The post-emo band Ben Quad released the new single ‘Very Big In Sheboygan.’ The accompanying music video offers a lighthearted glimpse into Ben Quad’s creative process, blending playful outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage from their time recording their new record on a farm in New Jersey. This is the final single off their forthcoming album ‘Wisher’, set for release on November 14th via Pure Noise Records.
This latest track finds the band stepping even further out of their ‘Midwest Emo’ comfort zone. The song was initially written with the intention of having a harder edge, but with synth leads and sliced guitar glitches spread throughout the song, the sound gravitates toward a more pop-centric sound.
“This song is based on the period of my life when I would drive up 7 hours every couple weeks to make a long distance relationship work with my partner. Despite the obstacles of living so far apart from each other, the happiness I felt seeing this person made the long drives worth it,” says guitarist Edgar Viveros. “It feels good to put out a proper love song. We’re leaning into a poppier lane for sure on this one, but there’s also so much energy and deliberation that we put into the instrumentals I think anyone, not just the lovebirds, will enjoy it.”
This new track follows previous singles off the record ‘It’s Just a Title’ and ‘Painless’. Both previously released tracks explore heavy themes of grief, loss, and existential insecurity. Lyrically, this new track leans away from that a bit, instead exploring the longing and desire to see someone you love living hundreds of miles away.
‘Wisher’ serves as the follow-up to Ben Quad’s 2022 debut ‘I’m Scared That’s All There Is’. While the first record captured the uncertainty of youth, ‘Wisher’ reflects a more hopeful perspective, with the title symbolizing the part of ourselves that looks ahead to a better future. The new album feels like a response to the band’s earlier work, offering growth and optimism in place of doubt.
Leaving the Sooner State for New Jersey, the band connected with producer Jon Markson (The Story So Far, Drug Church) to bring the album to life, taking up residence at his farm/studio for their first real studio experience. Amidst barnyard animals and peaceful countryside, the idyllic setting provided the perfect backdrop – full of time and space – to find themselves and the next evolution of their sound.
Upcoming tour dates with Koyo:
November 2nd – The Shredder – Boise, ID
November 3rd – McMenamins Mission Theater – Portland, OR
November 4th – The Vera Project – Seattle, WA
November 6th – Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music – Berkeley, CA
November 7th – The Lodge Room – Los Angeles, CA
November 8th – Voodoo Room @ House of Blues – San Diego, CA
November 9th – The Rosetta Room – Mesa, AZ
November 11th – Paper Tiger – San Antonio, TX
November 12th – Dada Dallas – Dallas, TX
November 14th – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
November 17th – Amos’ Southend – Charlotte, NC
November 18th – Canal Club – Richmond, VA
November 20th – Pearl Street Warehouse – Washington, DC
November 21st – Cafe at The Somerville Armory – Somerville, MA
November 22nd – First Unitarian Church – Philadelphia, PA
November 23rd – Racket NYC – New York, NY
UK with Arm’s Length:
February 5th – Engine Rooms – Southampton, UK
February 6th – O2 Academy Islington – London, UK
February 7th – Club Academy – Manchester, UK
February 9th – G2, The Garage – Glasgow, UK
February 10th – Upon Tune – Newcastle , UK
February 12th – The Grove – District – Liverpool, UK
February 13th – Project House – Leeds, UK
February 14th – O2 Academy 2 – Birmingham, UK
February 15th – Fighting Cocks – Kingston Upon Thames, UK
EU with Arm’s Length:
February 18th – Antwerpen – Belgium
February 19th – Dynamo – Eindhoven, Netherlands
February 20th – Gebäude 9 – Cologne, Germany
February 21st – LOGO – Hamburg, Germany