Strange Relations

Strange Relations is Casey Sowa (drums/vocals) and Maro Helgeson (bass/synth), two longtime partners in music & love. The Minneapolis duo have continually reinvented their sound as they have grown, releasing 2 EPs and 2 full-lengths to date, the most recent being their LP “Editorial You” (Tiny Engines). Drawing from influences spanning Fever Ray to Beach House to ESG, Strange Relations abide by a core sentiment, copped from Karen O: there’s nothing more punk than a heartfelt ballad. “A lot of music trades in fantasy,” says Sowa, “which I quite enjoy, but with this project we rather aim to confront reality. Above all, honesty is the most important thing, cos otherwise what’s the point?” Known for their raw live sets, featuring Sowa fronting from behind the kit, Strange Relations have supported a host of talented acts, including Land of Talk, Speedy Ortiz, Palehound, La Luz, Tove Styrke, Charly Bliss, SALES, and more. “I have a lot of people at shows ask me what tricks I use to drum and sing, and I have to say ‘one: there’s no tricks really, I just kinda go for it. And two: you can do it too!’ It’s about letting yourself try.” The band’s currently working on a never-ending pile of new music, including a new EP due out in 2018.