The first three dates of their North American tour supporting Fontaines D.C. were cancelled due to illness. But at a time when most other bands might have cut their losses, Been Stellar got to work and made their own shows, playing songs from their debut album for anyone who cared to listen. I saw them a few stops after the official start of the tour, and their drive is unmistakable. When Fontaines took the stage, they dedicated “Big” — an anthem of unbridled ambition and the opening track on their own first album — to the members of Been Stellar. And that says more than I ever could.

MAJOR thanks to Sam Slocum for the chat and Lauren Khalfayan for setting it up.

Songs used:

“Passing Judgement" - Been Stellar

“Pumpkin” - Been Stellar