Q&A: The Stews Make Lollapalooza Debut Following “Chicken Fight” Release
FROM SLUDGY ROCK ANTHEMS TO ACOUSTIC GEMS – Indie-rock band The Stews have unveiled their highly anticipated sophomore record, Chicken Fight. This new album encapsulates the diversity the band has built over the last three years of relentless touring and songwriting. With a dynamic range of tracks, Chicken Fight showcases The Stews' evolution and versatility as a band.
The album kicks off with sludgy, hard-rock numbers like the single “Buried Alive” and the title track “Chicken Fight.” These tracks are a testament to the band's ability to deliver heavy, gritty rock anthems that resonate with their energetic live performances. Contrasting these robust tracks are stripped-back acoustic pieces like “So Much More to You,” which highlight The Stews' knack for heartfelt, introspective songwriting.
In support of Chicken Fight, The Stews are currently on the road and plan to tour for the rest of the year. Their live shows are known for their electrifying energy and intimate connection with the audience, promising fans an unforgettable experience with each performance.
Adding to the excitement, The Stews have made their debut at Lollapalooza. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the band and a testament to their rising popularity in the indie-rock scene. Fans experienced a powerful and dynamic set that highlights the best of Chicken Fight alongside their earlier hits.
Luna had the exclusive opportunity to dive into the support following Chicken Fight, exploring the evolution in The Stews' sound and their experience preparing for Lollapalooza. The band's journey from their early days to their current success is a story of passion, perseverance and continuous artistic growth.
LUNA: Thank you for talking to Luna. Our readers would love to get to know you and your music more. For any readers who aren’t familiar with you, what inspires your artistic style and sound?
BENNETT: We were all raised on a lot of classic rock and some heavier stuff here and there, but we've been talking about Bruce Springsteen, AC/DC, Jimi Hendrix, just all the classics.
LUNA: What kind of atmosphere or emotional space do you aim to create for your listeners?
PRESTON: You can go from sad and in your emotional state up to just rocking out and thrash. It’s a cathartic release of emotions.
LUNA: You just released your sophomore record Chicken Fight a few weeks ago and a huge congratulations is in order. How has the response and support been from fans and loved ones?
PRESTON: It's been amazing so far. This tour has been the best one yet for the album. It's been cool to release songs and have the reactions that we’ve been getting from fans.
LUNA: How did you celebrate the record release?
PRESTON: We went to the Hamptons and we didn't mean to throw a party, but it kind of turned into a party and we had to leave for the city that night. It was a long ordeal. It was fun.
LUNA: How has your sound evolved from your debut album What Was to Chicken Fight? What new elements or influences did you incorporate?
WYATT: When we started playing together, we had all of our set foundations. Being in this band together and traveling and playing, we’ve gone down our own paths – whether that’s sonically or composition-wise – I think the individual growth between the four of us happened. Then also at the same time as a group, you can't really put a finger on how it happened, but it just did. We never looked back.
Photography Credit: Abra Richardson
LUNA: How do you balance staying true to your sound while also experimenting and evolving as artists?
BENNETT: We make sure that we're all here for each other, first and foremost, and that having a great team that surrounds us and having great people helps with that a lot. Taking good breaks when needed, but also not taking the foot off the gas.
LUNA: Can you describe the energy and atmosphere at Lollapalooza? How does it compare to other festivals or shows you’ve played?
PRESTON: It’s high energy and the people are super stoked to be here, just as stoked as we were to this huge opportunity. I think for everybody, the fans and the artists, it's one of those things that everybody's here for the music and you're listening to it while you're locked into the artist. It's great to be able to really just lock into the crowd.
LUNA: Do you have any specific pre-show rituals or routines that help you prepare for a big performance like Lollapalooza?
BAND: We always give chest bumps.
LUNA: What is your favorite part about performing live, especially at a festival like Lollapalooza?
BENNETT: The big stages are a lot of fun because I get to run around and frolic around the stage.
PRESTON: It's fun being around as much production too and there's a lot of union people helping load the equipment, but it's also cool that there's that many people dedicated to making this whole thing happen and being able to be a little part of that is just super nice.
BLAKE: The backdrop of the city is awesome.
LUNA: How are you feeling in this current era of your career and what does the rest of the year look like for you that you would like to share with Luna?
BLAKE: I'm feeling great right now. We just came off this July run on this tour. The second leg of it is this fall stoked to hit it out west. Going forward, we're all just super stoked to go crazy and keep this thing rolling.
