Introducing…. Famous Strangers
Famous Strangers are a collaborative rock outfit blending classic rock bones with modern edge, layered melodies, and dynamic songwriting. The band members bring decades of experience and chemistry, balancing spontaneity with thoughtful arrangements and immersive live performances.
Click Roll Boom: Tell me about how you got started.
Jeff: There’s some history between us that goes back a long time. Beej and I had been writing songs since around 2014 after playing in a band called This Is War. We started an instrumental project that brought in our friend Braden, who Beej had played with years before. That evolved into a classic rock cover band during COVID, just to stay creative. After restrictions lifted, we brought Amanda in just to jam and sing a bit… but once she heard a few of our originals, everything shifted. The chemistry was there, and from that point on we were creating art together.
CRB: How would you describe your sound and how has it evolved since you first started?
FS: The newer stuff definitely has more depth. Early songs were raw and spontaneous, but now there’s more thought behind every section, every transition. Our songs have matured — early on it was a mix of metal, bluesy, and slow burn tracks; now it’s distinctly Famous Strangers, our own identity. The sound has a vintage feel with classic rock bones, 80s metal influence, and layered modern edge and haunting melodies. Every song feels like a new chapter.
CRB: Who or what have been some of your biggest influences musically and beyond?
FS: Jeff: My dad, no question — I grew up surrounded by music.
Braden: Leo Fender, even though I play a Gibson.
Beej: Gene Krupa and Buddy Rich, early drumming heroes.
Amanda: The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Tool, Alice In Chains… plus my stepdad taught me my first Beatles riff around a campfire.
Jeff: Anyone who’s picked up an instrument and made something real — every live show inspires.
CRB: What does your songwriting process typically look like? Is it more individual or collaborative?
FS: Amanda: It’s both. Early songs were already written by the guys, I’d add lyrics and melodies. Now, we write everything together from scratch: riffs, grooves, bass textures, vocal ideas — collaborative and unpredictable in the best way.
CRB: How do you approach experimenting with new sounds or ideas when creating music?
FS: Jeff: Exploring digital tones, FX, amp models, and plugins — sometimes a sound becomes the seed of a song.
Braden: Every song, we try something new — texture, rhythm — but grounded with four people, four instruments.
Beej: Adding sample work, ambient intros, layered transitions enhances the live show.
Amanda: We adapt to the fast-paced industry — TikTok, streaming, social media — and the band lets me push boundaries.
CRB: What’s been one of the most memorable moments in your journey so far?
FS: Jeff: Launching the band publicly on the anniversary of my dad’s passing, felt like a rebirth.
Braden: First road trip show in Drumheller — felt like we became a band on the drive.
Amanda: Summer festivals — coming back after ten years of playing these shows, now with this band, it feels like home.
CRB: How do you prepare for live shows and what do you aim to bring to your performances?
FS: Jeff: Quiet focus, warming up, a shot of Jack with the crew, then full release on stage.
Beej: Total immersion in the music, stage takes over.
Braden: Hometown — coffee, water, orange juice, beer; on tour — stay mellow, bring peace.
Amanda: Sleep, tea, vocal rest, mental run-throughs; lights hit, pure bliss.
CRB: How do you balance creative expression with staying connected to your audience?
FS: Amanda: Deep respect for the audience, but we don’t write for them — must make what’s real first.
Jeff: Honesty in art attracts the right audience.
Amanda: Don’t second guess riffs or lyrics for others’ expectations — play from your heart.
Jeff: Music’s always recycled — we add our flavor and do it our way.
CRB: What do you hope listeners take away from your work?
FS: Jeff: Hope, unity, inspiration, an escape if needed.
Amanda: Reach people — help them through something or just hype them up.
Beej: Rock their face off.
CRB: What does the future hold for you? Any plans or goals you’re excited about?
FS: Amanda: Taking over the world, Pinky.
Jeff: New videos, shows, tracks coming — just getting warmed up.
Amanda: Can’t stop, won’t stop.
They have a Fuck Cancer benefit show in Edmonton at the Starlight Room on October 3rd, and a mini Alberta tour from November 5–8, with a special Drumheller show on the 7th. Currently finishing video for Deep Star, writing, and preparing new studio material.
📍 Official Website: https://famousstrangers.com
📍 Instagram: https://instagram.com/famousstrangersband
📍 YouTube: https://youtube.com/@famousstrangers
📍 TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@famousstrangers
📍 Facebook: https://facebook.com/famousstrangersband
