The four-piece band APPALOOSA hails from Seattle and was formed when lead vocalist and guitarist Erica Rose made the decision to pursue her musical dreams.
Her inspiration for APPALOOSA came when she returned to Seattle after spending six years in New York City, where she was a member of at least six bands and was also expecting twins. When performed by a fully formed band, these tunes evolved into power pop with a strong rock ‘n’ roll edge. Leif, the lead guitarist, skillfully weaves melodic leads throughout the songs. The dynamic rhythm section is made up of Kevin and Ian. In addition to their numerous incredible performances in the greater Seattle region,
APPALOOSA has also performed in New York City and Mexico City, where they were part of the MonkeyBee festival. The band is always working on new music and trying new things with their repertoire. Aside from being complex and multi-layered, the latest track, “Get it Together, Kid,” is lively, quick, and infectious. The lyrical beauty of the song sheds light on the paradoxes of developing, growing up, and “getting it together.”
APPALOOSA will return on September 4 with “Get It Together, Kid,” which is a bouncy, bittersweet blast of femme-led power pop that combines punk grit and glam shimmer.
You hear the band’s knack for tight arrangements, melodic punch, and emotional clarity in a track rooted in punk grit and dressed in glam shimmer. Past releases have drawn praise from underground staples like Maximum Rocknroll and Razorcake, and “Get It Together, Kid” captures the same raw charm with a sharper melodic edge.
You get the backstory of “Get It Together, Kid”: it started out as something entirely different. “It was five minutes long at first, more of a ballad,” says Rose. “But once we started playing it together, it wanted to be quick. It wanted to move.” The final version clocks in under three minutes and is catchy, kinetic, and lyrically rich, exploring the strange contradictions of growing up and trying to hold it all together. “It’s about the ambiguity of being ‘mature,’” Rose says. “Whatever that means.”
You can imagine the recorded sound: tracked by Johnny Sangster (The Briefs, Mudhoney) at Crackle and Pop and mastered by Kurt Bloch (Fastbacks), the track lands somewhere between bubblegum snarl and emotional grit. Imagine The Shivvers raised on punk flyers, or The Courettes chasing Phil Seymour across a sweaty basement stage. APPALOOSA writes with heart, hits with force, and leaves nothing tidy.
You’ll find them already a standout live act in the Pacific Northwest, having taken their show on the road with dates in New York City and Mexico City’s MonkeyBee Festival. “Get It Together, Kid” is their sharpest, most infectious release so far and just a preview of what is to come.
Interview with Erica Brunner
When did you start writing music?
I started writing music when I was a teenager. My boyfriend at the time agreed to start band with me (he played drums and sang.. it was my first band)..I figured we probably needed some songs! It was really straight forward punk stuff and a lot of experimenting
What’s the worst show you’ve ever played?
I try not to think about the worst shows!I think that’d be a really negative path to go down because there are a lot of shows that could be considered disappointing. I feel like there are positives to be found in every show, even those that are “disappointing.”
What strategies do artists in this industry employ to stay competitive amidst the intense competition? What is the secret to making yourself noticed?
To be honest, I’m not completely sure! However, I think keeping the music first is always most important; having a vision of what sorts of songs you want to be writing and above all else working on those songs and continuing to push yourself as a musician. I know I have so many things with regard to playing, singing and songwriting that I want to get better at. I think having awesome, fun live shows also helps. I think staying focused is a big one too. I used to play in way too many bands at once and wasn’t able to devote myself completely to any of them. I definitely don’t have it all figured out now, but focusing my energy on one or two projects has enabled me to really devote myself to them. I’d imagine that when you’re devoted to your band and writing the best that you possibly can, you’re able to stand out.
Who are your main musical influences?
Personally, Mother Love Bone, the Jacobites, Johnny Thunders, The Pretenders, Hanoi Rocks and AC/DC. Everyone in the band has their own specific influences that differ from mine. As a band, we’re definitely influenced by the Dwight Twilley Band, The Shivvers, the Plimsouls, the Nerves, Phil Seymour..and the Ramones.
If we were to look at the artists you are listening to, who would be on your playlist?
I just picked up my phone to see what I’ve been listening to most recently on Spotify: Anti Cimex, Loosey, the Cuts, the Shirelles and the Jacobites.
Of your music, do you have a favorite? If so, can you pin down why?
The two bands I’m playing in right now! “Appaloosa” and “Erica Rose and the Ragged School.” I feel like playing in both captures the range of songs I want to be writing (at least right now!). They’re my favorites because they both mean a lot to me and feel like the bands I’ve always wanted to play in.
How do you cope with writer’s block?
I try not to get frustrated or anxious. My goal is to practice every day so, if I have writer’s block I just practice the set or play my favorite songs. Continuing through it helps..and then, when a new song does come, it feels really natural.
Where was your current project recorded?
At Crackle and Pop Studio in Seattle.
Was anyone else involved in writing, recording, or producing the songs?
We (Appaloosa) wrote the songs, but Johnny Sangster recorded and produced them. I’ve been working with him for around 14 years now. He’s amazing at what he does.
What two nonessential items would you want if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island?
Nicorette Gum and some sort of skincare item!
Would you rather be the one in a movie who gets the hero/heroine or the baddie with all the good lines?
The baddie with the good lines!
What’s your least favorite personality trait you like about yourself?
I can be totally intense when I’m excited about something! I’m sure it’s highly annoying to others, haha. ..but it also drives me to do what I wanna do.
What makes you nostalgic?
Christmas, absolutely.
What is your most expensive piece of clothing?
I have way too much clothing, but nothing I own is expensive! Lots of vintage and thrifting.
Genre Tags: Power Pop, Rock ‘n Roll, Glam, Punk
RIYL: Dwight Twilley Band, Phil Seymour, The Shivvers, 20/20, The Pretenders, Girlschool, The Plimsouls, The Nerves
Bandcamp: appaloosaseattle.bandcamp.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vkQmuu9WT2yy6K9cjkwUi?si=2uxDfwHAT9ejsIMI4DOt9Q
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/appaloosaseattle