Pretoria's latest EP, ‘If We’re Pretending,’ signifies a new beginning for the band that transitioned from Grand Rapids to Chicago, revealing more of their emotional depth as they explore themes of life, love, and identity in an unfamiliar environment.
Before their time in Chicago, Pretoria was rooted in Grand Rapids, where they gained recognition for their memorable live performances, a genuine DIY ethos, and a sound that balances eccentricity with emotional depth. Formed in 2018, the five-member indie band, including Rob Gullett, Matt Burdick, Trevor Sharnas, and Ben DeWitt, started their journey by engaging with their local music scene, even establishing their own venue named The Treehouse. Their passion for music was never about seeking fame, but rather about self-expression through unique and impactful melodies that resonate with listeners. Pretoria's music delves beyond superficiality, challenging both the thinkers and feelers alike.
While Michigan was the starting point for their careers, their adventure has merely begun. As they evolve, they face the challenge of moving forward, which often involves saying painful goodbyes. Their new EP, ‘If We’re Pretending,’ released on June 13, addresses various life transitions, particularly their recent move to Chicago. The act of moving can be daunting—a farewell to the comfort of the known—and confronts individuals with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. Without embracing risk, life becomes monotonous and predictable. Pretoria exemplifies resilience amidst change, even when it proves difficult.
In response to challenges, heartache, and the process of adapting, they have crafted their most personal work to date. This EP reflects an exploration of emotional depths, transitions, and sexuality. All songs reject imposed gender roles, mirroring Ben DeWitt’s pansexual identity as the lead songwriter and drummer.
“My aim is to foster a culture where non-gendered language is intuitive and normalized—especially in indie music, where many songs still adhere to the conventional boy-meets-girl narrative, which doesn’t resonate with my experiences. I want our music to create space for a wider spectrum of human experiences.”
The EP kicks off with “Boiler Water Notice,” an intriguing take on a personal love narrative, showcasing the band’s cleverness and charm. The track sets the tone for the EP’s intentional storytelling and carefully constructed timeline.
“On a liar’s alley sidewalk far beneath Chicago skies, You blew my brains out into the water supply.”
“We wanted to start the EP with something impactful,” DeWitt explains. “We aimed to signal to listeners that we're unafraid to delve into the unusual while also promising them something delightful. The introductory guitar sections were a concept I had been toying with, featuring one guitar holding a single note while another, beginning in unison, descends chromatically, eventually harmonizing with each note from the chromatic scale. It’s a wild idea that barely works, but I think it makes for a daring intro, especially alongside the lyrics. This song, inspired by my girlfriend, reflects on how unexpected it was to fall for someone. It uses death as a metaphor for love, portraying infatuation as a toxin that corrupts my water supply. I promise, I won’t delve into music theory again!”
The single “Emerson, Everywhere” stands out due to its ironic message. Its catchy, funky guitars embody a longing that resonates and includes references to artist Emerson Woeleffer.
“Flashback medicine, Now I’m living for the thought of you, Abstract Emerson, Moving pictures coming into view.”
“Typically, I begin writing with lyrics or melodies, but this song started with the groove, which ultimately became the instrumental for the chorus,” DeWitt explains. “The lyrics reflect a scenario post-breakup where reminders of an ex are everywhere. At the time of writing, I was in a relationship but was aware I might soon relocate to Chicago, which meant I could end that relationship. The lyrics anticipated the pain that awaited. Pairing these lyrics with upbeat, groovy hooks creates a striking contrast. This track features more synth and keyboards than the rest of the guitar-centric record.”
A standout track, “My New Room,” recalls the feelings surrounding a previous move. Its rhythm encapsulates the bittersweet nature of relocating, highlighting the excitement mixed with melancholy.
“I felt nearly nothing when I turned in my key, Say goodbye to an empty room.”
“This is one of the older tracks, possibly the oldest on the record,” DeWitt shares. “It reflects on my graduation from college and moving from a rundown $370/month apartment in Kalamazoo to a somewhat nicer house in Grand Rapids. Although it was a small improvement, I was moving in with friends, which brought me happiness and optimism. During one of my first days at the new place, a snowstorm trapped us inside, and I wrote the first demo of this song that day. The chorus, ‘say goodbye to an empty
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Pretoria's latest EP, 'If We’re Pretending', signifies a new beginning for the band, which originated in Chicago and has roots in Grand Rapids. It reveals additional facets of their emotional depth as they explore themes of life, love, and identity in a new environment.