blues music and college degrees." They're currently working on a full-length album.

So far, Gainor said he's only seen the commercial on the Internet. But the well-done and humorous video of boys being boys could go viral at any moment. For C-Spot and the Bad Tenants, it's an exciting step on their hip-hop journey.

"It's an odd mix between thinking the commercial's funny, and being in awe of the fact that my music is in the background," Gainor said.

You can check out the Bad Tenants yourself on April 27. They'll be doing a benefit show with 100 percent of door fees going to Amy's Place. - KOMO News

Looks like we might have some local celebrities on the rise! Bellingham band The Bad Tenants are being featured in the above commercial for NW Honda. The music playing in the commercial is "Even a Hustler," which will end up being the first single off the band's next EP, said Bad Tenants vocalist Casey Gainor (aka C-Spot).

The commercial was made by local production company Darkheart Visions, a company that frequently supports local musicians. Gainor said the company and the band had been talking about filming an upcoming music video, so Darkheart Visions had some of their unreleased music, which made it's way into the commercial.

"It was a surprise, but it was a good surprise," Gainor said. "We're excited they wanted to help support local bands."

The Bad Tenants are a four-man band whose alternative hip-hop style comes from a background of "blues music and college degrees." They're currently working on a full-length album.

So far, Gainor said he's only seen the commercial on the Internet. But the well-done and humorous video of boys being boys could go viral at any moment. For C-Spot and the Bad Tenants, it's an exciting step on their hip-hop journey.

"It's an odd mix between thinking the commercial's funny, and being in awe of the fact that my music is in the background," Gainor said.

You can check out the Bad Tenants yourself on April 27. They'll be doing a benefit show with 100 percent of door fees going to Amy's Place. - KOMO News

Bad Tenants are just what one would imagine hip-hop from the Pacific Northwest should be: skillful, unique, fun, deep and ready for anything. Bellingham can be felt in the music’ lyrics from members C-Spot, Good Matters, Dutchman, Idlhnds and Todd Damon Faulkner.

They mix songs your body just needs to move to like “Deep Roots” and “A Whole Lotta” with songs your ears just need to listen to like “Retrospect” and “Tentative Man”. Bad Tenants are danceable, drinkable and road-trippable. As they put it themselves in the song “Love and Happiness”, “It’s a little bit of this, and a little bit of bee-bop, just a little bit of that, and a whole lotta hip-hop.” They’re playful, prideful and feature some inventive lyrics and sampling.

At first it seemed that Bad Tenants’ songs came in only two categories: danceable party music and harder, deeper music. But the playfully hard “Zombie Killaz” featuring Jus Brooks is the perfect way to round out this group. Slip in some Bad Tenants at your next party; you won’t regret it. - What's Up! Magazine

Bad Tenants are just what one would imagine hip-hop from the Pacific Northwest should be: skillful, unique, fun, deep and ready for anything. Bellingham can be felt in the music’ lyrics from members C-Spot, Good Matters, Dutchman, Idlhnds and Todd Damon Faulkner.

They mix songs your body just needs to move to like “Deep Roots” and “A Whole Lotta” with songs your ears just need to listen to like “Retrospect” and “Tentative Man”. Bad Tenants are danceable, drinkable and road-trippable. As they put it themselves in the song “Love and Happiness”, “It’s a little bit of this, and a little bit of bee-bop, just a little bit of that, and a whole lotta hip-hop.” They’re playful, prideful and feature some inventive lyrics and sampling.

At first it seemed that Bad Tenants’ songs came in only two categories: danceable party music and harder, deeper music. But the playfully hard “Zombie Killaz” featuring Jus Brooks is the perfect way to round out this group. Slip in some Bad Tenants at your next party; you won’t regret it. - What's Up! Magazine

The Bad Tenants might be bad, but let’s get one thing straight: they’re bad in a good way. Gabriel “DJ Idlhnds” Ghirardini said it simply: “Our lawn is never mowed, beer bottles pile up in the recycling bins, and we have way more fun than your house [does].”

Meet The Bad Tenants: four guys from Bellingham looking to change up the rap game. Group mates include Casey Grant Gainor “C-Spot”, Matthew Goodwin “Good Matters”, Kristopher Dyche “Dutchman” and Gabe Ghirardini “DJ Idlhnds”. The band wasn’t born from an alcohol-induced house party rampage; rather, the name has a more philosophical meaning, representing their sense of rebellion from the norm.

“It was basically my thoughts on wanting to make music that I like, and not just abiding by the normal rules that everybody else decides is good music,” Gainor said.

The boys of The Bad Tenants are similar to a house full of randomly placed roommates: each member has a unique and diverse background and a fervent love affair with music.

“Hip-hop became a big part of me, which is funny, because as a little California skater punk, I never thought I’d be able to say that, but once I moved to the Pacific Northwest when I was 15, things changed. Hip-hop took over my brain,” said Gainor.

From jazz and blues to punk rock and old-school rap, there’s one thing these theoretical roommates share, it’s the mutual love of hip-hop. “Some people have golf, I have hip hop,” Goodwin said.

And that love is evident through their performances and willingness to interact with their fans. When asked what the best part of being a musician is, Goodwin replied, “Making people happy, hands down. Seeing people walk out of the shows smiling and excited, that’s why I do this.”

And Ghirardini agrees; the act of performing is the final step of the craft. “If you are passionate about your art, I believe it needs to be shared with others. Performing for me is a natural evolution of the creative process,” he said.

Indeed it is the fans, the support, and the hip-hop industry that keep The Bad Tenants inspired. Though, writing music does have its challenges.

“Sometimes it’s just easy,” said Gainor, “Sometimes something hits you, a word or a line or an image and the rest just flows out and it’s great. But sometimes, you have something that you feel like you need to say, and it just won’t come out. It’s like pulling teeth. You want to say it so bad, but it just refuses to come easy to you.”

However, the boys don’t let the pressure get to them. Above all, keeping the music real and relatable is the group’s biggest concern.

“In the end, music is fun and it’s love and we want to keep it that way,” said Gainor.

It is that give-and-take of energy from supportive fans that keeps The Bad Tenants coming back for more.

“There’s something truly cathartic about the experience of being able to connect to live music. When you are in awe of what is happening in front of you, you’re dancing, singing along, cheering, clapping, whatever, because you are loving it – and [when] you see other people next to you experiencing the exact same thing, how can you not feel united with that person? That’s a real human connection, which is really something to cherish,” said Gainor.

It’s safe to say The Bad Tenants are the kind of neighbors most people feel lucky to have. - What's Up! Magazine

The Bad Tenants might be bad, but let’s get one thing straight: they’re bad in a good way. Gabriel “DJ Idlhnds” Ghirardini said it simply: “Our lawn is never mowed, beer bottles pile up in the recycling bins, and we have way more fun than your house [does].”

Meet The Bad Tenants: four guys from Bellingham looking to change up the rap game. Group mates include Casey Grant Gainor “C-Spot”, Matthew Goodwin “Good Matters”, Kristopher Dyche “Dutchman” and Gabe Ghirardini “DJ Idlhnds”. The band wasn’t born from an alcohol-induced house party rampage; rather, the name has a more philosophical meaning, representing their sense of rebellion from the norm.

“It was basically my thoughts on wanting to make music that I like, and not just abiding by the normal rules that everybody else decides is good music,” Gainor said.

The boys of The Bad Tenants are similar to a house full of randomly placed roommates: each member has a unique and diverse background and a fervent love affair with music.

“Hip-hop became a big part of me, which is funny, because as a little California skater punk, I never thought I’d be able to say that, but once I moved to the Pacific Northwest when I was 15, things changed. Hip-hop took over my brain,” said Gainor.

From jazz and blues to punk rock and old-school rap, there’s one thing these theoretical roommates share, it’s the mutual love of hip-hop. “Some people have golf, I have hip hop,” Goodwin said.

And that love is evident through their performances and willingness to interact with their fans. When asked what the best part of being a musician is, Goodwin replied, “Making people happy, hands down. Seeing people walk out of the shows smiling and excited, that’s why I do this.”

And Ghirardini agrees; the act of performing is the final step of the craft. “If you are passionate about your art, I believe it needs to be shared with others. Performing for me is a natural evolution of the creative process,” he said.

Indeed it is the fans, the support, and the hip-hop industry that keep The Bad Tenants inspired. Though, writing music does have its challenges.

“Sometimes it’s just easy,” said Gainor, “Sometimes something hits you, a word or a line or an image and the rest just flows out and it’s great. But sometimes, you have something that you feel like you need to say, and it just won’t come out. It’s like pulling teeth. You want to say it so bad, but it just refuses to come easy to you.”

However, the boys don’t let the pressure get to them. Above all, keeping the music real and relatable is the group’s biggest concern.

“In the end, music is fun and it’s love and we want to keep it that way,” said Gainor.

It is that give-and-take of energy from supportive fans that keeps The Bad Tenants coming back for more.

“There’s something truly cathartic about the experience of being able to connect to live music. When you are in awe of what is happening in front of you, you’re dancing, singing along, cheering, clapping, whatever, because you are loving it – and [when] you see other people next to you experiencing the exact same thing, how can you not feel united with that person? That’s a real human connection, which is really something to cherish,” said Gainor.

It’s safe to say The Bad Tenants are the kind of neighbors most people feel lucky to have. - What's Up! Magazine

Casey Gainor’s hand itches to hold the microphone while Matthew Goodwin slugs back the last bit of his scotch remaining from the group’ s ritualistic pre-show drink. Kristopher Dyche feels the adrenaline pumping through his veins and Western senior Gabriel Ghirardini can't wait to start running the group’s beats on his Technic 1200 turntables.

Anticipation and excitement spike in the minutes before up-and-coming local hip-hop group The Bad Tenants, formed by Western alumni Goodwin and Gainor, go on stage.

It has been more than a year since all four members formed their tightly knit hip-hop group, which is focused on having fun and putting out music people can relate to. The group said they use hip-hop as an emotional outlet to create fun but meaningful music.

Dyche said hip-hop provides the band a place to express frustrations, anger and sadness, as well as a place to be creative and have fun.

“I hope that people can feel where we’re coming from,” Dyche said.

The Bad Tenants have performed at a handful of venues in Bellingham, including the Cobra Lounge and Glow Nightclub, but Gainor said the Underground Coffeehouse performance is a special opportunity because their live shows are rarely accessible to people younger than 21.

The Bad Tenants’ largest gig occurred two weeks ago when they performed for the cast and crew wrap-up party of the Mission: Impossible 4 movie.

They said they will never forget the Bollywood-themed Hollywood party where they performed for about 1,100 millionaires, actors, directors and big-time movie crews at an old Vancouver train station.

“I felt varying states of being nervous,” Ghirardini said. “It was the biggest thing we’ve done so far, and it was a little bit nerve-racking.”

Gainor said although the show was their largest, he feels all gigs are equally as important.

“You can’t underestimate any show,” Gainor said. “Because you never know who’s going to like it.”

Goodwin said the band tries to connect with the audience as much as possible by walking into the crowd and encouraging them to sing along.

“We’re goofy,” Gainor said. “We want people to want to watch us. You’ve got to be interesting and energetic.”

The group said they have a faithful local following, and they are looking to expand their audience through shows, a possible summer tour, and social networking websites.

The Bad Tenants said they hope to release their first album by the end of the year.

“There could be pretty big things on the horizon for us,” Gainor said.

The group said their biggest challenge so far has been finding time to practice since they often encounter work and school conflicts.

Gainor said the group calls him the “hip-hop mom” because he is diligent in getting the group together for practice.
“You’re all responsible for each other,” Gainor said. “If one person fails, you all fail.”

Music is an integral part of who they are as individuals and they said they are glad to put effort into growing as musical artists.

“It’s always been an undercurrent or a part of my life in one way or another,” Ghirardini said. “And I don’t see that changing anytime soon.” - The Western Front

@BellevueScene: "thinks you should listen to some fresh, PNW hip-hop, The Bad Tenants @hiphoptenants." - The Bellevue Scene Magazine