In a constantly evolving industry, this band is keeping it fresh no matter what.
If you’re craving a refreshing indie-pop sound that will make you want to shake your booty, meet East Coast independent indie quintet Bronze Radio Return.
Chris Henderson [Vocals/Guitar], Bob Tanen [Bass], Matt Warner [Keys] and Rob Griffith [Drummer] all got their musical start in college, at the University of Hartford.
Black Squirrel Radio had the chance to sit down with the band’s fifth member and guitarist Patrick “Packy” Fetkowitz to talk about the group’s new music.
It’s fair to say that group is comprised of seasoned music veterans, as Bronze Radio Return has been active since 2007.
They’ve played iconic stages at Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Firefly, Hangout Music Festival, Bunbury and many more. They’ve even opened for the likes of John Mayer, Sugar Ray and Barack Obama. They played for the former POTUS at a rally in Connecticut in 2010.
Notably, the group has five albums and two EPs including their brand-new EP release Check One.
This EP combines of optimistic and opportunistic attitudes with tracks like “Ready to Go” and “Door Closes.” Each chorus and musical styling is gorgeous and reminiscent of Foster The People or Magic Giant.
Packy said, “‘Ready To Go’ felt like the lead single because it has the message of being off the road for two years.” The group simply went to China in 2017 to play their only show of the year.
The group had a special tactic in place this year when releasing new music. Packy describes it as being similar to a business plan. “We release a single, a single, an EP, then an album with all music at the end, and them some.” This allows all five members to feel fresh and current.
“I like [the strategy] because in this day and age Hot 100 artists put out songs every two weeks.” Bronze Radio Return is seeking far beyond a few hits, they’re seeking longevity.
“We are purposely a slow burn band,” Packy said. “We want to be a career band.”
Taking time off to write songs and recording albums away from home in remote locations allows the group to write organically. “If you’re near your home, it gets too easy,” he said.He described how fully immersing yourself in music allows you to fall into a rhythm and focus.
Some fans may wonder why the group took such a long break to release music. To that Packy asks, “Why would you rush it when you could do it the right way?”
Clearly, the band did it in the best way possible. One track from their new EP entitled “Daylight” was featured in a trailer for HBO’s show Crashing starring comedian Pete Holmes. You can see the trailer and hear the song below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aM7UWB4dfYY
Bronze Radio Return is “ready to go” on the road in January with the help of supporting acts SONTALK and Wildermiss. Tickets are available for purchase here. All dates, including their local tour date in Akron are listed below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BqIU7sFA6Jy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
We can’t wait to hear what’s next! Make sure to say hey to the guys of Bronze Radio Return on the road in 2019.
You can listen to the whole Check One EP here.