Maudlin Strangers

Maudlin Strangers is an American rock band from Los Angeles, CA, formed in 2010 by American producer, Jake Hays. The band's lineup consists of Jake Hays, Richie Gonzales, Alexander "Schmorgle" Morgan, and Drew Bruchs. The group signed to Vagrant Records in 2014 where they released their debut extended play "Overdose" on January 20, 2015. The band's sound is inspired from 2010s indie rock like The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys, and The Neighbourhood. Their second extended play was released independently on October 6, 2017, titled "Midnight". The band took a hiatus from 2017-2023, where they released their hiatus-breaking single "I'm Not In The Right Mind" on October 27, 2023.
==Background==
The project began its inception as a solo indie rock project in 2010 by American singer, musician, and producer Jake Hays (son of American rock singer Cherie Currie and American actor Robert Hays). The group went through a couple revisions of the lineup until 2014, where the band signed to Vagrant Records and toured throughout 2015 as a quartet. The band amicably parted from Vagrant Records later in the year after feeling increasing pressure from the merger with BMG Chrysalis, and continued with a handful of independent releases. During this period, Hays began producing for other indie rock acts such as producing the Windows 1 - EP for American rock band HUNNY, including their top streaming single "Televised". After releasing the second Maudlin Strangers extended play Midnight - EP, Hays initiated a hiatus to pursue more avenues in the entertainment industry, such as acting. In 2018, Hays lost his house and music studio in the Woolsey Fire, and went on to record a solo extended play in the recovery process as a form of therapy, titled Room 13, recorded in lockout room #13 at BeatGarage 2 in Burbank, CA. After releasing as a solo artist from 2019-2023, Hays revived Maudlin Strangers from the lengthy hiatus with the single "I'm Not In The Right Mind", accompanied by a music video, starring alternative model Erin Micklow. On January 20, 2023, the band debuted the new lineup at Bar Lubitsch in West Hollywood, CA at southern California disc jockey Grant Owens' WeFoundNewMusic showcase.
==Band members==
* Jake Hays – lead vocals, guitar
* Alexander Morgan – background vocals, guitar
* Richie Gonzales – drums
* Drew Bruchs – bass
Former
* Jeff Lehrer ; keyboards, background vocals, guitar (2010–2017)
* Kenny Benson - bass (2013–2017)
* Mac Sinise ; drums (2010-2014)
* Blues Williams ; guitar (2012)
* Sam Porcaro ; bass (2010-2013)
==Discography==
===Studio albums===
Year 	Album 	Peak chart positions 	Peak chart positions 	Label
Year 	Album 	US 	US
Indie 	Label
2015 	Overdose (EP) 	— 	— 	Vagrant
2017 	Midnight (EP) 	— 	— 	Independent
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart.
===Singles===
Title 	Year 	Peak positions 	Peak positions 	Peak positions 	Album 	 	
Title 	Year 	US
AAA 	US
Alt. 	US
Rock 	Album 	 	
"Overdose" 	2015 	— 	— 	— 	Overdose - EP 	 	
"Penny" 	2015 	— 	— 	— 	Overdose - EP 	 	
"Gingerale" 	2015 	— 	— 	— 	Non-album single 	 	
"I Suppose" 	2017 	— 	— 	— 	Non-album single 	 	
"Sunny Day Rain" 	2022 	— 	— 	— 	Non-album single 	 	
"I'm Not In The Right Mind" 	2023 	— 	— 	— 	Non-album single 	 	
"Don't Worry, I'm Fine" 	2024 	— 	— 	— 	Non-album single 	 	
"Silver Stain" 	2024 	— 	— 	— 	Non-album single 	 	
"End of Beginning" 	2024 	— 	— 	— 	Non-album single 	 	
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.	"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
==Accolades==
Maudlin Strangers' single "Overdose" appeared in the season six finale of the TV series Shameless. Their single "Penny" appeared in season six episode one of The Vampire Diaries. An unreleased song titled "Long Way Down" premiered on season nine episode fifteen titled "Seth and Apep" of CSI: New York.
==Touring==
In 2015, the band toured with Vagrant Records label mate Bad Suns. After parting ways with Vagrant Records, they toured with American band LANY on an independent west coast tour, and later direct support for indie rock band Cold War Kids on a North American/Canada tour.
Category:American rock bands
Category:American producers
Category:Musical groups established in 2010