Image credit: Mackenzie Walker
Mother Mother, the indie rock band from Quadra Island, British Columbia, has captivated listeners with their unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics since their formation. Known for their lush harmonies, intricate instrumentation, and emotionally charged themes, the band has grown from indie darling to global force. 2025 marks the band’s 20th anniversary, a milestone celebrated with two JUNO Award nominations for their most recent album, “Grief Chapter”: Group of the Year, and Rock Album of the Year.
Formed in 2005 by lead vocalist and guitarist Ryan Guldemond, his sister Molly, and keyboardist Jasmin Parkin, Mother Mother quickly began crafting a sound that fused folk, rock, and pop. The band expanded with the additions of drummer Ali Siadat and bassist Mike Young, solidifying the lineup that would go on to produce some of the most innovative indie rock albums of the 21st century.
Their debut album, 2005’s self-released “Mother” which would later be re-released as “Touch Up” in 2007 is a raw, experimental, and emotionally honest precursor to the sound they would refine on later releases. Following their first studio effort, “O My Heart” (2008), introduced the world to Mother Mother’s signature blend of folk-inspired melodies and layered instrumentation. Songs like “Hayloft,” “Arms Tonite,” and “Burning Pile” became fan favorites and set the stage for the band’s long-term success. While “O My Heart” was well-received in Canada upon its release, the songs would experience a massive resurgence down the line, thanks to social media.
In the early 2020s, tracks from “O My Heart” gained massive traction on TikTok. “Hayloft” and “Burning Pile” particularly resonated with younger generations and within the non-binary and LGBTQIA+ community, who incorporated the music into videos discussing gender identity. This unexpected viral moment helped introduce the band’s music to a new wave of listeners, significantly expanding their global reach. Though the songs had been released over a decade prior, their relevance highlighted the enduring power of their music.
Mother Mother is a band that has never been tied to a single sound, though they always remained their authentic selves. Their first two albums are more heavily influenced by indie rock and folk, their 2011 album “Eureka” marked a shift towards a more polished, experimental, and eclectic style. The album incorporated a wider range of genres, from indie pop to more experimental, electronic elements. Their sound continued to evolve in subsequent albums with “The Sticks” (2012), “Very Good Bad Thing” (2015), “No Culture” (2017), and “Dance and Cry” (2018) each showcasing further layers of complexity in their music. Their 2021 album “Inside” further explored a more electronic and atmospheric direction, especially influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic and the isolation the band experienced.
In 2024, the band released “Grief Chapter”, their ninth studio album. A deeply introspective record, ”Grief Chapter” explores themes of loss, mourning, and acceptance, further cementing the band’s knack for writing emotionally resonant music. The record showcases the band’s impressive growth while maintaining their signature experimental edge and emotional core. Tracks range from energetic anthems to somber ballads and tackle complex emotions with grace and honesty, providing a cathartic listening experience for new and old fans alike. Mother Mother is taking the album live in 2025, with European tour dates announced for the summer.
Mother Mother’s success has not gone unnoticed, as the band was nominated in two categories at the 2025 JUNO Awards. A unique and innovative force, Mother Mother’s musical journey saw the band continuously evolve sonically, deliver memorable melodies, and gain an international fanbase loyal to the authenticity that has always defined Mother. The JUNO nomination is not only a recognition of their achievements but a signal that their journey is far from over.
Discover their music on Spotify and Apple Music, catch them live on tour, and stay tuned for updates on the band’s Instagram and TikTok.
The 2025 JUNO Awards winners will be announced at the March 30 Awards Broadcast, live at Rogers Arena and on CBC.
