San Fran Indie Rockers The Happys Share New Video For Hit Single “Bipolar”

Indie rockers The Happys hail from the San Francisco bay area, and have released their latest single, “Bipolar”. True to its name, the track focuses on frontman Nick Petty’s experience with the back and forth nature of the mental illness, both literally and metaphorically.

Petty shares that the track is “written about a girl who I once liked who had bipolar disorder. In hindsight, [it’s] based on the give-and-take nature of love.” Influenced by 90’s alternative and rock acts like Nirvana and Tool, “Bipolar” has an overall upbeat feel, playing into the sun-kissed SoCal skate punk vibe despite its serious topic. Guitar and percussion heavy throughout, the song alternates between tempos, further showing the distinct ‘personalities’ characteristic of bipolar disorder. The lyrics speak to Petty’s infatuation with the girl at the centre of the song, and his own experiences with mental illness.

The Happys (Photo courtesy of Earshot Media)

“The song dives into personal struggles from my childhood with bipolar emotions and tendencies,” shares Petty. As he sings about having two voices in his head throughout the tail end of the track, his goal with “Bipolar” – and his music, overall – is to empower listeners who may be struggling. Incorporating the topic of mental illness into the music makes it last taboo, and allows the music to be both entertaining and impactful.

Paired with a music video that shows two sides of Petty as the band alternates between playing their instruments and chasing him down in scrubs, the video is also a lighthearted approach to the topic. Seeking to normalize, the video was shot by Will Rushton, who the band met through a nonprofit that helped Petty when he was struggling himself. Forming the current four piece band after a 14 month stint in prison, Petty is truly no stranger to being the underdog and feeling scrutinized by society.

“I strive to entertain people and let [them] know it’s OK to be weird, it’s OK to be different,” says Petty. Check out the music video below.