Ugly Flannel

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Artist Biography

The music industry, while inclusive in its ideology, is not exempt from mirroring the missteps of society as a whole. Even in punk and DIY subcultures, young people are too commonly barred from contributing their fresh ideas to the scene by 21+ venues, dismissive gatekeepers, and a general lack of resources. Ugly Flannel, a Grand Rapids, Michigan based power-trio, was born of the need to push back against feeling discarded.

Fans of Ugly Flannel have witnessed the band’s evolution from fledgling musicians to seasoned songwriters over the course of six years. Benjamin Nguyen (Guitar) and Kate Zacharias (Bass) spout relatable lyrics about coming-of-age to crowds across the Midwest, while the band's hard-hitting timekeeper, Athen Erbter (Drums), provides the rhythmic backbone. The result is a sound that falls somewhere between Toadies and The Promise Ring. Ben's songs are lackadaisical and snotty enough to fit the bill at a hardcore punk show, while Kate's bright and uplifting melodies could share the stage with fellow Grand Rapidian ska legends, Mustard Plug. Whether on record or live on stage, Ugly Flannel offers punk with an endless range of sounds and moods.

Perhaps nothing better exemplifies this versatility than Ugly Flannel's 2023 album, Goodbye American Dream, courtesy of Young Heavy Souls (Detroit, MI). Goodbye American Dream features the band's many friends and collaborators – including Chris Bernstorf, Luke Dean (Vagabonds), Sean Bonnette (AJJ), and Sam Cook-Parrott (Radiator Hospital) – to drive home the communal celebration.

If their debut album, To Make Up For The Depleted Oxygen, was the band introducing itself, then 2019's The Schiller In You was the band finding its sound. Goodbye American Dream is their time to shine.

Press

“Ugly Flannel captures the lingering bleakness of the Midwest to fully project the sentimentality of living in it.” - Kill The Music
“The American punk rock band Ugly Flannel has blown it all away with their newest track…bring[ing] a unique energy to the old footprint of Rock'n Roll mixed with Punk.” - Roadie Music
Deemed as Emerging Artists To Watch by Local Spins