Interview: The Astronomers
Serving as the local small-town band everyone needs in their life, Wisconsin-based up-and-coming duo The Astronomers, is sure to fill that void. Composed of lifelong middle school best friends Michael and Ben, the two have grown in their friendship and skillsets from sixth-grade band to releasing a number one hit on local pop radio.
The Astronomers
Photo by: Jack Rindahl
Describing their music as a take on alternative pop, The Astronomers take alternative to a whole new level. Incorporating strange and uncommon elements into each track, their discography is unlike anyone you’ve heard of. After performing in a variety of cover bands throughout high school, the two have finally found themselves and their sound. Having released two EPs to date with more music on the way, the duo is unapologetically themselves, and gaining more and more of a following with each new release.
After a successful debut with “Sinking Ships & Story Tales,” featuring top hit “All In,” the group set out to continue the pursuit of their own original sound. Breaking down barriers and genres in the process, the two simply put out what feels most authentic to them at the time, resulting in a unique discography true to themselves.
Produced entirely in their home state of Wisconsin, the two are out to prove that it isn’t always a necessity to live in a music bustling city or travel far and wide to achieve a successful production. With Michael writing and creating the tracks, and Ben focusing on the production side and bringing them to life, the two prove that a number one hit is attainable with the skills and energy put into it. It’s undeniable that the duo hasn’t stopped since.
Their second EP to date “Guess It’s Just Life” arrived in 2021 with another set of showstopping hit tracks. “Overthinking,” which has seen mass radio airplay and success via TikTok, is clearly a fan favorite.
“The day we made that first demo, it was actually almost exactly a year ago today. It was like a fifty second demo that we had and I was just so excited for it. I did like three laps around the highway in our city listening to this demo for like an hour straight. I thought there was something good about to come from this one.”
Mixed, mastered, and entirely produced in their college home, the lead single as well as the entirety of the EP was created and brought to life by the two, truly encapsulating the small town aura.
“Every song we make, in the moment, we’re like this is our favorite thing we’ve ever made. This is different, this is unique. Each song has a different meaning and a different sound.”
Bringing a new side to their music with each new release, The Astronomers continue chasing that ‘wow factor’ and how to take the music to the next level. With a confirmed large feature on a soon-to-be-released single, and a flurry of summer shows to come, the band continues to chase after their goals going full speed ahead.
Check out our full interview with the band here!
For more on The Astronomers, visit their website here, and follow on Instagram @theastronomers.music.
Interview by: April Bredael
