Within the trio of Aaron, Leslie and Adam lies Fog Lamp. Their latest single, “Let’s Not” releases today and attempts to unravel the intricate struggles of urban life amidst ongoing changes, shedding light on the hardships of residing in less-than-ideal housing situations.

The story of how the band came together holds a charm of its own. Adam and Aaron’s paths crossed through their previous relationships, while Leslie stumbled into the mix during a casual bar conversation about expanding the band.

Hailing from different corners of the Bay Area — Oakland for Adam and Leslie, and San Francisco for Aaron — their diverse musical backgrounds blend seamlessly, drawing from indie pop, desert rock, and punk influences.

The name “Fog Lamp” inspired by a British series where they called car headlights fog lamps and he just thought it sounded trippy.

Their creative process thrives on collaboration, where each member contributes their own flair, with Aaron leading the charge on crafting emotive lyrics. Adam’s drum programming forms the backbone of their compositions, often sparked by initial riffs that ignite their sonic exploration.

“Let’s Not” is a heartfelt testament to their ethos, painting a vivid picture of the struggles of making ends meet in a changing cityscape. The genesis of the track stemmed from guitar riffs, evolving into a symphony of beats and synth leads, with the band particularly pleased with its captivating introduction.

Check their new single here

Drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as The Units, horror soundtracks, Metal Urbain, Blitz’s seminal album, The Screamers, and The Lost Sounds, Fog Lamp’s sonic tapestry reflects their varied influences and innovative approach.

When talking about their highlights of 2023, Aaron’s impromptu dance moves with everyday objects added a playful touch to their shows, resulting in memorable performances alongside bands like Combo, Warp, and Sick Thoughts.

“We played some great shows in 2023. Aaron likes to pick up things in diy spaces and dance with them. We played at a vintage clothing store and danced with a woman’s boot covering his hand. He used it twirl around the Valentine’s Day flowers that were hanging from the ceiling. We also opened for some great bands including Combo, Warp, and Sick Thoughts.“

Looking ahead, Fog Lamp aims to embark on a Southern California mini-tour after the release of their new tape. With the local label support that sold out their debut tape, the band remains grounded by the growing recognition they’ve received.

Fog Lamp recommends bands like CVCC, Warp, Combo and The Losers, shining a light on the thriving musical scene they proudly call home. As they continue to carve their niche, Fog Lamp remains committed to blending life’s realities with captivating melodies in their ongoing musical journey.