The Sugar Stems

The Sugar Stems came together in Milwaukee, Wisconsin during 2007, delivering a lively blend of power pop in the classic '70s vein and garage rock rooted in the '60s. Several members already carried experience from the city's music community: lead singer and rhythm guitarist Betsy Heibler and bassist Stephanie Conard had previously played together in the Flips, while drummer Jon Heibler brought credits from stints with the Teenage Rejects, the Catholic Boys, Tuff Bananas, and Sticks 'n' Stones. Following a few understated acoustic performances, the band staged its first full electric concert in May 2008, featuring Zach Byrne, formerly of Goodnight Loving, on lead guitar. Byrne departed shortly afterward, and Drew Fredrichsen, who had previously worked with the Leg Hounds and the Jetty Boys, stepped in to fill the role, solidifying the group's core lineup.

The Sugar Stems issued their first recording in 2009, a Bachelor Records single pairing "Beat Beat Beat" with "Crybaby." Their debut album, The Sweet Sounds Of, appeared the next year. The band finished its sophomore effort, Can't Wait, in 2012; the album surfaced first through Germany's Screaming Apple Records and Japan's Dream On label before receiving its U.S. release on Dirtnap in 2013. Keyboardist Andy Harris joined for the third studio album, Only Come Out at Night, issued domestically by Dirtnap in 2014, and a live recording titled Sugar Stems 'n' Friends later emerged on Dusty's Medical Records.