Ever since they first emerged, fast-rising duo Crispus Attucks And The Love Muskets have always looked to bring back those classic alt-rock aesthetics, revived for a modern ear. And after the stellar response to their highly-praised 2022 LP ‘Reimagination’, they recently returned once again to deliver their vibrant new EP ‘…And The War Came’.
So with the EP now doing the rounds, we thought we’d catch up with them to find out about their past, present, and their plans for the future as well.
–
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
We go way back—Will and I actually met in homeroom back in high school. We bonded over our shared love for music that didn’t fit in with the mainstream and started jamming together after school, messing around with whatever instruments we could get our hands on. It was raw, messy, and loud, but we loved it. That’s where this whole journey started, with a couple of kids just trying to make some noise. Now, here we are, trying to turn that noise into something more.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
We’re heavily influenced by a mix of classic and contemporary artists. Nirvana and Pixies gave us that raw, grunge-infused edge, while bands like The Smiths and The Cure inspired us with their introspective lyrics and unique guitar sounds. The Beatles and The Doors brought in some of the more melodic and experimental elements you might hear in our music. We’re also tuned into current punk-influenced acts like Amyl and the Sniffers, IDLES, and Fontaines D.C. All of these influences help shape a sound that’s both grounded in rock’s past but looking forward, blending melody with intensity and emotion.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
There wasn’t one big “aha” moment, but more like a series of smaller moments that built up over time. We were playing this tiny gig at a dive bar one night, and there were only a handful of people in the crowd. But somehow, everyone in that room was connected to the music we were playing. The energy was electric. I think that was when we realized we wanted to do this for real—to create those kinds of moments and share them with as many people as possible.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
It usually starts with a riff or a beat. Will might come up with something on the guitar, or I might have a bass line or some lyrics floating around. We build off that, layering in ideas, and it kind of evolves into a full song. It’s a lot of back and forth, a lot of experimenting, and not being afraid to tear it down and start over if it’s not working. We’re always pushing each other to go deeper, to find that sound or phrase that really hits.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Inspiration can come from anywhere—conversations, politics, stuff we read, things happening around us. Sometimes it’s just the feeling of frustration or excitement that needs to get out. Our lyrics tend to be pretty reflective of what we’re feeling or observing in the world around us, whether it’s personal struggles, societal issues, or just the craziness of being young in a world that seems to be spinning out of control.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
We want people to feel something real when they listen to our music—whether that’s anger, joy, or a bit of both. A lot of our songs deal with feeling out of place or not knowing where you fit in, but also finding strength in that confusion. It’s about embracing who you are, flaws and all, and not being afraid to question everything around you.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
There’s been a lot of challenges—getting gigs, getting people to actually show up, getting the right team together, and finding the resources to record and promote our music the way we want to. The music industry is a tough place for newcomers, and there’s no clear path. It’s all about persistence and not getting discouraged by the setbacks.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
The most rewarding part has been connecting with people who get what we’re doing. Seeing someone in the crowd singing our lyrics back at us or hearing that one of our songs helped someone through a tough time—that’s what makes it all worth it.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
By remembering why we started doing this in the first place. We didn’t get into music to fit in or follow trends. We got into it to make something honest and raw. We try to stay grounded in that original energy, always pushing ourselves to be better, but never losing sight of who we are and what we want to say.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
We’re currently working on two more EPs that we expect to drop in the next 3-4 months. We’re also looking for musicians to round out our lineup so we can start playing more shows and really get out there to support these new tracks. There’s a lot of energy and excitement around what’s coming next, so stay tuned!
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
In five years, we hope to be playing bigger shows, releasing full albums, and really carving out our place in the punk/alt rock scene. But more than that, we just want to keep making music that feels true to us, that speaks to people, and that we’re proud of. If we can do that, everything else is just a bonus.
–
Listen to Crispus Attucks And The Love Muskets’ new EP ‘…And The War Came’ below.
