Strawberry Alarm Clock: Still Dreaming in Color
Few bands from the psychedelic era of the 1960s have managed to maintain both their chemistry and creative drive into the 21st century. Yet, the members of Strawberry Alarm Clock, best known for their 1967 hit “Incense and Peppermints,” are still jamming, writing, and finding new meaning in their music. During a lively interview with Sophie Martin on NEWHD Radio, the group reflected on their journey, their new music, and the enduring magic of making sound that defies time.
From Legacy to Living Art
Asked what inspired the band to release new singles after so many decades, bassist George Bunnell explained that the band never truly stopped writing or performing. “We never stopped playing,” he said. “Five of us are from the original lineup, and it’s just something we kept doing because we love it.” The lineup includes Mark Weitz, Steve Bartek, Randy Seol, Gene Gunnels, and Howie Anderson, the latter joining in the mid-1980s. Despite their long history, they see this era as a continuation—not a comeback.
That continuity has seen them through reunions, loss, and reinvention. A major turning point came in 2007 when film critic Roger Ebert, then battling cancer, requested that the original Strawberry Alarm Clock perform at his Overlooked Film Festival. “It was his wish to have us there,” Bunnell recalled. “That moment brought us all back together, and we’ve been playing ever since.”
A Halloween for the Ages
Their latest singles, “Monsters” and “White Light,” showcase the group’s ability to balance nostalgia with fresh creativity. “Both songs are a little dark,” Bunnell noted. “We wanted to release them around Halloween.” “White Light” emerged from a deeply personal experience—one that came to guitarist Steve Bartek after the loss of his father. “I had this premonition, or maybe a visit,” he said. “It inspired me to write something positive about moving into the light.”
Meanwhile, “Monsters” delves into childhood fears and adult emotions. Lyricist David Gluck crafted a narrative that blurs the line between the creatures under the bed and the ones within us. “It’s not funny—it’s actually quite serious,” Bunnell said. “I had a blast putting music to it. The melodies just come out naturally.”
Improvisation and the Psychedelic Spirit
Part of what keeps the band’s sound alive is their freewheeling approach to music-making. “We’ve always been improvisational,” Bartek said. “Everyone contributes, and no one dictates. That’s part of what connects us to the psychedelic scene—it’s about individuality within a group sound.”
That interplay continues on their upcoming album, Where’s One?, a title born from musicians losing themselves in the music. “Sometimes when you’re jamming and everything’s clicking, you suddenly realize you don’t know where the ‘one’ beat is,” Bunnell laughed. “It’s a euphoric feeling.” The new record, he added, will feature both new material and unexpected reinterpretations of classic songs, including reimagined Beatles tracks. “We like to do whatever we want with our own songs—and even more so with other people’s.”
Big Stir Records and a Fresh Chapter
The band’s recent collaboration with Big Stir Records was a natural fit. “It came through our friend Daniel Coston,” Bunnell explained. “He sent some of our tracks to Rex and Christina at Big Stir, and they loved it. They really care about the artists—they’re artists themselves. It felt right.”
The partnership has sparked renewed excitement as the group finalizes Where’s One?, which they believe is some of their best work to date. “We’re thrilled,” Seol said. “We think it’s even better than the first album. It’s up to the people now—if they hear it and like it, that’s all we can ask.”
Carrying the Flame Forward
For Strawberry Alarm Clock, psychedelic music isn’t a relic—it’s a living, breathing art form. “When Incense and Peppermints came out, the term ‘psychedelic music’ wasn’t really a thing yet,” Bunnell reflected. “We were just experimenting. It wasn’t about making a hit; it was about making something we wanted to hear.” That same ethos drives their modern work. “We still do what we want,” Bartek added. “We hope listeners have as much fun hearing it as we did creating it.”
Their shows at the Whisky a Go-Go continue to draw younger audiences—something the band finds deeply rewarding. “They’re 18 to 30 years old, and they get it,” Bunnell said. “It proves that the music still connects.”
Dessert with a Twist
Before signing off, Sophie asked the most important question of all: what’s everyone’s favorite dessert? The answers summed up the band’s charm—classic, quirky, and full of flavor.
“Strawberry ice cream,” said Gene without hesitation.
“Chocolate cake for me,” added another.
“Baked Alaska,” someone chimed in.
And then came the perfect closer: “Vanilla fudge,” said one member, grinning. “Rock and roll food groups!”
With that, laughter filled the virtual studio—a fitting finale for a band that continues to make life a little sweeter, one song (and one dessert) at a time.
