“I feel like those are still deeply embedded in my soul” – An Interview with instant crush

Today sees the release of I’M SORRY I DIDN”T BITE MY TONGUE, the sparkling debut album from Seattle indie quartet instant crush. A record that is steeped in the sound of the 2000s, it is full of catchy choruses, sparkly synths and high-energy guitar riffs as typified by singles “APOLOGY TOUR” and “SAFETY NET”.

The record is being released on Seattle nonprofit record label Share It Music and, as part of this partnership, a portion of the proceeds from the album are going to their chosen charity, Joyful Heart Foundation. Since 2004, Joyful Heart Foundation has been a leading national organization with a mission to transform society’s response to sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, as well as support survivors, and end this violence forever. You can find out more by visiting the Joyful Heart website.

instant crush consists of Megan Cannon, Matthew Tran, Keegan Mangahas, and Zoee Mangahas and they have shared the stage with renowned acts such as Del Water Gap, Home Team, The Wrecks, Plain White T’s, Daisy Grenade, and The Academic. They are playing an all ages hometown record release show on October 27 at Barboza. If you hurry, you can get tickets here.

We caught up with lead singer and songwriter Megan to see talk about the new record, Share It Music and gaming.

Hi Megan! How’s everything going right now?
Pretty good! I’ve been dealing with a lot of pre-album release anxiety so it’s been a little tough but also very excited. A lot of emotions at once!! Been doing a lot of random craft projects to occupy my time and ease my anxiety. 

What classic album cover art is your current mood?
Definitely a new classic but I think “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not” by Arctic Monkeys! I feel like that cover gets me the best right now haha. 

Your debut album “I’M SORRY I DIDN’T BITE MY TONGUE” is out this week and it’s a really fun listen. Where did you write and record it?
Thank you! We recorded and wrote the bulk of it in Los Angeles, with a couple of the last remaining vocals and guitar parts at our friend Hector’s Studio (Mestizo Audio) in Seattle. It was recorded over the last 2 years, and definitely was a long process. 

It sounds like a combination of the best music from the 2000s. Who were your favorite bands when you were going up that influenced you?
I grew up super inspired by a lot of pop punk, and as I got older I definitely leaned into more of the indie rock element. My two favorites were Paramore and Fall Out Boy when I was super young, and I feel like those are still deeply embedded in my soul. As I got older and especially for this album, I referenced a lot of Bloc Party, Two Door Cinema Club, and Waterparks. 

The album is being released on the Share It Music label and, as part of that, you will be donating part of the proceeds to the Joyful Heart Foundation. How has the label been to work with as you recorded the record and how can others help the charity?
The label has been SO incredible and Cayle is one of the kindest and most caring people to work with. When it comes to things you can do at home to help the charity- donations always help but if that’s not something you are capable of doing, word of mouth!! Share as much as you can with everyone to help spread their message. 

If you could only listen to one record, what would it be?
I think if I could only listen to one album it would definitely be the self titled record from the Maine. We listened to it a lot on this previous tour and every song is so incredible, I don’t think I’d ever get tired of it!  

“A Cinematic Exit” is featured on NHL 25. How did that happen and are you all big gamers in your spare time?
Someone on their music team really connected and enjoyed the track! I personally am a big gamer- even though I primarily do card games online ahaha. Super stoked about the game and it’s such an incredible opportunity that we are endlessly grateful for. 

You recently toured some dates supporting Friday Pilots Club – how did those shows go?
I’ve been such a big fan of them for the past 3 years so it was SO incredible. Their fanbase was so welcoming and kind to us and we couldn’t have asked for a better tour. It was also just a dream for me as a fan to watch the set every single night. 

You have an album release show this weekend (on October 27th  at Barbosa). Are you planning to tour the record around the country soon?
Hopefully we will be out on another support run next year!! Realistically I don’t know if we will be doing any headliners around the country but it would be so incredible to still get to connect and play some songs from the record- even if not our tour. 

What would go on your signature pizza and what would it be called?
We have this pizza we order every single time we all order one together- it’s so simple but it’s just cheese with green peppers and pineapples. As far as the name goes – I think we would call it “crush nation”. No reason other than that’s what we call our fanbase and that feels genuine for us ahahah. 

What do you have planned for 2025?
As of right now- we plan to take as many show opportunities as possible! I’ve been starting some songs to begin working on our next record – so I think nailing those down and getting the ball rolling for new music is definitely going to be what’s next. 

You can find out more about instant crush by visiting their website, grab a vinyl copy of the LP here and follow them on Twitter and Instagram for all the latest news.

Feature Image Credit – Dylan Vanessa