Grand Rapids, MI alt-rock/post-emo/pop-punk band Potionseller has released “When They Get Old,” its first EP for PNWK Records.
The EP was engineered, mixed, and mastered by Ryan Malicsi of Hot Mulligan at Eureka Records in Wyandotte, MI.
The band says, “”One More Photo” was originally written as a bluegrass/folk song by vocalist Austen Reno. In the midst of a beer-fueled demo session in the basement, Potionseller decided to switch gears and make this a hard-hitting pop-punk song, and it quickly became the star/title track of the EP. Written about the (often difficult) reality of touring as a DIY band, but missing every second of it when it’s over. Every story in the song is true – broken down on a tour 300 miles from home in Aliquippa, PA. with no money, which meant having to cancel shows and drum up enough cash for cheap motel, warm whiskey in the streets of a neighborhood outside of Austin, TX. All of it. Though these times were some of the toughest, and they were some of the best. I wish I would’ve taken one more photo.”
Potionseller was formed in late 2021 during the pandemic by vocalist Austen Reno. Reno spent the better half of his late teens and 20’s heavily touring the U.S. with his previous band, If Only, If Only (fka Backpacks). After If Only, If Only parted ways, Reno wrote 5 songs for a new project and brought them to old friend and label mate, Ryan Malicsi of Hot Mulligan to record at his home studio and Eureka Records in Wyandotte, MI.
After sitting on the songs for almost a year, Reno decided to assemble a full band. The first addition was his childhood best friend, Jake Bartell, on bass. Reno and Bartell have been a part of musical projects together since the 7th grade. In addition, Bartell is an accomplished classical/jazz musician, with Potionseller being his first time entering the DIY scene. Next to join was drummer John Wilson, a veteran of the Michigan music scene. Andy Morris, who had spent his college years and early twenties building his own band Common Nonsense, was added next. The final member to join was Reno’s former label mate, Nate Leritz, on lead guitar, who had spent years touring with various projects in the Michigan scene.
The newly formed band began practicing weekly and played their first show at Mulligan’s Pub in Grand Rapids, MI on March 10th, 2023. They quickly followed up with an opening slot for Worry Club & Saturdays at Your Place at the Pike Room in Pontiac, and a performance at Stoop Fest in Lansing. That summer, they played several shows at the Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, including opening for the legendary teenage dirtbags, Wheatus, thanks to Kickstand Productions.
After two years of honing their unique blend of emo-flavored pop-punk through vibrant single releases and passionate performances, Potionseller presents their impressive new five-song EP, “When They Get Old.” This EP is a testament to their versatility, seamlessly blending the nostalgia of 2000s pop-punk with the intricate nuances of modern emo.
EP Credits:
Engineered, mixed, and mastered by Ryan Malicsi at Eureka Records in Wyandotte, MI.
Written by Potionseller
Tyler Albertson of Homesafe featured on “Love Island”
Band:
Drums: John Wilson
Bass: Jake Bartell
Rhythm Guitar: Andy Morris
Lead Guitar: Nate Leritz
Vocals: Austen Reno
All EP Graphics, visuals, and art by: Austen Reno
Upcoming shows:
August 3rd @ Excellency Music Festival in Bay City, MI. (Free Throw Headliner, ~30 bands)
-Official bio
Watch our latest “Short Cuts” video podcast to discover more new indie tracks.
