New York’s Bad Mary and Mega Infinity teamed up for an explosive split seven-inch release via Ska Punk International. Mega Bad Disaster Party is available now for your eager ska punk ears Each band contribute two newly recorded tracks, set for release on the digital streaming platforms on December 3, with a vinyl release to follow in early 2025.
Bad Mary consist of Amanda Mac (vocals), Mike Staub (bass/vocals), Bill Mac (drums), and David Henderson (guitar). Staub states, “When we reached out to SPI about possibly doing an EP and adding some ska elements to our songs, they suggested collaborating with Mega Infinity. We’ve been friends with Mega for a decade, and they’re part of our Long Island band family. As a classically trained trumpet player (yuck … I know), it’s been exciting to bring in horns.
“Working with longtime friends and talented musicians like Kevin Jackson and Maggie Buckley has been amazing. We’re jokingly calling our horn section ‘The Bad Pizza Crisis’ since Kevin is from Crisis Crayons and Maggie from The Samurai Pizza Cats, two bands we love—They’re like family to us.” Regarding the new tracks, Staub shares, “One of them is ‘Disaster(er) Party.’ The original ‘Disaster Party’ was written for The Return of Space Girl album, and I always envisioned it with horns. We’ve been playing it live with Kevin Jackson (from Title Holder and Crisis Crayons), who created a horn part for it. It’s always a crowd favorite live, but finally, I get to play trumpet on it with Bad Mary—that’s a first for me.”
“Want What I Want” is inspiring to unleash our beasts, no matter what people say, follow our hearts. The guitarist, Henderson, says what inspired him to write this song: “I wrote this while crossing the street on my way to work. It’s about not caring what others think and doing what you want. Live life, be kind, and have fun.”
Mega Infinity are comprised of Michi and Mike DiGiulio. Wait for it … On the split of the masterpiece, Mega Infinity bring their tracks. “Eyelids 2024” (feat. Joystick!) and “Let Me Drive My Van Into Your Heart.” Michi shares, “‘Eyelids’ was written for an EP years ago, influenced by ska punk, riot grrrl, and bands like Catch 22, Veruca Salt, and Big D and the Kids Table, alongside our contemporaries in Bad Mary. We stopped playing it after our original guitarist left, but it always deserved a revival.
“With Joystick! featured and our current guitarist emphasizing our ska punk influences, the new arrangement feels like a tribute to both our inspirations and friends.” She adds, “These songs helped bring Bad Mary and Mega Infinity together in 2015. I’ve seen Bad Mary play them countless times, but these new versions are cleaner, more aggressive, and harder-hitting. We’ve played so many shows together, and our community has been strong. Maybe these songs will connect with someone else who needs that same sense of belonging.”
Both bands bring such a great energy with such conviction. There is raw emotion and absolute punk vibes and a rock ‘n’ roll feel. I suggest checking it out; it is quite addictive.
