Strange Machines made their presence in the jam band scene over 10 years ago taking technical sounds and mixing them together with funk and other styles of music. The band is gearing up to play Adirondack Independence Music Festival 2024 and have been secretly working away on a new album that is set to drop in 2025. We last saw the guys open up for Dopapod back in April and decided to catch up with them leading up to all the fun in Lake George, NY this Labor Day weekend. Read our interview with guitarist Mike MacDonald below:
Mirth Films: You guys have played in Lake George a few times now, what is your favorite part about playing in Upstate, NY?
Mike MacDonald: The Adirondacks are beautiful and we have lots of friends up this way who we sometimes only get to see when we play here so that’s probably the best part.
MF: Any “swifties” in the band?
MM: Not that I’m aware of lol.
MF: Do you guys have any outside activities that keep you creatively motivated with the music?
MM: Christian and I are pretty avid bike riders and we definitely all hike quite a bit.
MF: Are there plans for any new material in the future?
MM: We’re recording a new album this fall! We start in November so you can expect a new Strange album early 2025.
MF: What are your thoughts on the Reuben Sandwich?
MM: I’m not a fan personally, but I’m pretty sure Craig and Claw are big Reuben guys haha.
MF: What are some of your favorite moments musically this year?
MM: So far this year, I’d say our last show at Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport was probably my favorite. We were super dialed in and had some amazing jams. Our 2 shows with Dopapod in the spring were special too.
MF: Throughout the bands legacy, what memories are you most proud of?
MM: That’s a tough one. We’ve been around 13 years now and there’s a lot of memories to unpack there. The shortest way to sum that question up would be to say I’m proud of the fan base we’ve cultivated and the music we’ve written as well as all the life-long friends we’ve made on this journey and getting to play with and alongside some of our heroes.
MF: Do you have any favorite rising jam acts you dig that folks should keep an eye on?
MM: Guess Method. I saw them up in Burlington where I live a year or two back and I was blown away. Great dudes and musicians, definitely encourage people to check them out.
MF: What can strange machines fans expect going forward?
MM: We have some great shows coming up through the rest of the year. And more importantly as I said before, a new album finally on the way in 2025!
