Bad Town

Bad Town is a Los Angeles-based band known for its intricate fusion of jazz, punk, indie, and alternative rock. Since forming in the San Fernando Valley in 2017, they’ve refined a sound that balances the improvisational depth of jazz with the restless energy of punk and the thoughtful melodies of indie. The name Bad Town, drawn from the Operation Ivy song that influenced founding members Andy Pacheco and David Melgoza, reflects their early ska/punk roots while signaling a commitment to evolving, genre-blending compositions.

In January 2025, Bad Town will release This Time Last Year, an EP that marks nearly a decade of growth. This new collection underscores the band’s journey from raw beginnings to a more layered and confident identity. Melgoza’s lyrics, shaped by personal experiences and the complexities of Los Angeles life, lend an authentic voice that resonates long after the music fades. Pacheco’s intricate guitar work, merging technical precision with improvisation, challenges the boundaries of punk and indie while nodding to his jazz background. Drummer Daniel Franklin and newly appointed bassist Tyler Bogna form a rhythm section that drives each track forward, adding depth and momentum.
Independent and continually evolving, Bad Town approaches This Time Last Year as a defining moment, setting the stage for a future full-length album and a lasting place in today’s musical landscape.