Feeling Seen and Validated — Moonwreckers Examines the Trajectory of Heartbreak and Grief on “Why Look Here?” Album

moonwreckers-1 — Paul Stiem, Jamus Sumner, Matt Konkle, and Matt Galbraith of Moonwreckers. Photo by Chuck Marshall

After encountering heartbreak and grief, Moonwreckers understands the importance of feeling seen and validated.

The Metro Detroit quartet of Matt Galbraith (vocals, guitar), Matt Konkle (drums), Paul Stiem (guitar), and Jamus Sumner (bass, vocals) explores that emotional need and its evolution on the album, Why Look Here?

“It certainly is autobiographical. At the time, I was married, and we were having issues, and we did eventually divorce. A lot of these songs were written around the time when I was in my early 30s, so shit hit the fan between us and we had been together since we were 18 years old,” said Galbraith about the band’s indie-rock-meets-emo debut release.

“I didn’t know what a world looked like without that, so I was very lost, and it was scary to me what life looked like outside of that relationship. There’s some coming-of-age stuff in there, too, but a lot of it has to do with that relationship, the struggles and the attempts of trying to reconcile things, and then failing and rinse and repeat.”

Moonwreckers deeply examines that trajectory across 12 personal tracks on Why Look Here? The album’s honest lyrics, plaintive vocals, and evocative instrumentation prompt listeners to process their emotions and struggles alongside the band.

“There are so many universal themes here. Everyone’s gone through the experience of having a relationship that didn’t pan out to be what they wanted it to be,” Sumner said.

“Everyone’s gone through the frustration or the disappointment of misaligned expectations and incomplete communication and the moment someone passes or walks out of your life. There’s unfinished business and you have to work through that—except you won’t get an answer to everything.”

To learn more, I spoke with Moonwreckers about their latest album ahead of a July 26 show at Detroit’s Batch Brewing Company.

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Hungry Like the Bear — Ursa Day Embraces Hearty Appetite for Music on ‘Hyperphagia’ EP

Ursa Day’s Matt Drew, Cormac Egan, Ryan Haley, and Ryan Drew. Photo courtesy of Ursa Day

When it comes to music, Ursa Day has an insatiable appetite.

The Hazel Park, Michigan indie-rock quartet is eager to write, record, and release a growing catalog of new material, including their latest EP, Hyperphagia.

“The big thing that we had as a direction concept-wise for the record was Hyperphagia being a state of hunger. What we learned in the name selection process, and we picked this name quite a while ago, is that it happens to bears right before they go into hibernation,” said Ryan Haley, Ursa Day’s vocalist-guitarist.

“After we came out of Habitat, we were excited by that process … and we were hungry to share more projects with everybody else. That direction, whether it was musically or artistically, was a strong driving force behind a lot of the lyrics and what we can do to pepper the feeling of those lyrics throughout a tune.”

Haley and his bandmates Matt Drew (guitar, engineering, production), Ryan Drew (bass), and Cormac Egan (drums) effortlessly achieve that goal on Hyperphagia. The EP’s profound lyrics, fantasy-versus-reality themes, and mighty blues rock-inspired instrumentation entice listeners with six savory tracks and leave them wanting more.

“We’re all different people, and our musical influences are varied. Ryan has a strong allegiance to the pop bass player; he likes James Jamerson and has a feel similar to those happy, melodic solo-ish basslines. Matt is eclectic and has a wealth of knowledge about the indie scene,” said Haley, who’s influenced by Peter Green, Jeff Beck, and Larry Carlton.

“He mixes well with the influence that I have with the British guitar players and Ryan’s pop influence to put us on more of a unique, alternative-based sound. Cormac is one of the most interesting musicians I have ever met as far as tastes go. When I walk into a rehearsal and ask Cormac what he’s been listening to, he’ll talk to you about movie scores and large, elaborate instrumentation … and then he’ll be playing Metallica double-kick-style drums really well.”

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pia the band Re-evaluates Life Plans and Priorities on ‘Getting Better’ EP

pia-the-band-room — Pia-Allison Roa examines personal growth and self-expectations on Getting Better. Photo – Zach Nahshel

Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on the Ann Arbor District Library’s Pulp blog.

Pia-Allison Roa makes an honest self-assessment on her Getting Better EP.

The Detroit singer-songwriter who performs as pia the band recognizes the importance of re-evaluating life plans and priorities and making changes along the way.

“These are the four songs that I felt were most ready to be out,” said Roa about her debut EP. “Once we recorded all four and then put it all together, it popped out to me that these are all about overcoming things.”

As part of that process, pia the band examines past situations and relationships through contemplative lyrics and ethereal indie-rock, dream-pop, and shoegaze-folk instrumentation.

“It felt good to get all those out … but then it was even more special looking back at what the songs meant, what they could mean now, and how they can be interpreted by other people,” said Roa, who’s also a clinical pharmacist specialist at Wayne Health.

To learn more, I spoke with Roa about Getting Better ahead of her May 28 show at Ziggy’s in Ypsilanti.

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Looking Ahead – Painted Friends Finds Peace and Forgiveness on New ‘Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi) Album’

image_123650291 (3) — Painted Friends features philosophical lyrics and emotive indie-pop and pop-rock instrumentation on “Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi).” Photo – Hannah McWhorter

Painted Friends boldly embarks on a path to spiritual enlightenment.

Along the way, the Detroit indie-rock duo of Jeremiah McWhorter (vocals, guitar, bass) and Mitch Crosby (drums) finds peace and forgiveness on “Better Bones,” the honest opener from their latest album, Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi).

“This song has been on my mind for a very long time—longer than any others I’ve written,” McWhorter said. “I have changed the lyrics a few times throughout the whole process, but the message of it has pretty much stayed the same. It’s the same message that is expressed throughout all of Gomnia—the idea to love our enemies or Sermon-on-the-Mount-type-stuff.”

Surrounded by hopeful synth, pounding drums, and thoughtful electric guitar, McWhorter sings, “I heard a pretty word / And fell to my knees / I took time to pray for a way / To have a better life / And now I’ve no one to hate / No reason to shake / The truth is the light / That gives me a better life.”

“Love—by definition—must be freely given; it’s a choice,” McWhorter said. “I’m not referring to romantic feelings. I’m talking about choosing not to attack someone you disagree with out of love for them and their humanity.”

That plea for love, humanity, and truth flows throughout the 10 tracks on Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi). Painted Friends deeply examines those notions through philosophical lyrics and emotive indie-pop and pop-rock instrumentation.

To learn more, I spoke to McWhorter about the Gomnia album series, select tracks, a recent album release show, and plans for releasing new material.

Continue reading “Looking Ahead – Painted Friends Finds Peace and Forgiveness on New ‘Gomnia: Volume 2 (Indimindi) Album’” →

Heal Up – Lucas Powell Overcomes Heartbreak and Finds Closure on ‘Lose You on My Own’ Single

lucas-powell-2024 — Lucas Powell finds renewal and clarity on his new single, “Lose You on My Own.” Photo courtesy of Lucas Powell

Three years ago, Lucas Powell embarked on a pathway to self-healing.

The Royal Oak, Michigan singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist found closure from a past relationship after writing a new song about it.

“I often write to tell stories about myself and my experience and to process my feelings. This one was a song I wrote to say all the things I couldn’t say directly to a former partner,” Powell said.

“Going through heartbreak without explanation leads to a lot of self-gaslighting and blame and was one of the loneliest periods of my life.”

What resulted is Powell’s cathartic new single, “Lose You on My Own,” which openly explores that heartbreak and disbelief alongside emotive indie-rock instrumentation.

Backed by intrepid electric guitar, synth, bass, and drums, Powell sings, “Now, I’m pulling at the steering wheel / And I’m not sure how I’m supposed to feel / Looking in the rearview mirror because forever didn’t last / Asking, “How can this be real?”

“I hope people who hear this song will be given words for what they feel and know they aren’t alone in their experiences,” he said. “Three years later, I couldn’t be more thankful in every way for the changes I’ve endured via the specific hardship mentioned in this song.”

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The Dark Side – Painted Friends Explores Jealousy and Envy on ‘Cain Complex’ Single

painted-friends-1 — Painted Friends’ Jeremiah McWhorter and Mitch Crosby examine the power of negative emotions on “Cain Complex.” Photo – Hannah McWhorter

Painted Friends vicariously explores the powerful, destructive forces of jealousy and envy on “Cain Complex.”

The Detroit indie-rock duo of Jeremiah McWhorter (vocals, guitar, bass) and Mitch Crosby (drums) examines those fierce emotions through the biblical perspective of Cain on their dark new single.

“The Cain and Abel story is one of the deepest stories in all of literature, no matter what belief system you hold. Putting myself in Cain’s shoes for a song made me realize how easy it was, especially in the music scene today,” McWhorter said.

“It is very easy to feel jealous toward other musicians who appear to have ‘made it’ and here I am still struggling to make a dime with my songs, yet I put so much work and passion toward it.”

That passion comes alive as McWhorter sings alongside fiery electric guitar, bass and drums, “I was the first man / The oldest of sons / What I give away is much better than blood / The envy that filled me was sent from above / And the reason I’m standing is not due to love.”

“Jealousy and envy are similar to drugs in my opinion. They almost become like an addiction that once it takes hold, [it] can literally bring you to the point of murdering another person,” he said.

“It is a song that is toeing the line between being appropriate and inappropriate, but I wanted to allow myself to do that for at least one song. It felt and still feels necessary.”

I recently spoke to McWhorter and Crosby about their backgrounds, previous releases, passionate new single, Feb. 9 live show in Detroit and plans for 2024.

Continue reading “The Dark Side – Painted Friends Explores Jealousy and Envy on ‘Cain Complex’ Single” →

Uncharted Waters – Rob Zinck & The Collaborators Channel the Past and Navigate the Future on ‘Swim or Sink’ Album

Rob Zinck & The Collaborators boldly channel the past while navigating the future on Swim or Sink.

That refreshing mindset flows through the Detroit power trio’s new album, which features 11 tracks that aim to wipe the slate clean and search for internal peace in an iron-fisted world.

“The first nine songs loosely tell the story of finding myself in a particular place, examining how I got here and then fixing my eyes on the path I want to take in the future,” said Zinck, the band’s vocalist, guitarist and songwriter.

“It travels through different times and places in my life trying to figure out how I can be the best version of myself possible and a positive force in the lives of people I care about. The last two tracks deal with the fact that finding yourself doesn’t change the world, which is uncertain and oppressive and doesn’t afford all people the same privileges.”

Alongside bandmates Dan Radlick (bass) and Phil Giannotta (drums), Zinck embarks on an introspective journey that runs from childhood in Alaska to fatherhood in Michigan to thirtysomething life in the future.

“I think most of us experience a similar sense of uncertainty when our 20s start to wane and our 30s approach. We start to feel like we’re supposed to be whatever our vision of an adult is, but we’re afraid we’ll lose the passion that defines our youth,” said Zinck, who shares those thoughts against a backdrop of punk, alt-rock and indie-rock instrumentation.

“Reconciling that feeling is definitely a theme of this record. We’re all searching for ourselves in an uncertain world, and I don’t think that searching should ever fully end. By the time track nine [‘You Then Me’] fades out, I’ve found enough of the person I want to be that can move on with a life that feels meaningful rather than stagnant.”

I recently spoke with Zinck about growing up in Alaska, moving to Michigan, meeting his bandmates, dissecting songs from Swim or Sink, using field recordings, writing and recording the album, preparing for a Nov. 18 album release show and winding down this winter.

Continue reading “Uncharted Waters – Rob Zinck & The Collaborators Channel the Past and Navigate the Future on ‘Swim or Sink’ Album” →

The Soundcheck – The Idiot Kids, Dog Latin and Ally Evenson

The November edition of The Soundcheck spotlights looking inward to see how we’ve evolved over time and what the next life chapter might bring. There’s a refreshing honesty and authenticity that comes with sharing that growth and the unexpected wisdom that emerges from it—regardless of your age or experience.

The Idiot Kids, “Wilted Bloom” & “White Flags”

The Idiot Kids openly address overcoming addiction and missing past interactions with friends on “Wilted Bloom.”

The Detroit garage-punk trio of Jon-Mikal Bartee (vocals, guitar), Nicholas Zambeck (bass) and Andrew Maslowsky (drums, vocals) share those honest reflections on the new single from their upcoming album, Chapels, which drops Dec. 1.

“‘Wilted Bloom’ is more about that feeling of being an addict and seeing those things,” said Bartee, who’s now seven years sober. “I was driving around a few months ago, and I just saw someone smoking a cigarette with the windows down and the weather was incredible. I was like, ‘I miss it so much; I miss the meditative aspect of it.’”

Backed by fiery electric guitar, bass and drums, Bartee sings, “You’re just a weed inside my garden / Hoping that I’ll pluck you soon / You want me to feed upon your pollen / Well, I’ve got an appetite for you!”

Continue reading “The Soundcheck – The Idiot Kids, Dog Latin and Ally Evenson” →

Right Now – pia the band Feels Grateful for Today on ‘I Have Everything’ Single

pia the band is right where she needs to be.

The Detroit indie-rock singer-songwriter shares that realization on her hopeful new single, “I Have Everything.”

“I think at first glance over and maybe with intention when I first wrote it, you can look at the song as definitely being inspired by loss. Maybe bigger than that … that sadness or loss you feel when things don’t really pan out the way you expect them or hope at the time,” said Pia-Allison Roa, aka pia the band.

“As everyone knows, life doesn’t always go as planned, and usually it goes in a way better than you could have imagined. That realization and affirmation that you have everything you need at this moment in time are what I hope people can reflect on to move forward and let go of what their expectations were.”

Backed by soft drums, thoughtful bass and determined electric guitar, pia the band sheds those past expectations and embraces the present as she sings, “I’m trying not to bum you all out / But every time I open my mouth / I convince myself believe / I have everything I need.”

“By the end of the song and after the huge instrumental, I repeat that phrase [‘I have everything I need’] again a couple of times, and to me, it’s a confirmation of ‘Yes, I actually do believe that I do have everything I need,’” Roa said.

“I find myself so many times being in situations with good friends, or being at the beach on a nice day, or even as silly as eating a good burger and being like, ‘Whoa, yup, I have everything I need right now.’”

Continue reading “Right Now – pia the band Feels Grateful for Today on ‘I Have Everything’ Single” →

The Soundcheck – Adam Liles, Bourgeoisie Paper Jam, Lilly MacPhee, Jeff Socia, Nicholas Arthur Powers

This month’s edition of “The Soundcheck” deciphers a range of relationships, whether they’re fleeting or everlasting. Some pull the “Ripcord” to break a scary free fall while others cherish “Every Heartbeat” and say a belated “Thank You for Breaking My Heart.” It also reveals the wisdom that comes with age and experience—I Know a Thing and Ronronner—and the potential for future growth.

Adam Liles, “Ripcord”

The Indigo Curve guitarist shares an instant headrush of emotion and energy on his debut solo single “Ripcord.” Produced by Anton Pastoria, the track’s swirling, indie-rock array of pounding drums, glistening electric guitar and humming bass propel Detroit’s Adam Liles into a brief infatuation until the “ripcord” of reality takes over. In raspy, reverb-filled vocals, he sings, “And I’m feeling it all / As far as feeling it goes / She came in like a star / Oh, but she left like a ghost.”

Liles also released a new video for “Ripcord,” which features him strumming a cream Fender Stratocaster on a pedestrian bridge at sunset over an interstate. He teamed up with Love Streams Films’ director Andrew Brumfield and Craigen Z Oster to film the introspective take on his single. Liles and Brumfield also collaborated on The Indigo Curve’s kaleidoscopic video for “But I Wanna Write Love Songs” last summer.

Continue reading “The Soundcheck – Adam Liles, Bourgeoisie Paper Jam, Lilly MacPhee, Jeff Socia, Nicholas Arthur Powers” →

The Stratton Setlist

Catch the opener. Stay for the encore.

Tag: Indie rock