Linda From Work has created its most definitive album yet. On its self-titled third LP, the band
demonstrates just how much the music represents what Linda From Work is all about.
Led by lead vocalist and guitarist Hilary Tusick, the band features drummer Sam Nowak,
guitarist Elliott Gregory, and bassist Shayla Riday. Together, they form a group of friends sharing
their unique, high-energy music through their eclectic rock ‘n’ roll sound.
The Seattle-based band said they made the album they have always wanted. After being selected
as one of a few bands chosen for the 2024 Sonic Guild Grant, they spent time in the studio
crafting the album of their dreams.
“Since the beginning of Linda From Work, we have always strived to grow and write bigger,
more dynamic, louder songs with layers,” said Tusick. “This time we got to spend more time in
the studio to flesh out a lot of our ideas and things we wanted to try.”
The additional time devoted to the album and financial support allowed the band to fully realize
the sound it had always envisioned. Despite the lackluster title of their band and album, their
sound and style are far from mundane.
“Everyone has that coworker or person in their lives that is not a bad person but really rubs you
the wrong way,” said Tusick.
Inspired by Tusick’s cousin’s annoying coworker, the members chose to name themselves after
what they considered the least rock ‘n’ roll thing that they could think of. Their fast-paced
melodies and edgy style juxtapose the irony of their name, reflected in the first minute of their
self-titled song.
“I just imagined how it would look on my iPod,” said Gregory. “I wrote it thinking of it as the
Linda theme song.”
Collectively, the band agreed that opening their self-titled album with a self-titled instrumental
would not only be fun but also capture listeners’ attention and preview what the album would
bring. The result is a self-referential concept having the “Linda From Work” song on the “Linda
From Work” album by Linda From Work.
“Our most fun song, in my opinion, on the album is Shut up and Dance, said Riday. “It’s
upbeat and dancey, but the main line in the song is: ‘Don’t look at me, I don’t want to be
perceived.’”
Beneath the album’s playful energy, Tusick’s vocals and meaningful lyrics meld together the true
message Linda From Work wants listeners to take from the album. A sense of understanding and
an outlet for releasing frustrations is one the main expressions the album aims to convey.
“Lyrically, I have always tried to take inspiration from the uncomfortable moments in my life,”
said Tusick. “Anxiety, anger, frustration, melancholy and trying to find a way to make that
relatable to other people and also palatable.”
The album’s blend of emotions, combined with the band’s retro style, reflects the fever-dream
experience that inspired the title of their tour. In the music video for Blood in the Water, a
casual work retreat slowly descends into occult themes and murder.
“The idea was Wet Hot American Midsommar,” said Nowak, describing the concept as a blend
of the films “Wet Hot American Summer” and “Midsommar.”
The group described filming the video as a blast. It was one of many memorable experiences the
members have collected throughout their time together as a band. Through its Fever Dream Tour,
the group plans to bring its music along the West Coast, including upcoming shows in the Pacific
Northwest.
“It’s really fun to connect with people, whether they relate to the music or just have fun rocking
out,” said Tusick. “We’re just four best friends who get to play music together and travel in a van
on the West Coast. It’s the best!”