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Nine months into their journey, Halcyon has already etched their name into the heartbeat of the St. Louis music scene. What started as a shared passion among five musicians from Mascoutah, Illinois, has quickly escalated into something larger—a band that’s commanding attention for its dynamic indie rock sound, a powerful stage presence, and an unwavering commitment to storytelling through music.
From Practice Rooms to Festival Stages
Halcyon’s roots stretch back to local school music programs, with four of its five members —Jade Baker, Braden Christian, Alise Forsyth, and Bryce Erlinger—nurturing their talents in choir and band rooms. The outlier, rhythm guitarist Alex Andersen, brings a raw, untrained energy that the band proudly describes as "freak of nature" talent. Together, they’ve built a sound that swings between high-octane and deeply emotive—what they call the full indie rock spectrum.
The band's defining moment so far? Opening Pointfest, one of America’s largest rock festivals. “It felt like our graduation day,” they say, reflecting on the experience that marked their leap from local gigs to a broader spotlight. That moment, coupled with the recent drop of their debut album, has launched Halcyon from hopefuls to headliners-in-waiting.
Crafting Chaos and Calm
Halcyon’s songwriting is less formula and more jam session. It starts with a riff or progression, brought into rehearsal, then shaped over hours of collaborative jamming. Lyrics are layered later, guided by Jade’s introspection and instinct. What results is a track that has fingerprints from every member—a blend of perspectives molded into one cohesive sound.
Their debut album is a snapshot of that process: songs written with the fire of competition in mind, as the band was vying for their Pointfest slot. But looking ahead, they’re tuning the dial differently. “We want to mellow out for our next project—still emotional, but more melancholy, more introspective,” they reveal.
A DIY Ethos With a Storyteller’s Edge
In an era of polished pop and plug-and-play production, Halcyon has kept their hands on every dial. From writing to recording, they’ve taken the indie ethos seriously—self- producing, self-managing, and building a loyal following show by show, post by post. Their partnership with Flatlander Studios helped polish the sound, but make no mistake—this is their vision through and through.
Visually, they let the music lead. Their videos unfold like short films—real-life stories told with cinematic clarity. And their cover art isn’t abstract or cryptic; it’s intentional, often literal, designed to deepen the listener's connection with the music.
Conclusion
In just under a year, Halcyon has gone from first rehearsals to festival stages, from schoolmates to serious contenders in the indie rock conversation. They aren’t chasing a trend—they’re building a sound, a story, and a future one show at a time. Whether it’s face-peeling rock or heart-wrenching ballads, Halcyon is proving that the most powerful music often comes from the most unexpected places—and they’re just getting started.
