Since late last year, My Satellite has been making waves in the indie music scene with a series of new singles, signaling the imminent arrival of their highly anticipated album, “PERSON.” With over 300,000 plays on Spotify in just six months, the band’s momentum is undeniable. Their latest release, “Denial,” dropped on May 15, 2024, and it’s a funky, psychedelic indie pop banger that’s poised to become a serious summer anthem.
My Satellite is composed of Bryan Stage on vocals, guitar, and keys; Andy Marshall on bass, keys, and guitar; and Dan Grimes on drums.
The origins of My Satellite trace back to Los Angeles, where Andy Marshall and Bryan Stage met through the band’s original drummer, Justin Paul. As Bryan was finishing up “Depths,” My Satellite’s second self-produced EP in 2010, he sought out a keyboardist and backup vocalist through a Craigslist ad. This led to the addition of Sammi Doll (IAMX, Kat Von D) and Justin Paul. Coincidentally, Justin was roommates with Andy, who joined as the bassist for live shows. The immediate songwriting chemistry between Bryan and Andy, coupled with their similar musical tastes, solidified their partnership. Over time, other members moved on, but Bryan and Andy continued to collaborate, culminating in the creation of “PERSON.”
My Satellite’s sound is heavily influenced by Radiohead, Minus the Bear, Tame Impala, and Glass Animals. These influences are evident in their experimental yet accessible sound, which blends elements of funk, synth-pop, and indie rock. The band’s single “Mirrors” received significant airplay on Los Angeles’ legendary radio station KROQ, specifically on their Locals Only show, further cementing their presence in the indie music scene. “Denial,” along with the rest of the “PERSON” album, was recorded at Drooping Rug Studio in Los Angeles, the personal studio of Bryan and Andy. They wrote, recorded, and mixed the entire album themselves, embodying a true DIY ethic.
“Denial” is a vibrant, danceable track that blends the infectious grooves of 70s funk with the catchy melodies of 80s synth-pop, topped off with modern indie sensibilities. The song’s energetic rhythm section and catchy melody make it an instant earworm.
Lyrically, “Denial” explores the aftermath of a couple’s first major argument. It captures that raw, awkward phase when hurt feelings linger, but one partner tries to push past the tension to enjoy a carefree night together. The song reflects the emotional complexity of early relationship struggles, highlighting the often-ignored signs of deeper issues beneath the surface.
The creation of “PERSON” was a laborious journey spanning nearly a decade. It involved countless late-night sessions, re-recordings, and re-mixings, fueled by beer, cigarettes, and various recreational substances. This intense process led to a unique collaborative experience where the lines of individual contributions blurred, leaving Bryan and Andy often unsure of who played what.
Two mantras guided the creation of the album:
– “Be undeniable” (Bryan): Strive to create a piece of art so compelling that it cannot be ignored.
– “Respect the groove”(Andy): Ensure every song has a solid groove, as it is the foundation of their music.
“Denial” and My Satellite’s work have garnered praise from various music publications:
– Flood Magazine: “Experimental yet accessible… haunting and hypnotic, powerful and beautiful—it sounds like space drifting inside itself while distant galaxies collapse and explode.”
– Sinusoidal Music: “‘Strange Business’ is a debut single from My Satellite, nothing less than a sonic odyssey… The Los Angeles-based duo showcases a mastery of genre fusion that is as innovative as it is mesmerizing.”
– TJPL News: “Expect an experimental mix of high-octane vocals and electronic bliss mixed with psychedelic rock vibes. There’s a sense of freedom which exudes from this release both by design and in the way that it will make listeners feel.”
– AltSounds.com: “My Satellite certainly stands apart from the crowd when it comes to that ‘drama’, their designated blend of sounds, and the unmistakable drive.”
– Basha! Basha! Basha!: “There is an effortless sense of mortality within the lyrics, all too real to truly describe within text without losing their meaning altogether. One must just listen to the emotion within the music to truly appreciate it.”
“Denial” is a testament to My Satellite’s growth and evolution as a band. It encapsulates the essence of their forthcoming album, “PERSON,” promising a collection of deeply layered, groove-centric tracks that are both relatable and thought-provoking. As they continue to build anticipation for the full album release, “Denial” stands out as a compelling preview of what’s to come, solidifying My Satellite’s place in the indie music world.
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