Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts

Middle West

With their sophomore release, Middle West, Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts make another bold statement in defining the sound of Midwestern Folk-Rock. Nearly twelve months in the making, the self-produced, 10-song album stands as a testament to the group’s “do-it-yourself” Midwestern work ethic and a model of what can be achieved through simple means, relentless effort, and passion.

The album’s title, Middle West, represents much more than a mere nod to the Stereo Addicts’ homeland. Phalen’s lyrics offer impressionistic glimpses into the Midwestern landscape, its people and its psyche, while the Stereo Addicts fill out the tracks with a broad palette of sonic colors and hues. Folk instruments like banjo, acoustic guitar, and mandolin interact gracefully and tastefully with an array of analog synthesizers, chamber strings, concert bells and howling amplifiers. Building on the foundation set by their first release, Visions and Revisions, Will Phalen and the Stereo Addicts prove themselves to be inquisitive explorers on a search for a new Cosmic American Music — one firmly rooted in the songs and sounds of the past, while maintaining a steady course set on the future.

Will Phalen

Will Phalen lives, works and creates in the Midwest, dividing his time between his favorite American cities: Milwaukee, Madison, and Chicago. After learning drums and guitar at the age of twelve he began playing in rock bands and hasn’t stopped. In addition to his first love, rock ’n roll, Will continues to delve into and draw from the worlds of folk, funk, jazz, hip-hop, flamenco and country while experimenting with new sonic textures, song forms and digital wizardry.