Ben Quad’s journey from a simple Craigslist post among a group of Oklahoma friends trading emo playlists to a burgeoning music career has been nothing short of surreal. What began as a personal exchange has blossomed into viral humor, energetic live performances, and ultimately a record deal with Pure Noise Records. Their latest release, “Wisher,” encapsulates the delicate balance between luck and artistic growth, showcasing the band’s evolution without losing the essence that makes their music resonate.
Vocalist and guitarist Sam Wegrzynski reflected on their process, stating, “All these records are just snapshots of where we’re at. We’re lucky that people love them, but really, we’re just doing what feels right in the moment.” This sentiment resonates deeply in “Wisher,” their first album recorded in a professional studio setting, which allowed for a unique exploration of sound. Drummer Isaac Young described the contrast of their previous recording experiences, emphasizing how the extended time in the studio transformed their music-making journey. “We’d never been in a real studio before… This time we stayed for weeks. We woke up with songs and went to bed with them. It changed everything.”
Henry Shields added to this transformation, recalling the abundance of instruments available during their recordings with producer Jon Markson. This newfound access to a variety of sounds liberated Ben Quad from their previous DIY constraints. Guitarist Edgar Viveros highlighted the experimental nature of the recording process, noting that they embraced the rawness of their takes. The band’s willingness to shift their traditional perceptions of sound—letting go of the stigma attached to “too poppy” production—allowed them to create music that feels authentic to who they are.
Wisher’s themes reflect a shift from anxiety, prominently featured in their previous album “Where I’m Scared That’s All There Is,” to a more hopeful expression of life and its complexities. The title track embodies this balance, addressing love, loss, and burnout while flipping the narrative to suggest that there can be hope amid struggles. Viveros articulated this hopeful tone, stating, “We wanted a more hopeful tone… it’s not, ‘Everything sucks’; it’s, ‘Okay, it sucks—but maybe there’s something worth holding onto.’”
The album features tracks that highlight the band’s growth and experimentation. Songs like “It’s Just a Title” and “Did You Decide to Skip Arts and Crafts” push their sound in new directions, incorporating elements that feel refreshingly confident and unexpected. Despite their growth in the industry, the band maintains their DIY spirit, continuing to manage their own gear and fan interactions.
When discussing their place within the evolving emo genre, Wegrzynski expressed a desire to resist labels, stating, “People throw labels around, but we just write what we need to hear.” Rather than adhering strictly to the traditional emo narrative of sadness, the band seeks to share a message of hope and resilience, a notion that Young encapsulated perfectly: “It’s about learning to want good things again.”
Ultimately, “Wisher” reflects a band that has not only evolved but has also found a profound sense of trust in their artistry. Wegrzynski underscored this idea: “It’s us choosing to make things better—and that’s enough.” The album will be released on Friday and is available for preorder through Pure Noise Records. Fans can also stay connected with Ben Quad on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok for updates on their musical journey.