Lunar Vacation's Outstanding Emergence
Photo courtesy of Violet Teegardin
As life returns to somewhat normal, Atlanta-based Lunar Vacation is emerging out of these difficult times stronger than ever. The band’s recent single “Shrug” is an upbeat, indie-rock track that has a feel-good sound and begs to be played live. With the release of this single, they also announced that they have signed to Keeled Scales. Their first scheduled performance is currently set for Shaky Knees Fest in the fall; the last live show they played was in 2019. The band, operating with a different lineup and dynamic at the time, is now ready to see how their new sound works in a live setting.
“It’s all of us growing too,” said lead singer Grace Repasky. “We were touring and playing shows; we were teenagers and now we’re not teens anymore.” The band has lost and added members throughout their transition to adulthood, losing an original member around halfway through 2019. Despite the challenges a lineup change or worldwide pandemic can bring, the group’s bond and creative, sonic concepts continually evolve with their experiences.
Lunar Vacation grew into their matured sound and relationship, considering the process of working on their upcoming album deepened the band’s connection. In July of 2020, Lunar Vacation spent countless hours in their local studio Big Trouble to record their debut album, which has yet to be announced. Repasky describes it as “a really cute, tiny studio with a lot of crazy gear in it.” Guitarist Maggie Geeslin explained that frequent testing and quarantining contributed to the band’s rigorous COVID-19 protocols; it was a small price to pay in order to record and spend twelve hours a day in the studio, six days a week, for about four weeks, while only seeing each other.
Their new single “Shrug” is a fantastic outcome of their intense studio time. The track begins with a resonant guitar pattern, followed by instrumental layers added on throughout the first verse. The chorus comes in with a strong melody paired with Repasky’s stunning vocals that captivate, and in a sense convince, listeners to sing along with her. Towards the end, there is an abrupt, brief pause that tricks listeners into thinking that the track is over, but there is about 30 more seconds of mesmerizing harmonies shared between multiple vocal parts. The single is a noticeable contrast to their EPs — not only has their sound veered in a different direction, but their lyrics have expanded in meaning. “Shrug” conveys a powerful message about gender identity and self-acceptance through inspiring lyrics. These changes are sure to leave listeners excited for what’s to come on their upcoming album.
Their new music will be released through an indie record label for the first time instead of releasing it on their own. After a plethora of Zoom calls, Lunar Vacation decided to sign with Keeled Scales, which is an independent record label based out of Austin, Texas. Geeslin recalled the conversation with the label and her bandmates, which acted as the “light at the end of the tunnel” during dark, stagnant days at home. Around the time this partnership came into fruition, Repasky was reading Big Day Coming: Yo La Tengo and the Rise of Indie Rock by Jesse Jarnow, which analyzes the balance between record labels and the bands signed to it. Repasky feels this concept is what the band has with Keeled Scales; there is a certain trust among the music and the label, and the two are striving to simultaneously expand their reputations.
A solidified trust between the artist and the label is something that often comes with working with a smaller indie label like Keeled Scales. According to an article by Heather Macdonald, having a more intimate staff and being direct with the artists allows for a close relationship to build between the label and the artist. The equal dynamic makes the artist feel that they can trust the label with the tracks they create and work together. Macdonald also explained that there has been a growth in both indie labels and artists in recent years, which can be attributed to the freedom associated with being signed to an indie label. Knowing that the label will not be attempting to take full control over creative processes not only attracts, but solidifies a trust that cannot always be found when working with larger labels.
Paired with the excitement of signing to a label, the band anticipates sharing their new tracks with a live audience. Geeslin expressed her excitement “to give people actual mosh songs and just have a party” and believes their recent work will hit much harder and faster. Repaksy mentions their songwriting influences stem from Angel Olsen, Alex Turner, Option, and Classique, along with references to The Flaming Lips and Talking Heads in their upcoming releases. With the admirable sound of their new single “Shrug”, it can be assumed Lunar Vacation is heading towards a new era of sound that listeners will love.