Localized: Somebody/Anybody

Close out the summer and transition into the new season with the infectious and head-bopping sounds of Somebody/Anybody, Swans of Never and Burning Avenues at this month’s SLUG Localized. You can catch them on September 15 at Kilby Court for only $5! Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and music begins at 8:00 p.m. SLUG Localized is sponsored by Riso-Geist.

MJ “M” Grey and Kendra formed Somebody/Anybody in 2015 as a result of their evident musical chemistry and with the common goal of writing and creating music for … somebody and anybody. Their sound is lightly inspired by an array of experiences, decades and genres. While the band has a strong pop-punk influence, there are echoes of ’90s grunge, ’80s California punk, The Beatles and just about anything the two have been intrigued by since their childhoods.

The two have rotated through a handful of different team members, but the core duo remains a unit. “[Early on], one of our old band mates went on a beer run, and by the time she had come back, we had already written an entire song,” says M.

Their latest, three-track EP, All Of This Is Temporary, began in a pandemic-fueled boredom. They decided to book a session at Rigby Road Studios and get creating. “It was a pandemic, you know? There’s nothing else to do,” says Kendra. “We might as well put some money in and record some songs. We’ll do with it what we can, eventually.” That “eventually” led to a March 2022 release date.

“[Early on], one of our old band mates went on a beer run, and by the time she had come back, we had already written an entire song.”

All Of This Is Temporary opens with the lighthearted and upbeat “Buzzer” and transports you to an early 2000s music video. The track begins with a classic alarm noise then transitions into M’s electric vocals. They speak of having a strong connection with nature and spirituality, which shines through their lyricism in the centerpiece track, “Other Side.” The song paints a clear picture with their message of pushing through difficult moments with love, using creative lyricism through environmental imagery, mentioning waves and wind.

Closing track “AMF” was one of the first songs they recorded during the solitude of lockdown. After one of their recent drummers stepped down for personal reasons, Kendra began dabbling in the tech side of things and started programming beats. Though it’s opened up new avenues for experimentation, they are still on the hunt for a new member to join the family.

Regardless of the listener’s mood, Somebody/Anybody is dedicated to creating uplifting music and a safe space. “I think positive is our brand,” says M. “[We have] this new sound, but some of our songs feel like you’ve been listening to them for years [and] span … generations.” Their music reminds listeners that “life can be shit sometimes, and that’s okay!” Kendra and M both have a compelling charisma that is made clear whether you’re jamming to “Buzzer” or chatting with them over a cup of coffee.

“[We have] this new sound, but some of our songs feel like you’ve been listening to them for years [and] span … generations.”

Kendra and M have found that working with each other has opened them up to new sounds and possibilities. “I would say on an individual level, I’ve gotten better as a musician playing with M. It’s improved my musicianship and my comfortability, as well,” says Kendra. M adds, “When you’re solo, you can do great stuff, but you can get stuck in your head or in your own perspective … I know that I have grown as a songwriter, and the more time we spend together, the songs we’re writing just get better and better.”

Don’t miss Somebody/Anybody at SLUG Localized on September 15 at Kilby Court. As for the future of the band, they want to play “everything, everywhere.” They’re slated for Provo Pride, Red Rocks Music Festival and more. Their music is available on all streaming platforms for your listening pleasure. “We’ve got some cool stuff on the horizon,” says M.

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