Atlanta indie band Equal Creatures released their debut album “Everything That Hurts” earlier this year, making waves in the Atlanta DIY scene.
The band includes vocalist and guitarist Laurie Ray, guitarist Joshua Mouse, bassist Athenio Ngowe, drummer Sam Horowitz and key player Laura Wilson.
The album features the single “Waylon,” which is about the connection between country musician Waylon Jennings and the grief of a break-up.
Laurie Ray described the creative process of “Waylon” as their reaction to “an explosive breakup.”
“I felt like I had nothing that was mine except music. I read somewhere that even if you don’t feel like writing or don’t know what to say, you just write that and keep writing and see what happens. So, I did that with ‘Waylon,’” said Ray.
The fascination with the musician began with “Storms Never Last” making Ray cry despite being a “sweet and hopeful” song. The Jennings connection continued to be a part of the band with the album title originating from the song.
“’Waylon’ is really about the nature of pain and suffering, I don’t think time eases pain or grief. I think the pain and the grief change over time and we learn to live with it but it doesn’t make it go away.”
According to Ray, the main theme of the album is “loving someone whose heart is broken over someone else’s desire. “
Other highlights from the album include “Job Without Insurance,” a working-class anthem about the states of health insurance in U.S. society, and “Entropy,” about the intersections between love, making art and the frustration that comes with it.
Ray attributes the success of their album to friends, family and community.
“We are so lucky to have people who show up, listen, cry and have fun with us. The release cycle wouldn’t have been the same without that.”
The album art produced by Laura Wilson included cyanotypes, an early photographic process that resulted in a distinct blue-tinted image.
They held the release of the album and birthday party for Wilson at the Bon House, the place where they first met.
It was an emotional evening with speeches from the members of the band and dozens of people with connections there. Fans, friends and family were present. Beaded friendship bracelets made by Ray with lyrics from the album were given out.
“There’s so many people I love in this room. We’re going to listen to the album and after we listen to the album we’re going to eat some cake.”
Equal Creatures’ debut album “Everything That Hurts” is available now on streaming and on vinyl anywhere you can find music. For tour information check out their Bandcamp and Instagram.
