Interview: The Astronomers
Comprised of Fond du Lac natives Ben Baker and Michael Stensland, The Astronomers challenge the alt-pop space with their synthesis of unconventional elements in each track. “Their discography is unlike [anything] you’ve heard of” - Tongue Tied Magazine.
The duo’s lead single “Overthinking” off their sophomore EP “Guess It’s Just Life” received substantial play on Wisconsin radio, including 101.1 WIXX, reaching #1 on the top nine at 9. The project boasts roaring brass sections akin to AJR, punchy vocals of QUINN XCII, and the sentiment of Jon Bellion. The Astronomers create a dynamic, energy-filled performance, headlining venues including Titletown Green Bay and The Terrace in Madison, Wisconsin to 500+ attendees.
The Astronomers released their debut Album The Occasion in early November. The main single of their album “Ruin My Day” encourages positivity in the face of doubt and discouragement. Opening with a quick preview of the song’s main hook “Na, Na, Na”…., The track starts with a ukulele strumming a fun and joyful progression which is contrasted by a hard hitting hook that eventually brings us back to the main melody repeating “Na, Na, Na”. The song feels classic and fun while the lyrics bring awareness to mental health and critiques today’s society. A great feel good tune to blast in the car and remind us that happiness is in our hands.
What led to forming The Astronomers?
We formed The Astronomers in 2019. I was going to UW Platteville at the time for construction management. One day I called Michael and told him I was sick of making music by myself; we should make this a duo. He was extremely excited about the idea, and from that day on we started working on music every single day.
-Ben
What inspires your music?
We love so many different kinds of music that our inspiration is constantly changing daily. I think it makes us very unique because you’re always going to get something a little bit different from us. Having a little bit of everything but still honing in on your sound allows for the audience to find what they like.
-Michael
Who are some of your influences?
We are very influenced by the indie/alt-pop scene. Quinn XCII, Chelsea Cutler, AJR, Surfaces, Jeremy Zucker etc. But honestly, though, we are also influenced by smaller artists too. If it’s a good song and something we think is cool, we always reach out and let them know our thoughts!
What are some of your favorite memories from your career?
Tough question to answer. I usually say my favorite memory is getting our first song on the radio here in Wisconsin. The most fulfilling thing about this is the journey and the climb to where we are today. We have by no means “made it” but Michael and I both agree that some of our favorite memories aren’t always the milestones. It’s the simple times and pure enjoyment of creating music
“The Occasion” is your debut Album. What have been some of the challenges involving putting this album together?
For us putting out a full length album was really important. In a day where singles rule the music industry we struggled to get the courage to do this. Not because we didnt want to do it but more so to make sure our music gets heard by as many people as possible. We sat on some of this music for a long time ultimately leading to the album taking two years to make. We pondered the question of releasing an album, maybe singles, possibly an EP but we deep down knew we wanted an album. Over this past summer we sat down and really talked about it. Together we decided that releasing an album fully independent under our own team was what we wanted to do.
-Michael
Who are some of the collaborators who helped you create “The Occasion” ?
We had our good friends sammy rash and Molls as features on the album. On the production side our good friend Ike Holzmann co-produced a lot of songs as well as ehren.
-Ben
What is next for The Astronomers?
We are going on our first headline tour in January of 2023. Very exciting, very nervous, but we are so ready for the experience. A deluxe album is in the works and expected in the early new year.
-Michael
How can your fans best support you right now? (Merch, stream specific songs, etc..)
You can find us on almost every social media platform, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, etc. We are also on all streaming platforms which is where you can find and listen to our debut album The Occasion. Our recent merch line just recently dropped as well and all of it and more can be found on our website, theastronomersmusic.com
The Astronomers Links: