Madica Publications

Canadian indie rock band Mother Mother is set to light up Steelhouse in Omaha this Friday, September 20th, in a show that promises to be as dynamic and distinctive as their genre-blending sound. In an exclusive interview with Mother Mother frontman Ryan Guldemond, he shared insights into the band’s creative process, evolution, and connection with their ever-growing fan base, offering a glimpse of what fans can expect from their upcoming performance.

Mother Mother’s music defies easy categorization, drawing on a wide array of influences and genres. Guldemond describes their creative process as one of staying “curious, open, and free,” allowing their sound to evolve organically. “Creativity comes innately to us. We love music of all kinds, and it’s an organic way of recycling those influences,” he shared. This freedom, he believes, is at the heart of the band’s authenticity, stating, “The only thing you want to achieve in a recording or song is authenticity.”

For Guldemond, the key to maintaining Mother Mother’s unique identity is paradoxically about letting go of rigid definitions. “Maybe there is no core identity. Maybe staying true is staying free and letting go,” he explained, emphasizing their continuous push toward bold creativity. Their music often explores themes of “inward journeying, finding oneself, tackling inner demons, and finding uniqueness.”

Over the years, Mother Mother has seen a transformation in both their music and their approach. Reflecting on the band’s journey, Guldemond noted an arc: “There’s been an evolution, starting with a chaotic freedom when we were born out of naivety.” As the band grew more established, their sound became more cohesive, but in recent years they’ve returned to a place of experimentation. Now, they are striving toward a lack of convention in writing—”turning up the bold creativity” once again.

Mother Mother’s music resonates across generations, especially with younger fans who have found the band through platforms like TikTok. Despite this viral popularity, Guldemond maintains that the best way to connect with listeners is by letting the music speak for itself. “It feels like a force outside of us,” he said, adding that the band’s role is to “create abstract portals for people to fall down, to find some refuge or escape.”

One fan, in particular, has grown close to the band over the years. Shelley, a longtime supporter, has attended over 30 of their shows and has even written a book documenting her experiences and those of other fans. “It’s wholesome and level,” Guldemond emphasized, stressing that these fan relationships are more akin to friendships than mere fandom.

For those planning to attend the show at Steelhouse, Guldemond promises an unforgettable experience. Fans can expect a “very animated and dynamic set,” he said, adding with a laugh, “I guarantee we’ll make mistakes, but every mistake will be meant. We really try to make the show count and never take the privilege for granted.”

Beyond the music, the band aims to foster a deeper connection with the audience. “We always leave every show feeling quite lifted and healed of something by virtue of connecting with people in that way,” Guldemond shared. “I hope people come out reminded that life is about human connection.”