September 29, 2026 | 0 Comments

SCARVES – STRAYS FOREVER is at Top 200 Radio Now!!!

If you’ve been following along with The Band Mom’s escapades for a while now, you might remember that this is NOT the first album by Scarves that I’ve promoted. In fact, it’s the FOURTH(!!!) – at least tying the record to be my #1 most frequent-flyer client!! (The other releases being Delicate Creatures in 2022, Mall Goths in 2017, and Empty Houses all the way back in 2014!) I really love this band so that works out great. Indie band from Seattle with a sorta mathy/Midwest emo vibe with a lil sprinkling of pop punk thrown in there. I was listening to the latest American Football album recently and couldn’t help seeing some strong comparison points in that one, for a RIYL example. PLUS, this album was actually produced by Chris Walla (yes! formerly of Death Cab for Cutie, that Chris Walla)!! It’s also their first release on the v cool Portland label Tender Loving Empire!

This is my very first add of 2026 at all, which is pretty wild. I tragically wasn’t able to get any CDs to send to you of this album (they didn’t even make any – this release is vinyl or bust!), so don’t wait for a hard copy – (assuming you’re a station rep who gets my emails, of course) please do go ahead and grab the download right now. And then let me know what you think!!

SCARVES

STRAYS FOREVER

Tender Loving Empire

Ever since Scarves’ inception in 2013, the Seattle-based indie band’s lineup continues to evolve, with Niko Stathakopoulos at its nucleus as the main storyteller. Following the release of their 2022 album, Delicate Creatures, the band had the pleasure of opening for artists such as PUP, Deerhoof, and The Dodos as well as performing at Bumbershoot Music Festival and at the legendary radio station, KEXP. Their stories as independent artists paired with the struggles of real-world experiences inspired the band to write their 2026 album, Strays Forever. Alongside Niko during the creation of this album, Scarves consisted of Nessa Grasing (vocals/guitar), Jesse Cohen (bass), Jacob Whinihan (drums), and LA native Elijah Sokolow (guitar and production).

Strays Forever is about seeking optimism and hope against the intense fear and anxiety induced by our modern era. Niko explains, “I tried to make the music feel grand yet cozy, glitchy but homey. It’s also a lot about forgiveness, and coping with family trauma with hopes to rebuild lives with the people you love. To continue pushing through the darker moments of life – no matter how thick the fog, I’ll be your lantern”. The band’s range of inspiration pulls from the short stories of Raymond Carver, the paintings of Amy Bennet, the poetry of Derrick C. Brown, and the sounds of The Weakerthans, Hop Along, and The Mountain Goats.

The album shines light on the struggles of many young people today who dream of starting a family, but fear bringing life into a world of uncertainty and desolation. Niko describes that “it’s about trying not to lose who you are as an individual as the pressures of love and adulthood mount, but also about trying to keep your loved ones safe”. As the album’s production developed, this idea stemmed into themes that center around the inevitable responsibility of guiding the next generation with love and compassion in an increasingly dividing society. “Chainsaw” (Track 7—FCC warning), for example, is a love song that draws deep inspiration from the imagery of the classic horror movie The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

Scarves teamed up with producer Chris Walla (formerly of Death Cab for Cutie) to record Strays Forever at the renowned Hall of Justice Studios in Seattle. Niko recalls, “working with Walla was a dream come true. He’s just the warmest and most imaginative producer. He’s like Willy Wonka with his wild suggestions that always work out”. During the recording process, the band was welcome to break creative boundaries in their song writing and instrumentation. They experimented with vintage tape machines to warble recorded tracks into luscious soundscapes and layered in string and flute arrangements to bring a cinematic touch to their music.

Upcoming tour dates:

10/23 – Tacoma, WA – Tacoma Film Festival
10/25 – Seattle, WA – record release show @ Add-a-Ball w/ Pyramid Scream
10/30 – Portland, OR – Tender Loving Empire Warehouse

RIYL: The Weakerthans, Death Cab for Cutie, Built to Spill, The Mountain Goats, American Football, PUP, Joyce Manor

Start With: 4, 1, 8

FCC: 7