Sugar Stems

Playing an engaging and energetic fusion of '70s style power pop and '60s garage rock, the Sugar Stems came together in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during 2007. Several local-scene veterans anchored the band: lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Betsy Heibler and bassist Stephanie Conard had previously played together in the Flips, while drummer Jon Heibler brought experience from the Teenage Rejects, the Catholic Boys, Tuff Bananas, and Sticks 'n' Stones. Following a series of understated acoustic performances, the group delivered its first full-band concert in May 2008, featuring lead guitarist Zach Byrne, formerly of Goodnight Loving. Byrne departed soon afterward, and Drew Fredrichsen—veteran of the Leg Hounds and the Jetty Boys—stepped in, establishing the Sugar Stems’ definitive lineup. The band’s recorded debut arrived in 2009 as the Bachelor Records single “Beat Beat Beat” b/w “Crybaby,” with the first full-length album, The Sweet Sounds Of, appearing the next year. Their second LP, Can’t Wait, was finished in 2012 and issued first in Germany by Screaming Apple Records and in Japan by Dream On before receiving its American release on Dirtnap in 2013. Keyboardist Andy Harris joined for the third studio album, Only Come Out at Night, again issued domestically by Dirtnap in 2014, while the live set Sugar Stems ’n’ Friends surfaced on Dusty's Medical Records.