About
Formed in 2009 when two college dropouts turned roommates started writing pop songs together in their sweltering Chicago apartment, Stepdad has moved far from those roots, but the basic formula still hasn’t changed. Songwriters ultramark and Ryan McCarthy possess an ability to write high-energy pop songs laden with hooks that rival artists who happen to be filling stadiums - they’re a songwriting team with a great ear for melody, harmony, and song structure. Because of this, buzz quickly followed the release of their self-produced debut EP, Ordinaire (Quite Scientific, 2011).
Now hailing from Michigan’s west coast, they've had the amazing fortune of being able to work with producer Chris Zane (The Walkmen, Holy Ghost!, Friendly Fires, Passion Pit) on their debut album Wildlife Pop (Black Bell, 2012), toured with Fitz & The Tantrums, Reptar, Passion Pit, Vans Warped Tour, and have had songs featured in countless TV shows, commercials, and video games.
Recently the band expanded their line-up by adding longtime friend and guitarist Nathan K. (a well known Michigan songwriter and solo artist in his own right) and drummer Ben Weissenborn, replacing Jeremy Malvin (who has gone on to his own career as Chrome Sparks). Long time bassist Alexander Fives parted ways with the group in 2014.
Stepdad is ultramark, Ryan McCarthy, Nathan K., Ben Weissenborn