Bipolar: Not just Another Mood Disorder

By Brandon Caylor

Normally when the term bipolar comes up in conversation it is usually describing a person with a serious mood disorder that requires medical attention. A person with bipolar disorder experiences periods of mania along with periods of depression, which is not an easy thing to deal with. It is true that most of us do experience crazy times and sad times both, but bipolar disorder goes to the extreme.

What if music had bipolar disorder? What would it sound like? I think it’s time we find out!

Bipolar is a female-fronted local metal band that has been blistering eardrums since 2003, combining the brutality of metal and hardcore with some more melodic elements. Since then, the band has played all over the place, including an ice skating rink, won a Sammie award, and gone through its fair share of ups and downs.

So what is behind the name?

“We were having a hard time coming up with a band name for our project,” lead vocalist Charlie explained. “After an encounter with a pretty bipolar guitar player, we decided that term was the best description of the type of music we were playing, a good blend of hardcore mixed with melodies.”

Being a female vocalist in such a testosterone-driven scene must have its challenges. What kinds of challenges does Charlie face?

“At first it was that I wasn’t being taken seriously, like I was a gimmick. Some guys decided they weren’t going to like me no matter how good the band was just because I was female. It took me a while to realize that it didn’t matter if people didn’t like the band or me, different flavors for different tastes. As long as I’m doing my best and making music that I love, it’s all good. After being in the scene for over seven years now , I’ve earned my dues and respect, or at least I feel I have. I haven’t had many challenges other than keeping a guitar player around.”

And how about the guys in the band? Is it challenging for them as well?

Drummer Brian explained, “I felt at first that we wouldn’t be seen with a true hardcore feel. Now she’s earned the respect, and people know she brings it.”

Of course being a female-fronted band would bring about comparisons with other bands of the same ilk, which brings about an additional set of challenges, right?

“Holding back punches when people expect us to sound like Otep,” bassist Mika said.

So there’s rule No. 1: Do not compare them to Otep. Just don’t do it. Must keep bass player happy.

Why did the band choose to pursue this particular style of music?

Charlie answered first, “Why not? It’s aggressive, fun, and a great shock value for anyone who’s never seen us before. It’s my therapy, I get all my screaming done into a mic, that way I’m not screaming at people everywhere else.”

Actually, I would find it very entertaining if I were in McDonald’s and I heard Charlie scream, “I SAID NO PICKLES!” But that will probably never happen. Still, must keep singer happy.

Guitarist Ryan adds, “It’s what I grew up playing.”

And Mika, “Because everything else sucks. This is the only genre where you can be fat and get chicks.” (We’ll definitely have to talk to him again and get some details.)

.bipolar. is made up of some interesting individuals. I can think of several reality TV shows I would love to see them in, but I wanted to give them the opportunity to choose their own. So the question is this: if you got to star in your own reality show, what would it be?

Charlie: “The ups and downs of being a mom, playing in a metal band, publishing a magazine, and my hatred for the HILLS.” Yes, in case you haven’t figured it out by now, Charlie is the editor of this awesome periodical you are currently feasting your eyes upon. She is one busy person, sure, but it is admirable to see a person doing all of the things she loves to do, while raising a child as well.

Mika: “I would date porn stars and then realize they’re all trannys.” (Yeah, we definitely need to talk to this guy again!)

The band just released a brand new CD.

“We recorded Capacity for Change to finally put out some new music after two-and-a-half years of not recording,” Charlie stated. “Mika and Ryan have helped write some awesome songs and this CD is to showcase that, and how as a whole the Bipolar sound has grown. We’ll sell it at shows, and we’re hoping to get it on iTunes soon.”

You can get a taste of the new stuff at www.myspace.com/bipolar, or better yet, go see them live at the Fire Escape on September 19. You never know what to expect at one of their shows. For example, Mika had a great past experience to share about a show at the 180 Teen Center in Lodi. “We had to do group prayer right before the show and we had a song about rape, and I passed out during our set.” (Yeah, we really need to talk to him again!)

.bipolar. is not your ordinary mood disorder. They are a serious metal band, and they do bring it! But don’t take my word for it, give them the chance to earn your respect.