A project three years in the making, the EP is the result of LA WOMEN’s reinvention, transformation, and evolution since their arrival on the scene with their debut EP in 2018.
Consisting of a mix of family and childhood friends, frontman Jake Schdroski, drummer Zac Emerson, and bass player Jesse Brown, the Changed My Name EP tracks the progression of the band’s brotherhood, growing from small-town New Zealand beginnings in their Masterton hometown to their sights set on the world.
Mirroring internal reflection in the EP’s abstract cover artwork, which was shot by Connor Lambert and drummer/creative director Zac Emerson, Changed My Name, explores the idea of identity being an eternal evolution looking at growth as a journey as opposed to a destination. The new EP’s title was conceived after the release of the bands first EP, before they had even begun work on the new project - setting themselves a challenge to create their most transformative project yet.
“I think the idea of changing one’s name arises in a sudden moment of realisation. The idea to completely change your identity in the simplest of forms, such as the name you go by,” LA WOMEN says: “One cannot change identity simply by a name, as identity is constantly evolving. We decided that the sophomore EP was going to be an evolution of our previous EP. The four single artworks tied in with the idea of hectically scattered names to represent this moment of sudden realisation that we wanted to evolve. Changed My Name was our way to sonically evolve as a band.”
A cohesive collection of songs complete with previously released anthemic singles ‘Daydreams’, ‘Blame Me’, and ‘Love Me’, the EP features three brand new offerings, as well as a stripped-back acoustic version of fan favourite ballad ‘Love Me’; it’s raw lyricism translating passionately to pure guitar form on the projects closing track.
A stellar showcase of the band’s instrumental progression, slow-burning indie pop groove ‘Slow Down’ is a meditative observation of the relentless pace of every-day life embellished with sophisticated saxophone, while ‘Overdue’ explores the bittersweet emotions of a long distance relationship over glimmering production in collaboration with Auckland producer duo Ambian & Sleo. Buttery melodies, pulsing percussion, and dainty chords shape the delicate atmosphere of final track ‘Perfect’, finding frontman Jake embracing his flaws on the comforting confessional co-written with R&B act Mikey Dam.
Rooted in unabashed honesty, Changed My Name EP represents radical growth by way of the vulnerability found in musical expression. While resonating nationwide as the endearing boys next door, the band have also made their mark in Australia touring in support of Glades, and have gained recognition from tastemakers including MTV, Complex UK, Happy Mag, Cool Accidents, SNIFFERS, and more.
This summer, the band played peak festival sets including Rhythm & Vines and Soundsplash. The new EP arrives alongside LA WOMEN’s nationwide New Zealand co-headline tour with chart-topping Harper Finn.
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