Weeks after unveiling their long-awaited single, “I Think I’ll Shout,” LA newcomers StaG had their friends Chakita remix their debut hit in advance of the quickly approaching CMJ Music Marathon. While the original track boasts a crescendo of percussion its remix chops that steady build. CMJ describes the remix as “Jerkily [rising, crashing, and clattering] against unpredictable synths. Just when you feel a lull coming on, the track kicks up again, hitting you right between the brows like a twang of existentialism.” “I Think I’ll Shout” is the first taste of StaG’s forthcoming LP, currently titledDifference, that is slated for release come next year. As previously reported — StaG will be participating in this year’s CMJ Festival. The information for these shows is listed below – for all guest list requests or in person opportunities, don’t be a stranger. For those not able to make it this year – enjoy the tunes regardless!
10/15 – 8:30p – Alphabet Lounge (Official)
10/16 – 6:45p – The UMS Presents: Holy Underground CMJ Showcase – Tammany Hall (Official)
10/18 – 3:00p – Bar Matchless
10/18 – 11:00p – Holy Underground Artist Showcase – Goodbye Blue Monday
Combining a love of atmospheric ambient sounds and pulsating high energy pop music, Matt McGuire and Will Walden created the band StaG in hopes to achieve a blend of intensity and lushness.
StaG started in the summer of 2008 after relocating from Los Angeles, CA to Boulder, CO for college. Using a dorm room as their recording studio, the two began experimenting with ambient and noise music using laptops and a tiny guitar amp. The two wrote and recorded their first record Rifle Meeker in May 2011, an album about their transition from California to Colorado. Following their debut effort, StaG worked to perfect their live performance adding a drummer and rhythm guitarist to complement the lead guitar of Will and electronic beats and keyboard work of Matt. They have had various musicians fill those roles. However the latest member to join the two is Mac Welch.
StaG rose in the Denver music scene in 2011-2012, playing both the Goldrush Festival in the fall of 2011 and 2012, and The Underground Music Showcase in July 2012 and 2013. In 2013 they finished recording their sophomore album Difference at Taylor Made Studios in Woodland Hills, CA.