Q&A with Standish&Co.

Standish&Co. is a 10-piece Seattle-based rock outfit that originally emerged in 2024 after its founder, singer-songwriter Standish, found himself three weeks away from a gig he’d booked — without a band. Seeing no better time to finally execute his vision of uniting a collective of established musicians around a goal to create a massive, dynamic wall of sound, Standish assembled the troops, played the gig, and the rest, as they say, was history.

Known for their distinct brand of Americana-infused indie rock, described by some as “Bruce Springsteen covering Brandi Carlile, backed by Mumford & Sons,” Standish&Co. layer lyrics that take listeners on a journey through love, loss, and the human experience over a musical background of soaring vocals, intricate harmonies, and a driving rhythm section, resulting in a veritable sonic tapestry that resonates with a diverse and growing fanbase on a deeply personal level.

Now hot off the heels of recording their debut EP at the legendary Robert Lang Studios — and releasing their debut single, "New Tattoo" — Standish&Co.’s momentum is now at an all-time high as they prepare for a breakout year.

In this Q&A, we spoke to Standish about the collective, their creative process, and their first single, "New Tattoo."

Photo Credit: @thatmiyamoto

Who are the members of Standish&Co. and what instruments do they play?

Standish - guitar/vocals

Lea Eve Fetterman - violin

Jesse Gallaway - drums

Charles Wicklander - keys

Nate Gniffke - lead guitar

Sander Shi - bass

Asia Tanis - vocals

Seven Sky - sax

Arthur Sagami - sax

Daniel Lombard - trumpet

How did the collective form?

Standish&Co. formed with the deliberate intention of creating a "supergroup." I reached out to a diverse group of seasoned musicians who were also bandleaders in their own right within the Seattle music scene. The goal was to bring these powerhouses together, leveraging their individual talents and unique creative energies to form a cohesive unit and a vibrant community within the band itself. This approach allowed for the creation of a massive, dynamic sound that is a core part of the project's identity.

What is your creative process like?

My creative process varies wildly. Some songs, like "New Tattoo," take a decade, while others, like "Enemy Lines," are completed in 15 minutes. My creative process is blissfully inefficient. Sitting down with all the tools and no expectations has given me so much joy and creative freedom. Collaboration with other musicians with vastly different backgrounds has opened so many doors, too. I also don't think the creative process stops once a song has been mastered. Much like choosing a particular producer is a creative choice, so are directors, photographers, and graphic designers, even if it's yourself. How one then shares it with the world with visual accompaniment is a major part of the full expression. As an artist who deeply struggles with phone addiction and social media, it's hard to find the balance of how much time I spend on each part of the process.

What does your songwriting process look like? Is there a primary songwriter, or is it more collaborative?

The songwriting process is a blend of a primary songwriter's vision and a highly collaborative arrangement process. The core songs and lyrical content are typically brought to the band by Standish. From there, the collective nature of Standish&Co. truly shines. Each member, being an expert in their own right, contributes to the arrangement, adding layers of instrumentation, intricate harmonies, and dynamic structural changes. This collaborative approach allows the original songs to evolve into the full "wall-of-sound" that defines the band.

You've just finished recording your debut EP. Can you give us some insight on what to expect from it? (Is there a release date yet?)

The debut EP is a dynamic journey through our unique sound, anchored by four distinct pillar songs. While a release date is not yet set, you can expect a collection that includes a high-energy, in-your-face love song; a Motown-inspired, spiteful anthem driven by a groovy bassline; a somber acoustic song that showcases a more vulnerable side; and a roll-down-your-windows cruise song that features a killer horn instrumental. The first of the four will be released this September with the others closely to follow.

What was the experience like recording at Robert Lang Studios?

Recording at Robert Lang Studios was an incredible whirlwind of a weekend. Our drummer, Jesse Gallaway, took on the role of producer and brought in the dream team: Nate Nauseda, who was endlessly positive and assuring as our engineer, and his assistant Alex Mattison, who came in clutch with some great ideas. This task force was perfect for capturing the lightning we had in store for the weekend. We had already built up some great chemistry recording our debut single, so with every instrument we tracked, our excitement grew—it felt more and more magical. We even had a puzzle going in the control room, which was a real power move. It kept us quietly engaged as we put the musical puzzle of the EP together. It's definitely going to be a staple of our future recording sessions.

Do you have any plans to celebrate the EP launch?

Yes! We have plans to celebrate the EP launch with a series of live shows, including a major EP launch event right here in Seattle. We want to create a high-energy experience that not only celebrates the music but also the community that has supported us. Details for these events will be announced as soon as we have a confirmed release date.

Are you planning to release a physical version?

There will be a 5 track vinyl because how could we not... We're very proud of these songs.

What inspired your first single “New Tattoo”?

"New Tattoo" was initially penned in 2016 and was a deeply personal song for me, a story about moving on from a past relationship and embracing the lessons learned as a new part of yourself—like a "New Tattoo." I first recorded it with my longtime mentor and dear friend, Jonathan Plum, in his home studio. When Standish&Co. came together, Jonathan was the first person I called to record a single. It felt right to bring the song back to him, both as a beautiful homage to our long friendship and mentorship and as a chance for two friends to challenge each other creatively. We threw everything we could at the track, and with the addition of a string quartet, a horn trio, and a choir, "New Tattoo" was truly reborn. The song captures the feeling of moving forward with newfound strength and self-acceptance, and it’s a tribute to the power of our musical partnership.

Photo Credit: @rg.photoandfilm

Do you have a favorite song that you've written?

This changes by the day! "Enemy Lines" currently holds the lead but is closely followed by some newer songs that the band hasn't even heard yet!

If you could have any of your songs featured in a piece of media, which song would it be and what would you like it to be featured in?

For "New Tattoo" , the goal is to be used cinematically in TV or film. I'd be happy with any sort of inclusion, but I'd over the moon if It was on the official soundtrack to "Ink Studio: Artist Tattoo Simulator"!

If you could pick any band or artist, past or present, to tour with, who would it be and why?

Brandi Carlile & The Hanseroth Twins. The project's goal has always been to share a stage with them. My first concert was their Seattle Symphony show in 2011 and the day that the lightning struck for me and the most serious "I WANNA DO THAT" I have ever felt. Moreso, having the vocal trio guest on a full ensemble "New Tattoo" would be a dream of a musical collaboration.

Who, or what, has most influenced your music and artistic style?

Brandi's authenticity has always been a staple of where I'm aiming, with Bruce Springsteen being the reassuring proof that it's not gatekept by octave prowess. When I began to understand the captivating essence Brandi & The Boss, I started building my own momentum. The way an artist takes the stage, commanding attention and fostering mutual respect with the audience, is key. My goal is to master this energy, showcasing vulnerability while creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels welcome.

What are you listening to currently?

"Under The Weather" -The Hanseroth Twins

Listen to Standish&Co.'s single "New Tattoo" now.

Photo Credit: @rg.photoandfilm