Charged with frenetic energy and yet laser-focused, Budge cook up a unique blend of power pop and shoegaze on their self-titled debut EP (out April 16th via To-Go Records). Singer-songwriter and rhythm guitarist Jessie Hopson’s songs about heartbreak, deceit, and resilience are anthemic yet vulnerable, recalling 90’s stalwarts like The Breeders or Built to Spill – but the production is refreshingly modern and urgent. Hopson and bassist Chandler Bostick attended middle and high school together, and the band officially formed in 2021 when lead guitarist/vocalist Jackson Berra and drummer Adam Miller responded to Hopson’s call on social media looking for more bandmates with similar musical influences. The quartet began playing house shows soon after, developing an air-tight rapport. In 2023 they released their first two singles – “Blame” and “Breathe” – which showcase the band’s dynamic range: the first a gorgeous, grooving ballad and the latter a more upbeat, overdriven rocker. “hrtstrngs” is their latest single and the first for the EP, which was recorded with Ryan Saavedra at Primary Color Studio in their hometown of Nashville.