The Band Behind The Happiest Guerrilla Marketing in SF

Have you seen the DIY signs around town which say such things as “You Are Amazing! Listen to The Happys” or simply “Listen 2 The Happys”? Well, I got curious and found out more about them and the band behind it all. San Francisco’s The Happys started out in the North Bay and have found themselves wining competition after competition and playing with some of their idols. Their no-rules self-promotion marketing ploy plays nicely with their ethos around authenticity and individuality.

“I’m just trying to be conscientious and basically, as the saying goes, like, not to be a dick. I’m repurposing something. The cardboard was already there,” said lead singer Nick Petty in an interview with Bohemian.

We love to see that DIY self-promotion hustle – this sign by The Happys gives you a compliment – Photo by Michael (SF resident)

It was their innovative DIY signs that peaked my interest in the band. I love when a band find fun new ways to find new fans. After some digging: turns out, they are playing at The Independent on Saturday, July 15th – opening for Your Fearless Leader! (tickets here). So I thought I’d tell you more about this band with the “happiest guerrilla marketing” in SF. Have you noticed these around town?

I think my favorite is this one where they compare AI to people. “AI < People” for sure!

A simple message: “AI < People. Listen 2 The Happys” – Photo by Nick Caraway

So, What does The Happys Sound Like?

Over the years, The Happys have amassing a dedicated cult following because of their unique sound. Their sound channels the essence of classic rock, grunge, and surfy feel-good vibes. Their infectious music strikes a chord, combining vulnerability and euphoria, as meaningful lyrics converge with a wildly joyful sound.  Their distinctive sound has earned them numerous accolades, including being voted the Best Punk Rock band of the North Bay in 2022 by The Bohemian and Pacific Sun. Their relentless touring schedule has allowed them to share the stage with acclaimed artists such as Sublime with Rome, Hobo Johnson, Sensi Trails, Dwight Yoakam, Mad Caddies, and Del the Funky Homosapien.

The Happys 2022 album ADHD features Nick Petty’s Dad, SF Firefighter Dennis Petty, who passed away in 2019

A few months ago, The Happys crossed paths with Oscar Gonzalez about working together on a music video. Gonzalez reached out to them through a direct message after noticing one of their iconic signs. He proposed filming a video using analog gear, adding a unique touch to the visual aesthetic. Here’s the video they worked with Gonzalez to create:

Where can you find The Happys Next?

If you can’t make one of their US Tour dates, like the show this weekend at The Independent this Saturday the 15th,
you can always find them online here:

The Happys on YouTube: youtube.com/@TheHappys
Instagram @thehappys
The Happys on Spotify
Their Website: thehappysofficial.com

The Happys is: 

Nick Petty – Vox/Guitar
Alejandro (Alé) Sanchez Bailetti – Guitar/Vox
Brett Brazil – Bass/Vox
Elijah Smetzer – Drums

All photos from this article were from The Happys

GRAB THE LIMITED EDITION BAS X AMOS GOLDBAUM SHIRT!

Broke-Ass Stuart works because of reader support. Join us now.

Howdy! My name is Katy Atchison and I'm an Associate Editor for Broke-Ass Stuart.

I want to take the time to say thank you for supporting independent news media by reading BrokeAssstuart.com. Supporting independent news sources like Broke-Ass Stuart is vital to supporting our community because it amplifies the voices of a wide variety of diverse opinions. You also help support small businesses and local artists by sharing stories from Broke-Ass Stuart.

Because you're one of our supporters, I wanted to send over a pro-tip.

Our bi-weekly newsletter is a great way to get round ups of Broke-Ass Stuart stories, learn about new businesses in The Bay Area, find out about fun local events and be first in line for giveaways.

If you’d like to get our newsletter, signup right here, it takes 5 seconds.