Tonight, following a jaunt through the UK and Europe, Austin-based electronic singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Bayonne (Roger Sellers) kicks off the US leg of his tour behind fourth full-length (and second for Nettwerk), Filters, which dropped earlier this month and follows up 2023’s Temporary Time, an album that revolved around the grief Sellers had to process following he passing of his father. The North American run will have Bayonne headlining our very own MilkBoy for the first time next Thursday, October 8th, his first date in the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection since he played Johnny Brenda’s in summer of 2023, when he was supported by our buddies mmeadows. I recently got a chance to chat with Roger Sellers about Filters, finally having fans who dance, and the first official decade of Bayonne.
Izzy Cihak: I know you just wrapped a run of dates through the UK and Europe. How did those shows go?
Roger Sellers: Yes! Those shows were amazing. There’s something so special about putting out a record then traveling across the world and actually having people show up. We got to explore some places I’d never been like Denmark, Sweden, Prague, and Poland. The food was bomb, crowds were stellar, and I got to see some best friends in the process. It was honestly one of the best tours I’ve ever been a part of.
Izzy: On a related note, the touring is obviously in support of your brand-new album, Filters, which dropped a few weeks ago. Have you had any favorite reactions to the new music so far?
Roger: It’s actually really interesting. So far on this tour I’ve noticed a lot more dancing in the crowd than in previous tours. Historically, I feel like people at Bayonne shows have generally been pretty quiet and being more of a spectator and listener. It’s a new thing for me to have the crowds dancing at my shows, but I totally welcome it! I guess some of these new songs have an upbeat quality to them, so it makes sense.
Izzy: How do you feel like the album compares to your previous full-lengths? It seems to have a lot in common with Temporary Time.
Roger: I actually do consider this record to be somewhat of a continuation to Temporary Time. In terms of sonic quality, they are pretty similar to me. The concept of Temporary Time dealt more with grief, while this record explores the acceptance that can eventually come afterwards. It’s really about “acceptance” in general so it has a much more positive feel to it.
Izzy: You recently dropped a video for “Good Enough,” which was directed by RUFFMERCY, who I know also did the video for “Drastic Measures.” How did the concept for the video come about and how is it working with RUFFMERCY, who’s done so many crazy- amazing things?
Roger: We are huge fans of RUFFMERCY and the video that he did for “Drastic Measures” is still one of my favorite things to come out of this project. I knew that he would be able to grasp the concept of this record and make something super cool out of it. A couple of my friends got together and filmed some stuff and sent it to him, and the only real notes I had for him was to stay consistent with the album art, which he did seamlessly. It was a real treat getting to work with him again.
Izzy: You kick off your US dates later this month and you’ll be back in Philly on October 8th. What can be expected of the live show on this run? I had a blast at your 2023 show at Johnny Brenda’s with mmeadows, who I’ve gotten to be buddies with.
Roger: Thanks! I love Johnny Brenda’s, but I think I’ve played there like the last three times I’ve headlined in Philly. I’ve never been to Milkboy, but I’ve heard good things and I’m excited to play there. We have a lot of new songs and a new lighting production setup that I’m really excited to try out on this tour, so I’m thinking it’s going to be a good one.
Izzy: You’re going to be touring with bad snacks, who’s super rad. What are your thoughts on her and her music?
Roger: I was so happy that it all worked out. I have been following her on Instagram for a while and realized that we are on the same label (Nettwerk). Someone from the label mentioned having her open some of the shows so I immediately jumped on the idea. I’m hoping that maybe she can join us for a song or two as well.
Izzy: I just realized that it’s now officially been 10 years since Mom + Pop re-released Primitives and you rebranded yourself as Bayonne. What are some of your most vivid memories of that period, when you officially became Bayonne?
Roger: I just remember feeling very excited during that time. It felt like a new chapter of my life and career was just beginning, which it was. It kinda blows my mind that it’s been over ten years going under the moniker “Bayonne” but I’m happy I’ve been able to keep it going.
Izzy: And this is a super massive question, but what have been just a few of the highlights of this first decade of Bayonne?
Roger: All of the traveling has been something that I hold very dear. Before “Bayonne,” I hadn’t traveled much at all in my life and I’m so grateful that I’ve been lucky enough to have a career that allows me to do so much of it. Touring with some of my favorite artists has also created some unforgettable memories for me. Sometimes I can’t believe that I’m able to do it. It’s been a pretty wild ride and I’m still here for it.
Izzy: The majority of your North American dates are in October, or “Spooky Szn,” so I’m curious if you’re a fan of Halloween or that time of year in general?
Roger: Yes! I absolutely love Halloween. The funny thing is that in the last 10 years, I’ve been on tour for most of them. That can be really fun, seeing people in different parts of the country dressing up and coming to our shows. I’ve never really been big into the costumes or anything, but I love the spirit of the holiday for sure.
Izzy: And, finally, what’s next for you? How are you hoping and planning to close out 2026 and maybe even kick off 2027?
Roger: I’m really stoked that after this tour we are going to play in Mexico City this December. I’ve always wanted to visit there so it’s awesome that we finally get to do it. I’m spending a few extra days there to do some exploring. For the rest of the year, I want to jump into a little more recording, but we definitely have more show plans for 2027!
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