Mother Mother

Mother Mother is a Canadian indie rock band originating from Quadra Island, British Columbia. Formed in January 2005 by Ryan Guldemond, the band’s lineup initially included his sister Molly Guldemond, college friend Debra-Jean Creelman, bassist Jeremy Page, and drummer Ali Siadat. The group began performing as an acoustic act under the name Mother, releasing their self-titled debut album independently in the fall of 2005. This early work, recorded with Howard Redekopp, earned them acclaim and established them as one of British Columbia’s top emerging bands.

In 2006, after gaining national attention and opening for acts like K’naan and The Wailin’ Jennys, Mother signed a four-album contract with Last Gang Records. The label advised the band to change their name to avoid legal issues, leading to the rebranding as Mother Mother. In February 2007, they re-released their debut album under the new name, retitled Touch Up, which included additional tracks and updated production.

Their second album, O My Heart, was released in September 2008 and marked a significant step in their career. The departure of Debra-Jean Creelman was announced in December 2008, with Jasmin Parkin joining as a new singer/keyboardist in early 2009. This lineup change set the stage for the band’s continued evolution and success.

March 2011 saw the release of their third album, Eureka, which featured the single “The Stand,” peaking at number 76 on the Canada Singles Top 100 chart. The album was noted for its orchestral harmonies and power ballads, reflecting a maturation in their sound. This period also saw Mother Mother gain commercial exposure through Kraft Foods’ advertisements featuring their song “Bright Idea.”

The band’s fourth album, The Sticks, released in September 2012, continued their evolution with its co-produced tracks by Ryan Guldemond and Ben Kaplan. The singles “Let’s Fall in Love” and “Bit By Bit” were well-received and supported by a Canadian tour. Their fifth album, Very Good Bad Thing, came out in November 2014 under Universal Music Canada. It featured singles such as “Get Out the Way” and showcased the band’s growing popularity.

In February 2017, Mother Mother released No Culture, which included singles like “The Drugs” and “Love Stuck.” This album continued their trend of blending indie rock with other musical influences, solidifying their presence in the music industry. Their seventh album, Dance and Cry, was released in November 2018 and was supported by a North American tour.

The band’s music saw a resurgence in popularity starting in late 2020 when tracks from their 2008 album O My Heart went viral on TikTok, driven by their appeal to non-binary communities and the platform’s creative users. This unexpected success led to the release of their eighth album, Inside, in June 2021. The album was followed by a deluxe version in January 2022, featuring new tracks and a sequel to their hit “Hayloft.”

Mother Mother’s ninth studio album, Grief Chapter, was released on February 16, 2024. The album continues their tradition of dynamic and emotionally resonant music, reflecting the band’s enduring evolution and impact on the indie rock scene. With a lineup that includes Ryan Guldemond, Molly Guldemond, Jasmin Parkin, Ali Siadat, and Mike Young (who replaced Jeremy Page in 2016), Mother Mother remains a significant and innovative force in the music industry.