News

Acoustic punk duo Bitters and Distractions will release their new single, “The Threads,” on October 17 via Berkeley-based independent label Sell The Heart Records.

Hailing from Long Island, NY, Bitters and Distractions—comprised of Jeremy Quitko and Travis Johnides—channel the energy and urgency of punk rock through stripped-down, acoustic-driven arrangements. While the instrumentation may be minimal, the emotional weight is anything but. 

“The Threads” captures the tension between striving for a meaningful future and grappling with the fleeting nature of time. The lyrics reflect resilience—“spread our wings and stretch our legs”—while also embracing nostalgia and the imperfections of life, summed up in the refrain: “that’s why we can’t have nice things.”

The duo explains: “The song is a bittersweet toast to the journey, the struggles, and the moments that define us. It’s about holding onto hope while acknowledging the scars along the way.”

Recorded, produced, mixed, and mastered entirely in the duo’s homes, “The Threads” also features guest backing vocals by Natalia Neal, a former student of Jeremy’s. Bitters and Distractions began as Jeremy’s personal songwriting outlet, drawing from his formative years in Colorado and the loss of a close friend. The project evolved when Travis began composing music to accompany Jeremy’s words, sparking a creative partnership that resonated with listeners and transformed the duo into a fully realized band.