Artist Spotlight ~ Bite Me Bambi

Artist Spotlight is a segment that we started to introduce our readers to some deserving up and coming artists/bands. They have made an impact on us for all of the right reasons. We think they kick ass, and we hope you do too! Today we’d like to shine the spotlight on Orange County’s punk/ska band Bite Me Bambi!

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 2025 independent album, Eat This.

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 with a hook that gives way to a wailing rockabilly-style solo. Also on the upcoming album, “Girls Like You,” delivers surf guitar that rolls towards a chantable chorus. Then, there’s “Too Many People” which features Dirty Walt of Fishbone and “Gaslighters Anthem” originated from a skeleton shared with the band by Jason Hammon of Dance Hall Crashers. The track tempers Tahlena’s gritty delivery with a propulsive rhythm. With Eat This, Bite Me Bambi might just inspire you to live your truth out loud too.

We sat down with Tahlena and Mike from Bite Me Bambi for a short, but fun Q&A session.

Every superhero and villain have an origin, and a band is no different. Well, minus the radioactive spiders and secret government experiment. What’s the origin of Bite Me Bambi?

Tahlena – Bite Me Bambi started back in 2018 when myself and Brian Mashburn (our original guitar player) wanted to just try writing songs together. There was never any intention to start a band, but we ended up having so much fun together that we wanted to start a new project. We were able to hand pick the musicians we wanted to work with and create a project we were really proud of.

You recently released your new song “Do The Damned” can you share the inspiration for the song?

Tahlena – “Do The Damned” is a song about letting go of trying to please everyone. The truth is, people will judge or dislike you for all kinds of reasons, even things out of your control. I used to struggle a lot with letting go of that. I wanted to write a song to remind myself that sometimes you are just damned if you don’t and damned if you do.

Mike – As performers, we all have a desire to be liked. The main inspiration is to call that need out, and basically stop people pleasing.

Can you tell us about your upcoming album release Eat This?

Tahlena – Eat This is our first full-length record. It’s an amalgamation of singles we released over the last couple of years and an additional five new songs. During the pandemic we got in the habit of releasing singles with music videos. Although we loved putting them out, we felt like some of the tracks didn’t get a real release. “Eat This” is a great example of who Bite Me Bambi is, where we have come from, and what we are moving towards in the future.

Bite Me Bambi is based out of Orange County, CA, a place that has delivered some trailblazing punk bands. Do you feel like the local culture and history has impacted your music or sound and if so in what ways?

Mike – It is hard being from Southern California to not be impacted. Everyone has a story of seeing No Doubt at a Youth Center, or Sublime in a back yard. Some of our own band members have been involved in so many different bands from back then. But it shapes the sound for sure, especially in the studio-when you’re looking for the right guitar tone for example, suggestions might be…lets go for a bigger Bad Religion sound for this. Or Horns and Keyboards for example we have often said…Lets make it sound like Fishbone. We are privileged to be able to have all these great influences and our hope is that it comes through in the music.

When were you bit by the music bug and how has music, your own and from other artists impacted you?

Tahlena – I started performing at the age of nine doing local musical theater productions. From there I began singing lessons, piano lessons, and eventually guitar lessons. Coming from a family of musicians, music has always been a big part of who I am and how I choose to express myself. Plus, let’s face it. I was born a ham. I sincerely apologize to every family member who had to watch three-year-old me “put on a show” in my parents’ living room. In all seriousness, when I am on stage, I feel the most authentically me. I am present. All the noise of day-to-day life is quiet. It’s where I am reminded of who I am when I feel lost.

Mike – All of us were “bit” at a young age. Many starting our first bands at 15. Some of our members were playing Ska shows at the age of 16. Our music tastes are diverse. Manhattan Transfer to fIREHOSE. As far as influences we draw inspiration from Fishbone, The Specials, Hepcat, Dancehall Crashers.

If you could put together a fantasy all-star jam to perform with, who would you pick, they can still be with us or not.

Tahlena – Prince, Mon Laferte

Mike – Joe Strummer, Elvis Costello

If the songs on “Eat This” were a cocktail what would be in it?

Mike – Not saying this was already a thought but…Bourbon, Cynar, Fernet, Mr. Black, Aperol, Chocolate Bitters and Mexican Chocolate Bitters.

What is the craziest situation you have even been in as a musician?

Tahlena – We once had our cars shot up outside of a venue. They were collateral damage in a drive by. Mike ended up having to have his car totaled. That was pretty nuts.

As we approach the end of 2024 do you have a New Years resolution for 2025?

Tahlena – I’d say as a band we want to make a goal of being constantly creative. We want to keep pushing ourselves to be better artists. It’s easy to get stuck in the “okay, it’s time to start making the next record” mentality. I’m hoping in 2025 we can work on always collaborating artistically, whenever the inspiration strikes.