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SuperLung is a rock band from Mankato, MN. Recently formed in late 2018 with former members of Guy Smiley, Diskord, Revilwen, Pushrod, and The Mayberry Riot, the influences of the band are steeped in Seattle, here’s our introduction to SuperLung…
DGM: What are the origins of the band, and how long have you been playing together?
SL: Forrest Wilkes (bass) and Zimmy (vocals) were in the US Navy in the early 90s, stationed in Palau (Sardinia, Italy). They played in a band together called Pushrod, and always said that when they got out they wanted to start a band back in the US.
Fast forward 20-odd years: in late 2018 they decided to start a band. Recruiting Ryan McKeown (drums), Jeremy Buendorf (guitars), and Bret Pedersen (guitars, backing vocals), SuperLung was formed. All in all, most of us have played in bands together for around 25 years.
DGM: How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?
SL: Our first gig was awesome, lots of people showed up to support it. We played at Mankato’s ‘The What’s Up Lounge’ and it was Forrest and Zimmy’s first time playing on stage together since the early 90s in Europe.
DGM: What should people expect when they check the band out? How would you describe yourselves?
SL: SuperLung is a working-class Alternative Rock Band. We bring a lot of energy and passion to our live shows. Our songs are written stories of things we have dealt with in life which we feel a lot of people can relate to.
DGM: The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent. In what ways do you feel a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
SL: I think that bands have so many opportunities to connect with people these days. With social media and the number of digital platforms in operation your music is available worldwide and very easy to find. Once that connection is made you need to be accessible. By that I mean able for fans to connect to on a personal level. Remember, fans make the music world go round, and every single one deserves your love and appreciation for their support.
DGM: What are you working on at the moment that people can check out?
SL: Right now we are writing new songs for a new album. We have not been into the studio yet, but when we do, we will be releasing some songs early. Look out for “Destined to Rise”, “The Ones”, and “Deal”, to name a few of our new ones.
DGM: What band out there at the moment do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
SL: This is more of a pipe dream than anything, but we would love to play with Pearl Jam, one of our biggest influences for sure. We are actually down for playing with anyone, anywhere. Music is music, and we love and support all who cut their teeth creating something they love and covet so much!
DGM: Who do you feel will be the next band to break out?
SL: I really like the band Starset; they continue to write such great hooks and moving music. Their new song “Trials” is amazing.
DGM: What are your first musical memories? And what was the light bulb moment that made you go “I want to do that!”
SL: I think it was when I was a kid in the 80s. My cousin Aaron and I made wooden guitars that looked like Def Leppard’s guitars, and we would watch MTV back when they actually played videos. We would mimic the rock bands and videos with the wooden guitars and use ice cream buckets for drums! Then when Motley Crue’s video for “Girls, Girls, Girls” came on it was all over for me! LOL
DGM: What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
SL: The last show I attended was Shinedown, Papa Roach, and Asking Alexandria in Mankato, MN, where we are from. I got to hang out with Brent from Shinedown; that was so cool, he’s the most down to earth guy I have ever met! Love the band!
DGM: What is the album that you have in your collection or Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
SL: I am a super huge fan of 80s New Wave Music! Devo, Human League, Pet Shop Boys, Tears for Fears, Flock of Seagulls, Information Society, Duran Duran; so many great bands when I was growing up!!
DGM: What are your plans for the remainder of 2020?
SL: 2020 has been a whirlwind; we had to cancel most of our dates due to the COVID crisis. We hope to get into the studio and record so we have an album to play out with in 2021.
Connect with SuperLung here.
Check them out on Spotify here.
