Goodbye Ranger - Memories and the Sky EP
Released 2022 - Sillas Famosas Recordings
“With a perfect sense of space and symmetry,… a sound unlike pretty much anything else out there on the ambient-pop-gaze music landscape” - Big Takeover
“Up up and away in bliss… an artist that definitely should be explored… dreamy, blissfully textural” - Amplify Music Magazine
Photo by Austin Villegas
“A closely woven array of hues wraps the listener in an amorous hug of sound and intimacy; it too with an inescapable catchiness.” -
ringmasterreviewinytoduces.com
Photo by Austin Villegas
“Reverie-inspiring textures that beautifully combine. Fluid, relaxing and daydream-provoking.” - The Spill Magazine
Photo by Austin Villegas
“Flurries and rushes of reverberation wash over the vocals which become more like another instrument….for fleeting moments I think of the Just For A Day LP from the mighty Slowdive” - Meatsheet Fanzine
photo by Austin Villegas
GOODBYE RANGER WILL INDOCTRINATE YOU INTO THEIR SHOEGAZE ‘CULT’
Blurred Culture EXCLUSIVE: INTERVIEW WITH GOODBYE RANGER (2023)
LOS ANGELES, CA- Following the shoegaze trio Goodbye Ranger’s fuzzy yet punchy set at Harvard & Stone in Downtown Los Angeles, I had the opportunity to sit down with the band for their first interview as a full band. However, there was one problem—we couldn’t find anywhere to sit outside, as we were amid yet another record-breaking LA rainstorm. We opened the bar’s semi-obscured front door to reveal the downpour outside. Teeth chattering, with jackets over our heads as makeshift umbrellas, the 4 of us ran towards an empty, covered parking garage we spotted across the way. None of us thought to question the safety or legality of our chosen hangout spot, but luckily, nobody seemed to care.
Goodbye Ranger’s self-defined shoegaze sound is riddled with whispers of dreampop, grunge-y alternative rock, and even psychedelic influences. The trio consists of vocalist/bassist Gwendolyn, guitarist/vocalist Andrew, and drummer Logan, with roots in both the Phoenix, Arizona and Southern California local music scenes. I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know the insanely friendly band just a few weeks prior at The Stowaway following their last show in DTLA, so fortunately, we were well acquainted before we found ourselves together in that dreary parking garage.
I could’ve never predicted that the band’s unique name, Goodbye Ranger, is a reference to the film Interstellar. I, myself, still need to watch the movie, but according to Andrew, “the spaceships they use to float around space are called ‘rangers’… [So,] at one point the main guy’s going down from the main cabin to the ship and he says, ‘goodbye, ranger!’ I always liked that line, so I called ‘dibs’ on the band name.” When it was time to cross off all other potential project names from their running list of ideas, Goodbye Ranger was the one that stuck. After only a few minutes of knowing the group, I picked up on their habit of affectionately referring to each other as ‘rangers’, their universal nickname that’s become a central part of the band’s shared language. You’ll occasionally hear them shout to each other, “whatcha doin’ over there, ranger?” to “hey, ranger, can you throw me that extra cable?”
Further adding to the band’s uniquely wholesome dynamic, Andrew explains, “[Gwen and I] are family, yo”. Andrew is Gwen’s uncle, and they’ve been collaborating musically since 2014. Gwen elaborates, “when I was a freshman in high school, [Andrew and I] played a school-wide show together. A couple of years down the line, we decided to start taking [our music] seriously”. Andrew adds, “we were like, we should start a cult! Or, a band… One of those two things. Gwen was like, whoa man, maybe we should just do both!” “Wait,” I ask, “is Goodbye Ranger a cult?” Before I can finish my thought, Gwen and Andrew interject, in deadpan unison: “oh, absolutely”. We all let out a laugh between our chattering teeth. Jokingly, Andrew adds, “well, [Goodbye Ranger is] also a gang. A cult…Gang. We’re like, a nice gang, though. We’re like one of those gangs that sends people flowers and shit”. How sweet. I hope I end up on the gang’s flower-sending list one day.
Thus, Goodbye Ranger was born just shy of a year ago in April 2022, originally comprised of just Gwen and Andrew. Andrew reveals, “[Tonight] was the 5th show we’ve had with Logan, and now we’re like, a legit rock band with a fuckin’ monster drummer”. Gwen jokes, “before we had Logan, we only had Mr. Ableton on drums”. The band agrees that having a real, live drummer is infinitely more rewarding than using drum packs on Ableton. Logan’s skillful, dynamic drumming was a highlight of the show for me, as it was equally as attention-grabbing as the velvety, distorted sounds of Gwen and Andrew’s blended guitar tones and vocals.
Regarding how Logan became a ‘ranger’, Andrew admits to “stalking Logan… He was playing in a couple of other bands, and we played [on the same bill] with him a couple of times. We started stalking him and decided we had to have him in our band/gang/cult…” With a smirk, Gwen adds, “we definitely indoctrinated Logan. It took a little bit of brainwashing, but he’s here with us now… And he seems happy enough, ya know?” Eyes squinted in sarcasm, Logan flashes a tortured smile at me, indicating he was willingly indoctrinated into this friendly cult/gang. It was hard to believe that the groovy, tight set Goodbye Ranger had just played was only their 5th show as a full band, since the trio’s performance styles were already incredibly coordinated; their creative energies seemed to flow seamlessly through one other on the well-lit, elevated stage at Harvard & Stone.
When asked about their favorite part of playing live shows, the group takes a moment to meditate on their responses. Andrew is the first to break the silence with a thoughtful, “all of it.” He explains that playing their music for a live audience is when he feels his music becomes actualized, evolves into something more tangible than a digital file. Logan expands on this idea, “[performing live] gives you the stamina to keep grinding with the studio stuff… Writing songs [at home] and whatnot can get tiresome,” which he also feels can be isolating. Gwen nods and adds, “I also love meeting new people, it’s the best.” Andrew further explains, “you constantly write songs, you do stuff, you make music, in your house or wherever you live… But when you actually get to go play it for people…” Logan butts in, “it’s like caffeine”. Gwen raises an eyebrow and declares that caffeine isn’t nearly strong enough to compare to the feeling of playing live shows. Andrew argues that the rush they get from performing is akin to a considerably more powerful, highly dangerous illicit substance that I’ll leave up to the reader’s imagination. (Hint: it’s much stronger than caffeine).
On the converse, Andrew explains that the hardest part of being a touring band playing for live audiences is experiencing impostor syndrome. Gwen corroborates, “[impostor syndrome] and cable hell. So many cables… So many things can go wrong because our sound is so huge, that anything can fuck it up. Sometimes we can’t hear ourselves, or other problems arise…” Andrew further establishes that having the right “sound guy” at the venue can make or break their sound. Sound engineering is important at any live performance, but for shoegaze acts, having the right mix is absolutely essential. Andrew adds, “the show we played tonight, the sound guy was awesome… [But] if the sound isn’t perfect, it can completely fuck us up, because we’re super dainty with our sound. We try to sound big, but sometimes it just doesn’t work out.”
Because Goodbye Ranger’s sound is so sensitive, however, when they get paired with the right sound engineer, they all agree it’s like heaven on earth. Andrew’s pedalboard itself looks like a work of art: you can see about a dozen or so pedals intricately interwoven with patch cables and Velcro resting underneath his black Chuck Taylors on stage. During their sets, it’s easy to see exactly where the term ‘shoegaze’ originates from, as Andrew must constantly gaze down at his shoes to switch his pedal buttons on and off, performing a delicate dance between different guitar tones
Andrew shares some of his favorite guitar pedals for achieving Goodbye Ranger’s sound:
Chase Bliss Audio MOOD
Walrus Audio Lore
Electro-Harmonix (EHX) Big Muff
Before heading back to the venue to load out their gear, I decided to ask the band who they believe would die first in a zombie apocalypse. Without a blink of hesitation, Gwen declares, “me. I would shoot myself right off the bat. Sorry. Done. Nope. I give up. I’m out… as the news breaks, I’m done. I’m outta here. It could even be fake… But if it shows up on my TV, immediately, gun to my head. I’m sorry. That’s when Goodbye Ranger’s done. I can’t… I will never do that.” A grim sentiment, perhaps, but Gwen and I share a bond over our mutual lack of motivation to fight off bloodthirsty zombies—no, thanks. I’ve seen The Walking Dead enough times to know I don’t have the mental or physical energy to do all that. I’m with Gwen. On which ‘ranger’ would survive the zombie apocalypse, Andrew admits, “I actually think about this a couple of times a day…I think I would probably do ok, but Logan has some height on me, so… And he’s younger, so he’d probably be able to run faster and be a little more agile. I’d put up a good fight, but I’m gonna say Logan would probably survive.” Logan agrees, adding that he’d be worried about losing his mind in that situation, but who wouldn’t go a little mad while navigating a nuclear winter?
Goodbye Ranger’s debut EP, Memories and the Sky, is available on all streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc. The band has plans to embark on a US tour starting in July, but the dates have yet to be released. Between their busy schedule of playing one or more live shows nearly every week, they’re also currently working on their debut LP, which they also hope to release later this year. You can keep up with Goodbye Ranger online on Instagram at @goodbye_ranger, or by visiting goodbyeranger.com
Goodbye Ranger at Harvard & Stone 2/24/24. Photo by Teia Ciornei (@teiatoast) for www.BlurredCulture.com.
GR TOUR DATES
P A S T S H O W S
Apr 11, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Rebel Lounge - 2303 E Indian School Rd - 8PM w/ Deserta, Citrus Clouds & Glixen
May 28, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Trunk Space - 124 N. 3rd St. - 7:30 PM w/ Black Caesar Rebel Club, Faun Flora & TBA. ALL AGES TICKETS
June 3, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
First Friday at Cha Cha’s Tea - 1229 Grand Ave - 7:30 PM ALL AGES - FREE
June 4, 2022 Mesa, AZ
PRIDE STREET FAIR - Main St and MacDonald - Downtown Mesa - 5 PM ALL AGES - FREE
June 9, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
The Lost Leaf - 914 N 5th St, South of Roosevelt St - 9 PM 21+ w/ Panda Riot
June 22, 2022 Tempe, AZ
Yucca Tap Room - 29 W Southern Ave - 7:30 PM 21+ w/ Babers
July 22, 2022 Los Angeles, CA
Genghis Cohen - 740 N Fairfax Ave - 8 PM w/ Delfino, Astro Kreature, Maxwell Styles - ALL AGES
July 30, 2022 Ventura, CA
Art City - 197 Dubbers St, Ventura, CA - 6 PM w/ TBA ALL AGES
Aug 18, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
* EP RELEASE SHOW!! * Trunk Space - 1124 N 3rd St - 8 PM w/ Slug Bug and Greywoods - ALL AGES (copy of EP/CD to all paid in attendance!)
Aug 27, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Valley Bar - 4130 N Central Ave - 8 PM supporting Meltt
Sept 2, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
First Friday at Cha Cha’s Tea - 1229 Grand Ave - 7:30 PM ALL AGES - FREE
Sept 3, 2022 Scottsdale, AZ
Pho Cao - 7436 E McDowell Rd - 7PM ALL AGES w/ Details of Eating
Sept 4, 2022 Los Angeles, CA
Silverlake Lounge - 2906 Sunset Blvd - 7:30 PM 21+ w/ Trust Blinks & Jolee Gordon
Sept 12, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Rhythm Room PHX - 1019 E Indian School Rd - 7:30 PM 21+ w/ the Veldt, A Casual Divorce, TV Messages
Sept 24, 2022 Ventura, CA
Summer of Dissent @ Ventura Coast Brewing Co - 76 S Oak St - 2:30 PM w/ Frankie & the Witch Fingers, Mossbreaker & more!
Oct 1, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Heaven’s Vault Phoenix (Warehouse Show) - ALL AGES w/ Glixen
Oct 8, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Lost Leaf - 914 N 5th St, South of Roosevelt St - 9 PM 21+ w/ Joan of Arkansas, Louis On Tour, Copper Queens
Oct 9, 2022 Santa Barbara, CA
The Blue Owl - 5 W Canon Perdido St - 6:30PM All Ages - FREE w/ Trust Blinks
Oct 9, 2022 Santa Barbara, CA
The Blue Owl - 5 W Canon Perdido St - 6:30PM All Ages - FREE w/ Trust Blinks
Nov 4, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
First Friday at Roosevelt Row Art Walk - Roosevelt St and 3rd St junction - 6 PM ALL AGES FREE
Nov 11, 2022 Ventura, CA
All Kinds Studio 14 - 433 E Main St #14 - 6 PM ALL AGES w/ Slug Bug & Keep The Giraffe Burning and Chatterton
Nov 12, 2022 Los Angeles, CA
The Goldfish - 5043 York Blvd (Highland Park) - 7 PM w/ Slug Bug, the Black Hearthrobs and Chatterton
Nov 13, 2022 Santa Barbara, CA
The Blue Owl - 5 W Canon Perdido St - 6:30PM All Ages - FREE w/ Slug Bug
Dec 2, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Desert Ridge Mall District Stage - 21001 N Tatum Blvd - 7PM ALL AGES - FREE w/ Details of Eating, Wild Giants
Dec 9, 2022 Phoenix, AZ
Trunk Space - 1124 N 3rd St - 7 PM w/ Martes, Moth, Boy Liquid, the Enjoyers - ALL AGES
Dec 10, 2022 Mesa, AZ
Alibi House - 2726 S Ananea - 7PM ALL AGES - $5 at the door w/ Trust Blinks, TV Messages and TBA
Dec 11, 2022 Los Angeles, CA
Genghis Cohen - 740 N Fairfax Ave - 3 PM (GR on at 6PM) w/ Fierce Invalids, Foto, Prismcluster, more! - ALL AGES
Jan 14, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Pixies Tribute Night at The Rhythm Room - 1019 E Indian School Rd - 7:30 PM 21+ w/ Joan of Arkansas, Gnarwal Jrz, +TBA
Feb 11, 2023 Los Angeles, CA
The Stowaway - 416 S Spring St - 7PM 21+ w/ Joy Weather, Flawjik, Sophie Kaiser
Feb 17, 2023 Ventura, CA
All Kinds Studio 14 - 433 E Main St #14 - 6 PM ALL AGES w/ Keep The Giraffe Burning & TBA
Feb 18, 2023 Mesa, AZ GET TICKETS
Nile Underground - 105 W Main St - 7PM ALL AGES w/ Bummer Girl, Ultraviolet Communication, Tracers & Afterbirth Cartoons
Feb 19, 2023 Santa Barbara, CA
KCSB Live show and broadcast (91.9 SB / KCSB.org) - 3PM-6PM KCSB Courtyard on UCSB Campus w/ Julian Never & Share
Feb 24, 2023 Los Angeles, CA
Harvard & Stone - 5221 Hollywood Blvd - 6 PM 21+ FEREE w/ Possible Oceans
Mar 10, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Trunk Space - 1124 N 3rd St - 8 PM w/ MELTT & Mute Swan - ALL AGES
Mar 11, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Lost Leaf - 914 N 5th St, South of Roosevelt St - 8 PM 21+ FREE w/ Coral Grief, Los Velvets & New River Slim
Mar 18, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Lost Leaf - 914 N 5th St, South of Roosevelt St - 9 PM 21+ FREE w/ Details of Eating, Black Tapestry & Schpilt
Apr 1, 2023 Canoga Park, CA
Scotland Yard - 22041 Sherman Way - 8:30 PM 21+ FREE w/ Tyler Claypool, Flawjik, Wolfson & Oppa Squad, Eternal Cowboy
Apr 15, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Lost Leaf - 914 N 5th St, South of Roosevelt St - 9 PM 21+ FREE w/ Zion, Fierce Invalids & Hotel Pink
Apr 18, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Linger Longer Lounge - 6522 N 16th St #6 - Doors 7 PM 21+ $10 w/ Elnuh, Animal Shin & Leika Katamura
May 20, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Lost Leaf - 914 N 5th St, South of Roosevelt St - 9 PM 21+ FREE w/ TBA
May 23, 2023 Ventura, CA
All Kinds Studio 14 - 433 E Main St #14 - 7 PM ALL AGES w/ Some Surprises, Ian MacPhee
June 25, 2023 Los Angeles, CA
Moroccan Lounge - 901 E 1st St - 7PM 18+ w/ Powder Pink & Sweet, Possible Oceans
June 29, 2023 Los Angeles, CA
Oracle Tavern - 1640 N Springs St - 8PM w/ Trust Blinks, Morning Forever, Shuggie Shooter
July 1, 2023 Tempe, AZ
Yucca Tap Room - 29 W Southern Ave - 8PM 21+ FREE w/ Joan of Arkansas, Let Alone, Louis On Tour, Serpent in the Rainbow
July 6, 2023 Los Angeles, CA
Redwood Bar - 316 W 2nd St - 9PM 21+ w/ Joan of Arkansas, TBA
July 7, 2023 Ventura, CA TICKETS
CTRL - Purchase tickets/email/IG message for location! - 7 PM ALL AGES w/ Joan of Arkansas, Maribel, Crave
July 8, 2023 Las Vegas, NV
Red Dwarf - 1305 Vegas Valley - 9PM 21+ FREE w/ Joan of Arkansas, Deacon Hill
July 12, 2023 Albuquerque, NM
Juno - 1501 1st St NW - 8PM w/ The Directory, Lyra Muse
July 13, 2023 Durango, CO
The Hive - 1150 Main Ave - 7:30PM w/ Myles Bullen, Blueraspberry
July 14, 2023 Denver, CO
1010 Workshop - 1010 W 12th Ave (97 Kalamath St) - 8PM w/ Pilljoy, Bruha
July 15, 2023 Kansas City, MO
Josey Records - 1815 McGee St - 8PM w/ Collidescope, TBA
July 16, 2023 St. Joseph, MO
SK8BAR - 501 Francis St - 8PM w/ Whensday, Bard Eclectic
July 17, 2023 Chicago, IL
The Burlington - 3425 W Fullerton Ave - 8PM w/ Scott Cortez, Morgan Powers, Blood Club
July 18, 2023 Youngstown, OH
Westside Bowl - 2617 Mahoning Ave - 8PM w/ Hobo Phantasm, Bay Street
July 19, 2023 Melvindale, MI
Parts and Labor - 17993 Allen Rd - 8PM w/ TBA
July 20, 2023 Ardmore, PA
The Nail - 2580 Haverford Rd - 8PM w/ Hover, Glitter Spitter
July 21, 2023 New York City, NY
Silvana - 300 W 116th St - 7PM w/ TBA
July 22, 2023 Baltimore, MD
Monument City Brewing - 1 N Haven St - 7PM w/ Talking To Shadows
July 23, 2023 Richmond, VA
Garden Grove Brewing & Urban Winery - 3445 W Cary St - 7PM w/ TBA
July 24, 2023 Asheville, NC
The Burger Bar - 1 Craven St - 9PM w/ Father Figures, Acklen Walker
July 25, 2023 Chapel Hill, NC
The Cave - 452 1/2 W Franklin St - 9PM w/ Saphron, Jupiter Two
July 26, 2023 Athens, GA
Ciné Athens - 234 W Hancock Ave - 9PM w/ Parking Garage, Joe Orr Band
July 27, 2023 Birmingham, AL
The Nick - 2514 10th Ave S - Doors 9PM, Show 10PM w/ Grandeur, Trees on the Moon
July 28, 2023 Memphis, TN
The Lamplighter - 1702 Madison Ave - 7PM w/ Robots Attack
July 29, 2023 Little Rock, AR
Vino’s Pizza - 923 W 7th St - 7PM w/ Clusters of Fornication, Turquoise Tiger
July 30, 2023 Richardson, TX
Six Springs Live - 147 N Plano - 7PM 21+
July 31, 2023 Houston, TX
1810 Ojeman - 1810 Ojeman Rd - 8PM w/ Chevy Boys, Swivel, Shallowater
Aug 1, 2023 Austin, TX TICKETS
13th Floor - 711 Red River St - 8PM w/ Sun Moon, Allwax
Aug 2, 2023 El Paso, TX
Mona Bar of Modern Art - 410 1/2 E San Antonio Ave - 8PM w/ TBA
Aug 3, 2023 Bisbee, AZ
Bisbee Grand Hotel - 61 Main St - 8PM w/ TBA
Aug 4, 2023 Tucson, AZ
The Screening Room - 127 E Congress St - 8PM w/ TBA
Aug 12, 2023 Los Angeles, CA VENUE UPDATED
Mutation Records - 654 Gibbons - 4PM (GR on at 7PM) ALL AGES Mutation Records Fest
Aug 27, 2023 Long Beach, CA
Happy Sundays Fest - Downtown Long Beach, CA - ALL AGES FREE IG @happysundaysfest
Sep 2, 2023 Pasadena, CA
Old Towne Pub - 66 N Fair Oaks Ave - w/ Fierce Invalids, Chatterton, xMANOx 8PM 21+
Sep 8, 2023 Mesa, AZ
400 N Pima, Mesa, AZ 85201 - w/ Marbles (Seattle), Schpilt, The Strings ALL AGES 7PM
Sep 14, 2023 Ventura, CA
All Kinds Studio - 433 E Main St #14 - w/ Coral Grief, Ian McPhee, Keep The Giraffe Burning
Sep 17, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Linger Longer Lounge - 6522 N 16th St #6 - w/ Unwed Sailor, Tremours, Angelhood 8PM 21+
Oct 18, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Valley Bar - 4130 N Central Ave - 8 PM supporting Vinyl Williams GET TICKETS
Oct 28, 2023 Ventura, CA
All Kinds Studio - 433 E Main St #14 - Halloween Scream ! w/ No Silence & Moon Visions ALL AGES $12
Nov 4, 2023 Los Angeles (Echo Park), CA
Susprium - SWAY Fest w/ Astrobrite, Mute Swan, Kraus, Sleepwalk, 2070, Sparkler, Marni + more! ALL AGES
Dec 1, 2023 Ventura, CA
Sans Souci (The Sewer) - 21 S Chestnut St - w/ Easy Bear 10PM 21+
Dec 2, 2023 Tempe, AZ
Tempe Noise Pop Takeover - Yucca Tap Room - 29 W Southern Ave w/ Joan of Arkansas, Bethany Home, Gnarwal Jrz + MORE! FREE
Dec 3, 2023 Phoenix, AZ
Linger Longer Lounge - 6522 N 16th St #6 - w/ The Veldt, Tremours, Animal Shin 7:30 PM 21+
Dec 8, 2023 Oxnard, CA
Mrs Olson’s - YAY! Records Pajama Party - 2800 Harbor Blvd w/ other bands TBA - ALL AGES
Jan 11, 2024 San Diego, CA
Til Two Club - 4746 El Cajon Blvd - 8:30PM 21+ $10 at the door w/ Blanky, Kelp Beds, Refuza
Jan 12, 2024 Ventura, CA
CTRL - 6019 Olivas Park Dr - 7PM ALL AGES $15 w/ JOBS, Keep The Giraffe Burning, Ian MacPhee ALL AGES