Social Cinema came together from Nebraska and Kansas as a collective. The rock act is defying trends and nailing down their own version of alt rock if you will. Lead singer Griffin Bush, Logan Bush, Austin Engler, Mari Crisler, and Reed Tiwald make up the band. They came together after the pandemic to create a sound all their own.
The band’s first single is jangly rock tune called “You Want My Love” which creates a space for the rest of the record. The opening bass line of the song hooks you into a danceable unforgettable tune.
I talked to Griffin Bush, Logan Bush, and Mari Crisler from the band about coming together, the recording process, and their appearance at this past year’s SXSW.
Setting Their Sights on Social Cinema
Griffin Bush: I was looking at newspapers on the internet. One of the headlines said, ‘Social Cinema’. We loved the alliteration behind it. We played in other bands before. Then covid happened and the chemistry was already there.
On Nailing Down The Band’s Sound
GB: I feel like everyone has their writing techniques and tendencies that will never leave. Our old band was a three piece with a lot of power chords, so we wanted to flesh that out a little more. We wanted a lot more moving parts together.
On The Recording Process
GB: We recorded the album with our friend Jeremy at B24 Studios in Kansas City. He translated our ideas but it was mostly self-produced. I think it depends on what the songs you want to put it out. I would be excited if we worked with someone, but we took the lead on it.
On the Lead Single “You Want My Love”
GB: I was inspired by a lot of Idles and wanted to emulate that low baritone guitar. Once we had that bassline down it opened up from there. It felt truly inspired by the songs around it and the recording process.
On Don’t Get Lost, The Band’s Debut Album
GB: It’s our first album and we really cared what the record means—from the track listing to the feeling and flow of it. Hearing our passion with it makes it more passionate for the listen.
Women In Rock
Mari Crisler: I don’t think about it when it comes to Social Cinema. When I fronted bands in the past it was more about women in rock. There’s not a standard when it comes to my look when it comes to women in rock music. Many women would be wearing skirts and high heels and convey their femininity. Playing guitar has always been a boy’s sport. I want to do something completely different and there’s no touchpoint, so I have to forge my own path, which is a cool opportunity to have.
On Their Influences
GB: Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stage. Those bands’ writing styles are very fleshed and thought out.
Logan Bush: I’m into punk rock like The Ramones and Black Flag and their DIY style.
MC: Art rock like St. Vincent and Talking Heads. That’s what I see when Griffin writes.
On The Band’s Success At SXSW
GB: That was our first time in Austin. It was a really great welcoming experience and hope they ask us back.
On What’s Next
LB: We are about to go on tour and then we do the Pacific Northwest, then Colorado, and some Midwest dates, and a festival to play. Our album drops October 2.
