The band has seen lots of success recently (we might even say they’re blossoming) with more than 5 million Spotify streams on their three studio albums, sold out shows on a national tour, and securing a slot on the 2021 Lollapalooza lineup. They’re also set to open for The Lumineers in Chicago next month.
According to the band’s website, Motherfolk has even “been revered as ‘the best band ever’ by almost all of its current members,” a respectable achievement amidst a busy year for the act.
The band says the flower highlights a new sonic direction for them that marries “crunchy garage rock and dreamy indie pop.” Sign us up!
We chatted with vocalist/guitarist Nathan Dickerson to talk about the new album, the inspiration behind some of the heavier lyrics, and how the band marks special occasions onstage.
Beyond the Stage Magazine: What is the inspiration behind “we make our pictures speak?”
ND: This song was actually inspired by a quote I came across from Vincent Van Gogh. I’m not sure if anyone knows if it is 100% true, but it’s said that before he died he told his brother that “the sadness will last forever.”
That struck me, so I began digging more into letters shared between Van Gogh and his brother before he died.
In one of them, Van Gogh talks about art as his outlet for things that words can’t describe, saying something like “instead I make my pictures speak” (I’m paraphrasing.)
As an artist, that really hit me as I feel the same way about music. I went upstairs into my studio and the whole song was done within an hour.
BTS: What was the process of creating the flower like?
ND: The process was much different than any of our previous works. We started writing this in 2020 when we were all holed up alone, so most of the recording and writing was done separately between me and Bobby.
BTS: What is your songwriting process like?
ND: Nowadays most of it is done in our respective studios. We usually get a song pretty close-to-finished before bringing it to the table. This process has given us lots of creative flexibility and time to hone things in.
BTS: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music?
ND: I’d describe it as catchy, indie rock/garage rock with carefully thought out lyrics.
BTS: What is one main message you’d want fans to take from your songs?
ND: I just hope people can connect to them emotionally and gain some sort of sense of community in whatever they’re dealing with.
BTS: Where does the name Motherfolk come from?
ND: It’s an anagram using the first letter of each of our names.
BTS: What was your Lollapalooza 2021 experience like?
ND: Lollapalooza was incredible. We didn’t even know we were playing until a day before. It was easily the best experience we’ve had in our whole career as a band. We made so many new friends and had lots of doors open for us that weekend.
BTS: Tell me about your favorite moment on stage?
ND: There have been too many to count, but when we’re having one you’ll know because we take our shirts off to mark the occasion.
BTS: Anything you’d like to add?
ND: Come see us at a show near you!
Listen to the flower at the link below and keep up with Motherfolk on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Tik Tok.
- Get to Know: Motherfolk - November 8, 2021
- State Champs Rocks Philly on 2021 Pure Noise Tour - October 21, 2021
- Get to Know: Wilder. - August 28, 2021
