Interview with Releaser: ‘Our new songs are about addiction and getting out of the darkness’

Chicago-based rock band Releaser is working on its next album which will include songs about ‘addiction and getting out of the darkness’, according to its frontman, Stephen Mueller.

‘One of the songs on our next album, ‘Demons’, talks about my own struggles with drug and alcohol addiction,’ he said. ‘That’s a big theme across many of the songs I write. Another song on the next album, ‘No Way To Live’ talks about how to get out of the darkness but it’s quite upbeat!’

The chorus of ‘Demons’ lays bare the true nature of addiction: ‘Let’s watch it come down, my life, and shatter to pieces. Amazed that I’m still alive, how am I still breathing?’

In addition to Mueller, Releaser comprises Andre Robert (lead guitar/vocals), Duane James Jr. (drums) and Jeremy Mederich (bass/vocals). Robert and James Jr. were previously in another band with Mueller, before going on to form Releaser at the beginning of 2018.

Last month, the band brought out a belter of a cover of a Richard Marx song from 1987, ‘Should’ve Known Better’, which they originally sang on Instagram for his birthday. ‘It’s the first time we’ve done a cover,’ Mueller said. ‘We thought people should know about this song, which is now 33 years old! We thought that people who knew the original would appreciate the rockier revamp and that younger listeners would get to discover this great song.’

Releaser is currently recording demos: ‘We have around eight songs already and want to record 8-11 songs for the album. Around half of the songs were written in some kind of form before this band existed. I typically deliver what I think is a singable song to them and we argue about it until we’re all agreed on what it should sound like!’

On obsession: ‘Most people have felt that way at some point about somebody. It’s very relatable.’

Their songs also deal with issues such as obsession. Their radio edit of ‘Precious Things’, which came out in January, is ‘about the obsession over a girl, so a different kind of addiction’, Mueller said. ‘I wrote the first verse eight years ago and the guys asked me to finish it. It started off being about a particular experience in high school with a girl but in the end the song was no longer about her, although it was inspired by her. It’s an updated stalker song!’

Mueller has previously worked with Mark Needham and Jeff Saltzman (The Killers), collaborated with PJ Smith (Def Leppard, Something Corporate) and Phil Solem (The Rembrandts). Mederich has worked with Taylor Bray, Alex Gibson, Greg Calbi, and recently wrapped up with producer Matt Wallace on his other project, Prizefighter. Robert and Duane James Jr. have opened for acts such as Boys Like Girls, Cobra Starship, The Format, Quietdrive and Taking Back Sunday.

Mueller cites rock bands such as Jimmy Eat World as having a big influence on the band, as well as Sunny Day Real Estate and Guns N’ Roses. ‘If I could collaborate with anyone, I’d collaborate with Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) because he’s an incredible songwriter and musician and seems like such a nice guy. I’d also like to collaborate with the rapper Blackbear because he also talks about addiction.’

(Photo: Mueller is second from right)