Weak horse named Ryan Walchonski creates rock songs with digital effects

Ryan Walchonski, the mastermind behind Baltimore’s Aunt Katrina, dives into the realm of existential dread and social anxiety with the upcoming release of his debut album, “This Heat is Slowly Killing Me,” slated for July 11th. Walchonski, previously affiliated with the band feeble little horse, has now embarked on a solo journey, pouring his inner turmoil into his music.

Despite being known as a generally upbeat person, Walchonski finds solace in expressing his negative emotions through songwriting. The themes of his upcoming album are a departure from his previous work, reflecting a spectrum of emotions that delve deep into his psyche. Aunt Katrina’s music captures a sense of impending doom intertwined with moments of happiness, creating a harmonious blend of conflicting emotions.

Drawing influences from noted artists like Aphex Twin and Four Tet, Aunt Katrina’s sound is a unique fusion of off-kilter guitar pop accentuated by infectious hooks. The songs emanate a digitally-damaged quality characterized by experimental rock elements, such as ambient breakbeats and warped synths.

Ryan Walchonski’s songwriting process for Aunt Katrina’s album was a solitary endeavor, crafting lyrics during cold winter nights in his basement while recording the album in the heat of a D.C. summer. His lyrics take on a stream-of-consciousness style, reflecting a constant struggle with self-reflection and self-doubt, as heard in tracks like “Peace of Mind” and “Just a Game.”

In a recent interview with The FADER, Walchonski delves into his state of mind during the album’s creation, shedding light on his sonic inspirations and life post-feeble little horse. When asked about his decision to depart from feeble little horse and pursue Aunt Katrina, he revealed his desire to focus on his solo project and build connections within the local music scene in D.C. and Baltimore.

Walchonski shared insights into his creative process, noting that some songs were penned during his tenure with feeble little horse but didn’t fit the band’s repertoire. These songs eventually found a home in Aunt Katrina, leading to the inception of his debut album.

The formation of Aunt Katrina’s band lineup was serendipitous, with drummer Ray Brown and producer/bassist Alex Bass joining forces to enhance the studio recordings. Relationships with members of Snail Mail, including drummer Ray, and Alex, further enriched Aunt Katrina’s sound, infusing their music with a vibrant energy that resonates with listeners.

As Aunt Katrina prepares to unveil “This Heat is Slowly Killing Me,” their captivating blend of melodic hooks and introspective lyrics is set to captivate audiences, drawing them into a world of happy-doomed euphoria that mirrors the complex emotional landscape of the human experience.