A band who chose to be partially funded by the KickStarter Campaign, a process where eager fans sponsored the early recording process, Stepdad has come a long way. The band started when member Ryan McCarthy attended a solo show of fellow band member, ultramark. Ultramark had been playing in Michigan around 2008 and suggested that they collaborate, resulting in an EP and additional band members soon after.
Photographer: Ryan Pavlovich
There is no special meaning behind their group’s name. They literally opened a random phrase generator on the internet and the word “stepdad” was the provided option. Seeming short, unused, and memorable, the band went with the name on a whim.
The group initially began recording demos prior to the release of their 2010 EP, Ordinaire. Since the formation of Stepdad, the band nourished a vision for the LP and finally, when the proper recording process began in May 2011, they were able to implement their ideas into Wildlife Pop, due out June 12.
“Expect colossal pop songs with a wide emotional range” says ultramark.
Photographer: Ryan Pavlovich
Heavily influenced by pop from all eras, specifically The Beach Boys and Tears for Fears, they were bewildered yet jubilant to hear that they were asked to play Warped Tour this year,, which traditionally has booked harder edged acts.
“We’re really excited to immerse ourselves in a completely different world than we’re used to. It’ll be a little bit like going into space,” says ultramark. “I think we’re all excited about the Pacific Northwest and the West Coast in general since we haven’t been able to make it out there yet. We’re really excited to see our Grand Rapids friends Bangups a lot. Champagne Champagne will definitely be a blast. I don’t think we’d really be opposed to consider any future touring opportunities. Being booked for Warped Tour has only really shown us that we can appeal to a really broad audience.”
Photographer: Ryan Pavlovich
However, they won’t be looking forward to the stifling summer heat and spending their time on a sea of blacktop.
What to expect from Stepdad until you get a chance to check out Warped Tour 2012? Within the next few months the band plans on doing a few video shoots and continuing to tease their fans relentlessly with the aid of social media. They’re constantly writing and strive to keep producing the best material that they can.
Written by: Melissa Duong
