We had a chat with RELEASE(R) following the release of their emphatic and raw latest single ‘Vicious Cycles’
Chicago’s RELEASE(R) are an outfit that have painstakingly carved out a reputation as an authentic and visceral voice in the modern alternative rock scene. Their tracks are grounded in reality, preferring to write in pursuit of honesty and rawness in place of anything more accessible and likable, this provides the outfit with a sharp edge and an aesthetic that feels satisfying to sink your teeth into and explore.
The latest single from the outfit is ‘Vicious Cycles’, a track that does an intense and powerful job of asserting this ethos of the band. The track is uncompromising in its brashness, its heaviness, and the open and soul-baring way that it explores addictions and the cycles of abuse and pain that we can put ourselves through. Releaser are an outfit that have a lot to say, and their emphatic, impactful sound feels like the perfect backdrop for their sincere writing and the murky corners that they’re willing to take it to. We had a chat with the outfit to find a bit more about the project and the men behind it.
Who TF are RELEASE(R)?
RELEASE(R) is 50% Therapy session and 50% Rock N Roll – (R)
But for real…
-Stephen Richard Mueller (Lead Vox & Guitars)
-Jeremy Mederich (Bass & Vocals)
-AnDre Robert (Lead Guitar, Keys, Vocals)
How long have you been making music?
As a band, approaching 5 years. – (R)
Why do you make music?
I love the infinite possibilities of creation. You choose a path you like for better or for worse, but in that moment you’ve created a story of your own. Sharing it with the world and seeing how other relate to it is the ultimate pay off for me. – SRM
It’s therapeutic personally. A strong outlet for our own inner disasters. But we also hope to help shape future artists with their daily struggles and happiness. Musically and spiritually. – AR
What started out a hobby as a kid trying to be like my Dad and his friends evolved into a primary creative outlet. Eventually that turned into a main source of income and now I honestly don’t think we could live without it. RELEASE(R) is glad to have found each other as artists. We have a blast putting our songs together and sharing them with the world. -JM
What are your biggest influences?
Face To Face, Jawbreaker, Acceptance – SRM
The Beatles, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen -JM
Depeche Mode, Foo Fighters, Aerosmith -AR
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
Releasing our latest single Vicious Cycles. It’s the best representation of who we are today. Having Richard Marx share our cover of his tune “Should’ve Known Better,” and awarding us with his stamp of approval, comes as a close second. – (R)
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
Rock Punk. Not punk rock. Rock with a hint of punk – SRM
Hard Rock with a glaze of Alternative Pop – AR
Foo Fighters on a tinder date with The Killers experiencing poor table service from the ghost of Andy Fletcher. -JM
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
Performing on SNL, or ripping apart the stage at Wembley. – (R)
We love your latest single ‘Vicious Cycles’, what more can you tell us about it?
This is an ode to Stephen’s personal addictions. However, as a band, we can relate as we all have our own personal habits and vices in life. We hope listeners are able to hear it in a way which insists no one is out here doing it alone. “Vicious Cycles” is simply our way of admitting it and opening up the conversation. – (R)
What else do you have planned for the near future?
Releasing more music. Touring. And bringing our energy and live show straight to your front doors. – (R)
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
Hopefully you! -JM
Definitely my mother – SRM
That’s hard to say, but I’d have to go with Rick Belanger from Wisconsin. Dude’s a homie. – AR
