Work Hard, Play Even Harder: An Interview With Minneapolis’ Couch Potato Massacre

By Staff | March 12, 2026

Emerging from the storied punk landscape of the Twin Cities, Couch Potato Massacre has spent a decade evolving from a project focused on catchy, Simpsons-inspired hooks into a more emotionally resonant and politically urgent outfit. While their sonic DNA is firmly rooted in the local lineage of The Replacements and modern Minneapolis staples like Off With Their Heads, their recent work—tackling everything from social media polarization to 80s nostalgia—reflects a band seeking deeper human connection. Despite navigating the 2026 landscape as an independent act after a long run with Out Loud Records, the group maintains a disciplined, high-energy “work hard, play harder" DIY ethos. Whether they are documenting film locations on their sixth summer tour or processing childhood isolation through tracks like "Number Munchers," the band remains dedicated to finding community among the misfits.

You’ve been at this for ten years now. When you look back at the band you were when you started versus the band you are today, what’s the biggest difference in your approach to songwriting?

On our first album, I was really just trying to come up with the catchiest melodies possible. Songs like, “Boomstick,” “The Secret Of The Oohs,” and, Flaming Moe’s,” were specifically written around a hook. Now I try to find connective tissue between the source material and my actual life to make the songs more relatable and emotionally impactful. But I do still want the songs to be catchy.

Your recent single tackles ICE and the climate in Minneapolis. Punk is often associated with personal, internal struggles—what pushed you to pivot toward such an urgent, external political focus?

I don’t want to sound dramatic. I don’t want to sound like I’m exaggerating. I don’t want to sound like I’m speaking for everyone in Minneapolis.

For me, there was a period of 2-3 weeks when ICE arrived that felt just like the first 2-3 weeks of COVID. KT and I spent most of our waking hours scrolling our phones while half watching the news on TV. We craved information. We needed constant updates. Anyone paying attention to the political climate since 2000 knows that our country is becoming more and more divided, but this over-exposure to social media was pretty sickening. I saw fairly extreme views from the left (ABOLISH ICE / BURN DOWN THE ENTIRE SYSTEM) and radically extreme views from the right (AMEND THE CONSTITUTION / 4 MORE YEARS OF TRUMP / KILL ALL THE ILLEGALS). Nothing in the middle. No common sense. Very little empathy. It made me sick. I had to write something and this is what came out.

You’ve had a long partnership with Out Loud Records. With the label going quiet, how does it feel to be navigating the industry independently again after such a long run?

We put out a self-released demo right after forming. Then we did an EP with Saffron DIY records, and then we did a bunch of releases with Out Loud! I’ve always felt that being on an indie label really helped us when booking tours and applying to festivals. Even though we have always been pretty DIY, it feels really weird to be without a label at the moment. It reminds me of my favorite Simpsons episode—BART SELLS HIS SOUL—when all the schoolchildren of Springfield get into row boats and Bart doesn’t have a partner to command the other ore so he just spins around in circles. I really hope we can find another partner soon.

You’re currently looking for a new label for the upcoming full-length. When you’re shopping for a partner in 2026, what are the non-negotiables you look for in a label?

Obviously no Republicans. I don’t imagine there are very many MAGA punk labels anyway. Whenever we tour, record, or play local gigs we just want to work with good people. We want to spread joy and love, so finding others with a similar mindset is always the goal.

You’re about to head into the studio for a new record. After a decade of experience, what is the #1 lesson you’ve learned about how to stay productive (and sane) during the recording process?

We’ve always followed the same formula when heading into the studio and it has served us well. Practice a lot before the weekend of recording. Know the songs. Get enough sleep the night before. The only thing that has changed now is we try to bring snacks so we don’t push it and go 8 hours without food.

The Twin Cities have a legendary music scene. How much of your identity as a band is rooted in the specific vibe or geography of Minneapolis, and how does that come through in your sound?

When I was first getting into music, all my friends were quite a bit older than me, and they were very clear about their belief that you either like the Replacements or Husker Du and it is not acceptable to like both. I think everyone in Couch Potato Massacre is a Replacements fan.

Other than that... I’ve been heavily influenced by the songwriting of The Soviettes (editor’s note: we love them!), Off With Their Heads, The Slow Death, Dear Landlord, and Banner Pilot. We all love Dillinger Four, but their songwriting is super unique and hasn’t rubbed off on me as much. If people haven’t listened to Dingus or Mary Jam... they should do themselves a favor and check them out.

This is your 6th summer tour. How has the reality of touring changed for a DIY band from your first run to now?

Last summer was our longest tour and I’d call it a total success. It made me want to live on the road from June 01 to the end of July every year. We’ve definitely learned a ton about booking tours and even though all 5 have been a blast, it’s hilarious to look back at the first one and remember how inconsistent the shows were. We had two gigs on that one where we played to less than 10 people.

Last year I feel like we had 40-50 at the smaller shows and 60-70 at the bigger ones.

You’re hitting upstate New York this summer before heading down to NYC. What is the one thing—music-related or otherwise—that the band is most excited to experience in New York?

We usually try to take a few photos of filming locations on tour. Previous highlights have been the house from Nightmare on Elm Street, the Halloween Hedge, the Stand By Me bridge and the Goonies Beach. New York is basically a giant backlot, so we may be taking photos at every intersection. We are also huge Ramones fans, so we have some obligations there. My day job is teaching visual art, so a trip to the Guggenheim or MOMA is at the top of my list.

Your band name suggests a certain kind of aesthetic—maybe a bit cynical, maybe a bit lethargic. How do you reconcile that identity with the high-energy, political, and active nature of your music?

One of my favorite college professors always stressed the importance of working hard and playing even harder. We spend a lot of time on music during a typical week. One night of full band practice, one night where KT and I practice together and work on keyboard parts. One or two nights getting out to shows to support our friends. Sometimes we get a coffee and walk around the city putting up flyers. We usually need at least one night of vegging out and just watching movies or TV shows.

If this upcoming album were to be the "definitive" Couch Potato Massacre record, what specific message or sonic evolution do you hope the fans take away from it?

I’m really excited about our new album. All the songs are about the 1980’s. If I think about the most important message from this batch of tunes, it’s probably the song, “Number Munchers.” This is a good example of writing for connection. There’s a portion of the song that goes, “I felt so different from all the other kids. I never quite fit in no matter what I did.” I kind of tear up every time we play it and I remember the isolation of childhood. I hope that other people hear it and remember being a weirdo / misfit but growing up and finding your community.

If the band were a literal potato dish, what would it be? Are we talking classic tater tots, or something more aggressive like cajun fries?

I think we are a warm bowl of comforting mashed potatoes. Lots of nostalgia that feels like a hug in sonic form.

Anyone out there you'd like to shout out for their support?

We played FEST in Gainesville for the first time last year after attending for 7 years. One of my very favorite FEST bands is DOLLAR $igns. This was their last FEST as they are disbanding and starting new projects. They did a secret set this year right before us on the same stage and even asked me to come up and sing a song with them. I will be grateful to them for the rest of my days.