From the heart of Missouri, St. Louis four-piece Washington Avenue are making a compelling case for the Midwest as a breeding ground for brilliant indie rock. Born from the talents of Eli Boyer, Payton Hutson, Ben Huss, and Ridge Bickel, the band first met in high school but only officially formed in 2021. What began as a group playing covers quickly morphed into something far more original, fuelled by a shared drive to create music that truly resonates.
Washington Avenue's sound is a vibrant blend, pulling effortlessly from indie rock, pop, and classic rock 'n' roll. Their unique recipe, built on catchy hooks, driving rhythms, and lyrics that feel genuinely honest, strikes a chord that is both nostalgic and fresh. This genre-hopping appeal, which even touches on country and punk influences, is what gives them a distinct voice in the crowded indie scene.
The band’s popularity has been soaring, largely thanks to their high-energy live shows and the viral success of tracks like ‘80s Movie’ and ‘Far Away’ on TikTok and Instagram. These hits solidified their reputation in the region, earning them the much-deserved title of St. Louis' Hometown Heroes. Since late 2023, their dynamic performances have been drawing capacity crowds in college towns and local venues across the Midwest, confirming their status as a must-see act.
Their discography, which includes their 2022 debut album ‘Locked in the Gallery’, is continually expanding, and their latest offering, the single ‘I’m Not Sorry’, captures the essence of everything fans love. Released in January of this year, the track is pure Washington Avenue: infectious energy, a vibrant rhythm section, and true-to-life storytelling.
Lead vocalist Eli Boyer penned the song in a single, inspired burst after a late night out during his college senior year. Inspired by a friend’s impulsive, booze-fuelled confession of feelings, the track is a charming, ensnaring, and expressive cut that stands tall as one of the band’s best. Eli recalls the moment perfectly: “I got home around 2:30 a.m. and couldn’t stop thinking about it until I finished. We got into the studio right away because we knew it was something special.”
'I’m Not Sorry' is another staple in their live repertoire, built around a thumping beat and a massive chorus that practically demands to be yelled along to. It's an energetic ode to youthful exuberance, impulsive honesty, and those unforgettable, messy nights. With a new EP currently in the works, Washington Avenue are clearly not sorry for their rising success—and neither are we.
You can stream the new single above, and for more, be sure to join the band on Instagram and Facebook.
