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Written by Demi Marshall
InAlternative got the opportunity to interview Chicago-based indie pop punk band Hardly. Fronted by Sara Stocking, the band recently dropped their first single "Steady Buzz." In this interview, Sara discusses this first release, the band's current sound, and experience with the Chicago music scene.
Tell us about your first single release “Steady Buzz.” What topics or ideas does it explore?
The universe said, “Oh you didn’t learn your lesson last time? Here, let me teach it to you a little harder” It’s an angry song. I wrote it after ending something like a situationship with this guy for the second time, feeling very “woman scorned.” Boundaries bent and broken for the last time, petty anger filled the space where he was. Out of that came the pointed, mocking, taunt that is Steady Buzz. For me, it’s an empowering song. Don’t sit and boil when things get too hot, jump out of the pot.
How would you describe your current sound? Which of your songs would you recommend to first time listeners?
I always say that our sound is indie-pop-punk or pop-punk covered in glitter, whichever resonates more with you. Steady Buzz is our first release and we have more to come soon… In the meantime, we play live shows on the reg. Follow us @hardly_sara to keep up with when and where we’re playing.
What does your process look like when writing/creating music?
I write what I feel. Talking about my emotions has never come easy to me, so I process and communicate how I feel through my songs. This is about to sound a little hippy-dippy, but when I write, I sit down with a topic that I’ve had pinballing around my mind for a while and channel the energy of the song.I find the chords for how the song feels on my ukulele before improving around the progression until I find something I like.
Then it’s like the lyrics already exist in my subconscious from all the pinballing. I just have to find them. Some of the best songs I’ve written have come together in a matter of minutes. Especially if it’s about something that’s been on my mind a lot. Once I have the ‘skeleton’ of the song, I bring it to my band boys, Matt LeGrand, Jeremiah De La Peña, and Danny Escobar. I am so lucky to have these gentlemen by my side. They always understand the vision and bring the songs to life so skillfully.
Tell us about your experience with the Chicago music scene. How would you describe it? What are the best parts about it?
I adore the Chicago music scene. Everything about it. It’s a warm and welcoming hug. I love my small niche scene and I also love how connected we each are individually beyond the niche as well. I am always so delighted and amazed at the talent in this city. It’s alive with creativity and breathes inspiration.I owe so much to the Chicago music scene.
What was the most memorable show you’ve played, and what was great about it?
My first ever Chicago concert was Joyce Manor at Bottom Lounge when I was 16. Ever since then, it had been a dream of mine to play the Bottom Lounge stage. On December 17th, 2022, we had the opportunity to be on the bill for a Holiday benefit show… at Bottom Lounge. It was one of our first times playing together at a Chicago venue (and not the stage in my backyard), and it was absolutely electric. That was the show when it all really clicked. I think we all knew that night that we’d be playing shows together for a long time.
Do you have any pre-show rituals? How do you relax or celebrate after a live show?
I don’t know if I would call this a ritual, but I bounce around a lot. If I stand still too much, I’ll end up getting tense from the nerves. So, I restlessly bustle around. After a show, it’s all about acquiring a snack. Afterall, Hardly went from daydream to reality over a basket of Estelle’s Sexy Fries (iykyk).
If you could get any artists to tour with you, dead or alive, who would be on the bill?
Queen, Lady Gaga, and Miley Cyrus.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Honestly, I don’t really know. Music follows life and I don’t know where life will take us, but I know we’re just getting started.
Keep up with Hardly:
Stream Steady Buzz:
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