Coming out of Seattle’s indie music scene, La Need Machine is a band that’s been quick to stake their claim as one of the city’s most exciting acts to watch. Known for their diverse blend of genres and infectious melodic writing, the band fuses indie pop, alternative country, neo-classic rock, Americana and melodic punk into their own original sound.
With lead guitarist Al driving the musical direction and dual lead singers Brian and Elise bringing a compelling vocal chemistry, La Need Machine offers a sonic experience that’s struck a chord with listeners around the world. Starting out in 2020, their debut album Home introduced fans to their genre-fluid style, followed by a string of well-received releases, including their sophomore effort, Killer Instinct.
They’re also deeply committed to social causes, actively supporting various non-profit organisations and using their creative endeavours for positive change. The group donates a portion of their streaming revenue to these causes and their focus on giving back complements the message of unity and empathy that runs through much of their work.
Their recent single from the end of 2023, “I Wish I Could Fly,” has been a massive hit with fans, clocking over half a million spins online and securing attention from critics and listeners alike. This year they’ve shown no signs of slowing down, releasing a string of well-received singles. Now they bring us their recent release with their new single titled “The Mountain,” a stunning folk rock outing brimming with lush harmonies, catchy hooks and an epic arrangement of guitars and strings.
Thematically revolving around the mantra ‘to give is to receive,’ the song delivers an important message about togetherness in the face of a growing global wealth divide. From the delicate string intro, the strike of drums brings in a gently driving energy as charming split vocals thread elegant melodies above to form a catchy and moving sound.
Erupting into an energising chorus with crunching guitars and crashing drums capped by infectious hooks, with “The Mountain,” La Need Machine serves up a gripping anthem. Once again showcasing their meaningful songwriting and performance talent, they continue to go from strength to strength with each new release.
We caught up with Al from La Need Machine to find out what they’ve been up to recently, their new single “The Mountain” and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with La Need Machine below.
Hey Al, howâs things?
Things are going awesome! We are getting an amazing response to our music! Sure, we don’t have a billion streams like Taylor Swift, but we have thousands of fans saving our songs and we have millions of streams! We’ve got several new songs ready for release, and we are getting ready to resume playing live and touring! Life is Good!
Is there a story behind the La Need Machine name?
Yes, we as a band want to stand for something. And a couple of things we don’t stand for are greed and bullying. La Need Machine is a proxy for greed.
Whatâs new since we spoke at the end of last year?
Man, we are really in a groove as far as writing music goes! And we are working on resuming live shows and touring.
Whatâs been your highlight of 2024 year so far?
Seeing the number of people that are enjoying our music. That is the flip side of Spotify — I know everyone wants Spotify to pay artists more, but on the other hand, we are reaching people we otherwise would not.
Which artists have you been listening to recently?
Social Distortion because we just saw them play Seattle. And Green Day because they also are playing Seattle!
How do you feel the Seattle music scene has changed over the years?
It has matured, as you would expect. There are so many great bands, it’s unbelievable. And they span all kinds of genres. What’s also great is that there are still many great venues to play!
How has signing with Worldsound/Virgin Music Group changed your creative journey?
Hasn’t really changed our creative journey at all. We write music the way we always have, and they have been really great about what we deliver. They don’t get into the creative side at all, which is great!
How did you find making your new single âThe Mountainâ?
So awesome! Our producer, Bear Davis, really worked his tail off on this song. He knows exactly how to elevate our music.
What were your inspirations for writing it?
It sounds corny, but my family and friends. I have so many people that are supportive of what I do and help me along the way.
What message do you hope gets across in the song?
Literally — it’s not what you take, it’s what you give. A universal truth is that to give is to receive. We are all judged by what we do for others. And, at some point, you realise that giving actually benefits you, mentally and otherwise.
What can fans expect to hear from you next?
Some great new music! We have five songs that are lining up for release. One of them will be our first cover song! Elise sings Somewhere Over the Rainbow so well we had to do our own take on it!
Looking ahead, what do you have lined up for 2025?
New music and a return to live shows! We are working with our management on a tour, but it’s not far enough along yet to mention.
Listen to The Mountain below
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