Track Premiere: The Firnats "Keep Running"
Single Art by Nicholas Gerson
Hailing in from Herndon, VA, we have self-proclaimed “gloom indie” band The FIrnats. The band consists of guitarist & vocalist Sean Flanagan (he/him), Griffin Low (she/they) on the bass, Kurtis Kunkel (he/him) playing drums, Chris Gastro (he/him) playing guitar, and last but not least Hapa Siuhengalu (he/him) on keys & vocals. Keep Running is a track that looks to celebrate our ability to keep ourselves from fading away. We run around to patch up the issues that pop up in our lives, but we know more are coming, too. The Firnats 4th musical project Toward a Beacon, illuminates the evolution of the band's music and presents a subtle shift away from previous work. Although the 50s doo-wop and 2000s indie influences remains on the EP, Toward a Beacon is discordant, unbashful, and ripe with post-punk tendencies. Lush instrumentals carry the listener from invigorating high points to trembling low points. Allegorical lyrics and a baritone voice paint portraits of a grim, yet hopeful, world. Toward a Beacon exudes a newfound maturity from the ever-evolving Firnats.
Listen to the dancey new track Keep Running below and follow The Firnats online!
Photo Credit: Destiny Martinez
- How would you say your experience as a trans artist reflects in your songwriting, if at all?
I can’t really say it’s reflected in Firnats songs, Sean’s written all the lyrics (so far!). Lame answer, I know, but I’m working on writing my own songs so we can change that!! Even if my personal experience isn’t reflected in our songs, playing music has always been a very cathartic thing for me. Even if I don’t feel great about myself, it’s reassuring to know I can make pretty noises come out of my bass.
- If you could go back & time and give your younger self any advice, what would it be?
Try to extend the understanding and grace you give to others to yourself, as well. Also if you wish you were trans that means you’re trans, congratulations!!!
- If you could book a Dream Tour and have The Firnats open for any 2 artists at all, who would it be?
Okay so I had one set of answers for this written out, and then I heard glass beach for the first time and I’m kinda obsessed?? I’ve listened to their album like 20 times now, it’s been 5 days. Sooo now I’m gonna say glass beach, and Jeff Rosenstock. I bet that’d be fun. I’d have fun, at least.