Stellar Jays Unveil New Single “Mojave”: A Bright, Twangy Ride Through American Rock and Roll’s Wild Heart
Seattle’s music scene has long been a crucible for innovation, birthing genre-defining acts that toe the line between tradition and experimentation. Into this rich heritage steps Stellar Jays, an alt-country rock outfit that weaves together the sonic textures of Americana with an edge of rock-and-roll rebellion. As they release their new single ‘Mojave’, the first track from their upcoming EP of the same name, the band solidifies their place as one of the most exciting new voices in the modern American rock landscape.
In Mojave’, Stellar Jays have crafted a track that pulses with the energy of the desert from which it takes its name—raw, expansive, and full of life. This song is not just another chapter in their musical journey, but a testament to their evolution since the release of their acclaimed debut album ‘Early Winters’. Where that album was praised for its introspective lyricism and jangly, bittersweet melodies, ‘Mojave’ hits with a burst of effervescent energy. It’s a 90s-inspired rocker in the vein of Old 97s, crackling with electric guitar leads, shimmering harmonies, and the kind of infectious enthusiasm that makes you want to hit the open road with nothing but blue skies ahead.
‘Mojave’ is drenched in rich, twangy guitar work, embodying the free-spirited optimism of a great road trip anthem. From the very first chords, the listener is swept up in the track’s undeniable momentum. The electric guitars, alternating between crunchy blues riffs and sparkling acoustic flourishes, create a lush sonic backdrop that feels both vast and intimate. Lead vocalist Brian Siems delivers his lines with a warmth and sincerity that lends an emotional depth to the otherwise upbeat track. The interplay between Siems and guitarist Brian Besand is particularly striking, their harmonies fluttering like desert birds over the track’s rich, reverb-soaked landscape.
But it’s the rhythm section—Bob Congleton on bass and Tim Schuringa on drums—that anchors ‘Mojave’ in a way that keeps it grounded even as it soars. Schuringa’s drumming is crisp and propulsive, his syncopated beats and sandy tone creating a foot-tapping, danceable groove that practically begs for a live audience to move along. Congleton’s bass, meanwhile, adds just the right amount of swagger, giving the track a weighty undercurrent without ever feeling heavy-handed.
Then, there’s Alison Perkins’ keyboard work, which subtly glues the entire arrangement together. Her delicate touches provide a soft shimmer to the track’s edges, amplifying the sense of space and echoing the vast expanses of the desert. It’s a sound that evokes both the physical beauty of the Mojave desert and the metaphorical freedom that comes with escaping into the unknown.
Stellar Jays aren’t just another band hoping to capitalize on the indie-Americana resurgence. Their roots, stretching from the backroads of Virginia, Texas, Washington, and California to the eclectic, rain-soaked streets of Seattle, give their music a depth and authenticity that is hard to replicate. Each member brings a unique piece of their own story to the table. By day, they juggle jobs in global philanthropy, water quality, library sciences, consulting, and software—a mix as varied as the musical influences that shape their sound. But it’s their shared passion for creating music that binds them together, especially as the world began to emerge from the disorienting fog of the pandemic.
The release of their debut album ‘Early Winters’ last summer was a stunning introduction to their potential. Described by Americana UK as “a superb debut album from the Seattle-based band that has something for everyone,” the record captured the band’s ability to marry contemplative songwriting with vibrant, melodic hooks. The standout track ‘Early Winters’ painted a world both haunting and hopeful, with Siems’ vocals compared to the likes of Lou Reed and Jeff Tweedy—a husky, world-weary tone that lent gravitas to every line. But it wasn’t just introspection and melancholy; even in their quieter moments, Stellar Jays radiated a determined optimism that resonated deeply with listeners who were, themselves, emerging from a collective period of isolation.
With ‘Mojave’, the band takes that same optimism and turns it into something far more kinetic. “We collectively spent enough time depressed and crying in our beers during the pandemic,” says Siems with a wry smile. “We’re hoping this album just delivers a bit of the happiness we had creating it to anybody listening.” And indeed, happiness is the operative word here—there’s a palpable sense of joy that permeates every note of *Mojave*. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to roll down the windows, let the wind rush through your hair, and forget, even just for a few minutes, the weight of the world outside.
Yet, for all its bright, effervescent charm, there’s still something deeper lurking beneath the surface of ‘Mojave’. Perhaps it’s the way the desert symbolizes both beauty and desolation, freedom and isolation. In this, Stellar Jays capture the bittersweet duality that has always been at the heart of Americana music. Life isn’t always easy, but there’s always something worth holding onto—and sometimes, you’ve got to hit the road to find it.
As Stellar Jays prepare to release their ‘Mojave’ EP, they’re standing at the crossroads of the familiar and the unknown. Their sound is deeply rooted in the classic traditions of American rock and alt-country, but it’s also infused with a forward-looking optimism and a keen awareness of their own unique place in the world. With ‘Mojave’, they’ve captured a moment of pure, unfiltered joy—the kind of joy that only comes from creating something true, something meaningful, and something that resonates.
In a world that often feels uncertain, Stellar Jays remind us that sometimes, all we need is a jangly guitar, a killer melody, and the open road ahead. ‘Mojave’ is the soundtrack to that journey, and Stellar Jays are the band to take us there.
