SOUTHPORT MAGAZINE

(This article is an archived piece by Hunter Petch, from his time at the no-longer existent blog “Sparky”).

It was Osheaga 2019, the world-renowned music festival held in Montreal. I had decided to go check out some of the opening acts, when I was pushed to the front of a small show by an artist named BAD CHILD. I was immediately impressed with the live instrumentation and his exceptional vocal performance. His presence on stage was incredible, as he had the whole crowd engaged during the entirety of the show. What really swept me off my feet was BAD CHILD’s cover of “Closer” by Nine Inch Nails.This cover is what undoubtedly led me to becoming a lifelong fan of his work and creative process. 2021’s Free Trial was his last full-length release, but his singles from this year have been just as special as his previous works–making him deserving of appreciation than ever before.

BAD CHILD was born Isaiah Steinberg, and grew up in Kitchener, Ontario. His music centers around his early-life pain, including the early loss of his mother. His creativity knows no bounds, as he delves into visual art while remaining one of the best musicians and songwriters out of Canada in quite some time. He’s has said himself that his creative process is that he doesn’t have a creative process, leaving the end result up to his current feelings and solutions. The self-titled single “BAD CHILD” off of his first LP is a great listen and the easiest way to get into his music. 

Although it would be easy to write a piece about each of his first album’s songs, his newest releases are just as textured and exciting. “Tiramisu, ”with an awfully lighthearted instrumental and fun melodic progression, is a track I’ve spent just over half the year with. The chorus is deathly catchy, yet also well-written and thoughtful. I don’t see it leaving my rotation anytime soon. “The Joke” is more intense in delivery, but enjoyable nonetheless. The guitar layers, upbeat drums and strong vocal presence make for a memorable performance from Isaiah, easily one of his best. Despite the fact that these are his only two drops of 2023, they are formidable compared to any other releases of the year.

BAD CHILD has made some of my favorite music in general, and I’m thrilled to see what journey he takes us on in 2024.