Originally Posted on Oct. 2nd, 2023
Today I’m going to be telling you about Las Vegas grunge band Prawn Queen!
Here’s their story in their own words:
Background:
“The band was formed as an excuse for a group of friends to get together and hack out some “unique,” “fresh,” and “ground breaking,” music. Original line up was Josan Vidal (drums), Glenn Miraflor (bass) and Brendan McAllister (guitar/vocals). Skylar Voegele took over on bass and backing vocals last year, currently looking for a new drummer.”
Their Writing Process:
“Most of the songs are written by Brendan using a drum machine. The band would then jam on it and flesh it out until Brendan would write something else, denounce the previous song as garbage, and pivot the band onto the next song. Most of the subject matter of the songs are influenced by everyday things that any normal person would perceive as annoying or bothersome. Imagine Larry David in a heavy/grunge band, you’d get PRAWN QUEEN.”
Their Influences:
“Too many to count. We are mostly inspired by whatever we are currently listening to at the time. For Skylar lately it would be 3Teeth, The Anix, Sevendust and anything with Greg Puciato (The Black Queen, Dillinger Escape Plan, etc.). For Brendan it would be Acid Bath, Mastodon and You Slut!”
I absolutely love their songs “Looking for You”, “Pure Mold” and “This Will All End Soon” here’s the meaning behind those songs:
“Looking For You” is the oldest Prawn Queen song, originated from the band Parannoyd that was formed by the original members of Prawn Queen while we were in high school. Lyrically it’s about being misled by people and sources you trust. “Pure Mold” is a punky/Sublime influenced song about the hypocrisy of organized religion.”
Listen to “Looking for You” on Spotify:
Listen to “Pure Mold” on Spotify:
“This Will All End Soon” is a song that had been floating around since 2007, at one point it was being used in a now canceled animated short that featured a camel chasing a man who was smoking a cigarette. Supposedly for educational purposes, teaching children the dangers of smoking? Either way, it never ended up coming out. Lyrically it’s about embracing the death of something and the rebirth of another.”
Listen to “This Will All End Soon” on Spotify:
On their new EP “When The Fun Stops”:
“The ep was written and rehearsed over the spring of 2023. Everything was recorded, mixed and mastered by Brendan. Josan and Skylar recorded the drums and bass tracks first. Next Brendan added the guitars, vocals, keyboards, etc.Then he mixed it, mastered it and did the cover art. Definitely a challenge doing a full production start to finish independently, but it’s also satisfying to commit to a large-scale project and see it through. It doesn’t have the sheen of a recording done in a proper studio space with competent engineers and equipment but by doing it on our own we had full control to make the sound we wanted to hear, without having to compromise with voices from outside the band.”
Listen to “When the Fun Stops” on Spotify:
On their Live Shows:
“Expect the unexpected. We never play the same set twice. We like having some fun and throwing in a random cover here and there. Always looking to have a new song every show. We love the energy that’s been happening lately in the Vegas music scene, especially when we get to play with bands like Heroine Honey, Jekserah, Haddonfield, Elephante King, The Nocturnal Affair, Madzilla, Shatter the Moon, etc.”
Their Favorite Song:
“My favorite song I’ve written is whatever the last song I wrote is. Until I write something new. Then it’s that song. – Brendan”
The highlights of being in the Vegas Music Scene:
“Opening for 96 Bitter Beings (Deron Miller/CKY) twice in the last year. Being able to share the stage with so many great local Vegas bands. Being a part of the Asteroid M live sessions series. The real highlight of playing in a band for us is the practice sessions. That’s where everyone is most relaxed and typically your best possible performances happen. There’s no better feeling then getting through a new song for the first time. It’s a high you never want to stop chasing.”
What the future holds for “Prawn Queen”:
“Always working on new songs. Also looking to get some new merch finalized and released.We are in between drummers at the moment, so in the interim we are looking at doing a two man setup for some shows in the near future.”
What I love about “Prawn Queen” is the passion they have behind their songs and musicianship.I’ve always loved the angst of grunge rock and I appreciate them keeping it alive but also stepping up the game of grunge and what rock could be in general, going into the progressive world of music. While it is the core of their sound, I love that they infuse a heavier version of punk / metal / Alternative and Indie rock incorporated into it. The sonic explosion of angst, sadness, joy and love they put into their music and lyrics, taking you on an unrelenting musical journey. I’m excited to see what the future holds for Prawn Queen and their music.I think are definitely the ones to watch, and why they are my VMS Artist of the Week!
For more information about “Prawn Queen” Please Check out their Instagram:
https://instagram.com/prawnqueenmusic?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
And Spotify:
——-Vegas Music Scene