Real Indie Artists Drive Minivans: Interview with Mom Cars

If any band has fully embodied the indie spirit, it's Mom Cars.

Vocalist and guitarist Brendon Le, drummer Jacob Thrasher, guitarist Cole Winters, and bassist and backup vocalist AJ Derise are the heartbeat of the Northern California indie scene. Over the course of our interview, nearly a dozen people approached the band to compliment their set or reconnect with the members. Every single one – old friend or brand new face – was greeted like family: a handshake, a hug, a genuine smile. That energy isn't incidental. Mom Cars' music and presence encapsulate the inclusive, infectious spirit of live music that pulls newcomers in and keeps fans coming back.

The band got their start as a high school talent show act and evolved into something much more serious, playing shows consistently since 2020. Music was a constant thread in each member's life long before that.

Winters traces his love of guitar back to lessons from his mother.

Derise remembers an initial resentment of music and an on-again, off again relationship with guitar before Le suggested he pick up bass for the talent show – a decision that stuck.

Thrasher traces his drumming origin to a single scene of Sharpay from High School Musical tapping her pen in rhythm , which he brought home to a Christmas drum kit.

Le started in middle school choir, picked up ukulele, then guitar and songwriting after watching a friend play. He assembled the group, named them Mom Cars and the rest is history.

What makes Mom Cars so compelling is their commitment. All four members work full-time jobs or in Winters' case, balance a full course load alongside touring and writing new music. Mom Cars has toured extensively up and down the west coast, sharing bills with indie rock acts like Trash Day, Trestles, Stereotongue and Flamingos in the Tree.

House shows hold a special place in their hearts – the intimacy and direct connection to the crowd is something they say can't be replicated. They have also played storied venues including Reno's Fort Ralston and The Strand, Santa Cruz's Catalyst Club, Sacramento's Starlet Room, and San Francisco's Brick & Mortar Music Hall.

In late June 2023, the band released their debut LP, Colder – a major milestone. Le draws much of his lyrical inspiration from past relationships and speaks candidly about his own struggles with mental health:

"For a while I feel like mental illness was thrown under the carpet, but I appreciate that it's becoming more apparent and more accepted since everyone is going through it – and writing about it always hits home." – Brendon Le

Colder is a powerful distillation of the bands most resonant work, showcasing each member's strengths and marking a songwriting and vocal debut from Derise. The band hopes listeners find comfort and relatability in the music – and feel moved to dig deeper into the niche corner of musical expression that Mom Cars calls home.

"When people tell us that they listen to our music in their daily lives, that's such a huge compliment. It's like you're making us a part of your life. It's like a soundtrack, and it means a lot." – AJ Derise

Mom Cars has what it takes. Genuine music, welcoming shows, and a community that keeps showing up – they are the heartbeat of an emerging scene, even if none of them actually drive mom cars.

Special thanks to Mom Cars, Trevor Castillo, Fort Ralston, and Sam Z.