The Matriarch released their first original song, “Best Wishes,” on Sunday. The rock song is currently available on all streaming platforms.
“It’s about being in a relationship with somebody that you give your absolute everything to, but they have never been able to show up for you like you could do for them,” Mal Babcock, drummer and songwriter, said.
Guitarist Mallory Benoit said the song came from Babcock’s experiences, but after listening to it, she knew it was something a lot of people can relate to.
Babcock said the song accepts defeat when the person you love isn’t emotionally mature enough.
“It's almost about feeling a little bit of pity for them and their inability to prioritize love, but all you can really do is just step away and wish them well,” Babcock said.
Babcock said her favorite lyric is the line “All your pretty lies coward in disguise” and she said she loves when all of the band members’ screaming voices can be heard under vocalist Al Erftenbeck.
Benoit said she was nervous for the song’s first live performance, but after that show, she wanted to record it as soon as possible.
“Best Wishes” was recorded at Russian Recording, and The Matriarch purposefully outsourced their audio engineer in order to give women in the industry the opportunity. Their friend Anna Fagin, a Jacobs school alumna, tracked the song in the studio.
The Matriarch decided to also have a woman mix and master the song. Fagin recommended her friend, Abby Harrison. While Benoit said the equipment was intimidating, the band said Fagin and Harrison helped them figure out what to do.
The Matriarch is currently working on songs for an EP they hope to release in the fall, which Benoit said will all be different types of rock songs. Though they have different inspirations for each song, bassist JoLynn Hockemeyer said there is a consistent instrumental sound.
Emma Spartz has known the members of The Matriarch for about two years through Bloomington Delta Music Club and mutual friends. As a member of Six Foot Blonde and a solo artist, Spartz said she was excited to watch her friends perform original music.
Spartz said she feels empowered through the song’s message of being the bigger person even when treated wrong in a relationship. She called it “the new hot girl summer anthem.”
“They've definitely developed a strong connection through the four of them,” Spartz said. “You can hear that through their music, and I love the way that transferred to the single. I'm really excited to hear more from them.”
