By: Lindsy Carrasquillo
Adult life can be full of strenuous cyclical patterns. Work. Relationships. Stress. For Weakened Friends, they’ve been able to process the uneasy feelings that come with being stuck by intertwining it with personal stories and have come out the other side, captured by their debut full length record, Common Blah via Don Giovanni Records. We were able to talk to the band’s lead singer and guitarist, Sonia Sturino, to discuss the album, their extensive touring schedule and more.
Looking back on the album’s release in October, Sturino reflects on the immediate response as being “really positive”.
“We were really happy to just get it out to people,” Sturino said. “Seeing so many people connect to it and say nice things about it made it really come to life for us! Seeing any number of people saying they love your music really puts meaning behind it.”
Listening to the record can be a cathartic experience for a listener just as it was for the band. Songs like “Aches” explores the push and pull of luring yourself out of a toxic relationship while tracks like “Not Going Good” is unapologetic about the need to completely start over after hardship.
When going into the studio, there wasn’t a certain goal in mind, the songs “kinda just started happening” she explained. “We went in to record originally what we thought would just be demos, but it all started to come together and then next thing we knew we had the record in the bag.”
“Our headlining Portland and Boston release shows were absolutely crazy,”Sturino explained. “Seeing people line up outside and sing along to songs feels surreal. Also getting to play our first shows out in the UK, being so far from home and looking out at a packed house with people singing and getting into it… that’s was actually mind blowing.”
To manage life on the road, Sturino emphasizes the importance of self-care.
“Give yourself time, take care of yourself.” Sturino said. “Learn how to say no to things that you know are going to hurt you or put you in a bad place. Make time for little rituals that keep you feeling positive and well. This industry can be really soul sucking, being on tour is the hardest but best thing. Remember your mental health comes first.”
Currently, the band are on the road again playing with Well Wisher on the way to South By Southwest to play the Don Giovanni / Arrowhawk Records showcase.
“We’re so, so, so excited for that showcase it’s one of a few we’ll be doing while down there,” she said. “But we’re so excited at how stacked the lineup is for it.”
On their way back home, the band will be playing a string of tour dates on the east coast with bands like Nervous Dater and Coping Skills. Even though their record’s only been out for a few months, they’re already gearing up to record new music.
“We plan to be recording a new record this summer,” she said. “I’ve been writing like crazy and am happier with these songs than ever before, can’t wait to work hard and get that out!”
Be sure to check out their tour dates and listen to Common Blah, out on Don Giovanni Records.
