The drive from El Paso to Tucson along Interstate 10 is rife with massive billboards hinting at some mysterious roadside relic called “The Thing.” Tired, bored, their eyes craving something aside from the endless conveyance of pavement, travelers stop for a glimpse at one of the most disappointing pieces of roadside Americana the country has to offer.

The Thing in Arizona will let you down. But the New York band by the same name never will, and they’ve made that promise through becoming one of the busiest bands in rock. Countless live shows, months on the road and the recording of three albums in two years define their time as a band thus far. The latest record is a self-titled collection of “revivicated and remixed” New York rock. A band of the 2020s, they’re staying true to their geographic roots while affirming what it means to be a fully independent band.

Just before their Wednesday, Aug. 6, release, The Thing’s Jack Bradley and Zane Acord were kind enough to entertain some of my questions about the group, their methods and the latest record.

YY: The Thing has seemed to be constantly at work since your start in 2022, and you’re now preparing to release your third album in the span of just over two years. Where do you think the band’s sense of urgency comes from? What drives you?

Jack: The urgency is just natural. I think we freak out a little bit when we aren't moving or working on something. Things don’t seem like they move fast when you're constantly chipping away at it.

In true DIY fashion, your third album will be released under your own Onion Records label. How does having the freedom to choose the exact circumstances surrounding each release dictate what you create, and do you think it adds to the immediacy of your process?

Zane: I don’t think we have that freedom, things are always popping up. With our touring schedule, we really don’t have too much time on our hands. We try to take advantage of the time we have so we don’t get too bored.

Jack: It is kind of essential to us at this point in time to not have anybody telling us what to put out or what to do. We have pretty strong opinions on releases and whatnot and having our own label allows us to do things on our time.

While releasing music under your own label adds freedom, it also introduces some restrictions. As Jack said, “with restriction comes creativity.” In what ways have you found this to be especially true, and what more can you say about your DIY ethos?

Jack: When you are restricted you are given parameters. The fun begins when you start to think of the most creative things you can do within those parameters. It also helps with overthinking and perfectionism. Not that we aren't susceptible to those things.

The Thing has already done far more than most other bands accomplish in their early stages. Zane talks of The Thing as “a collective band … where we all have the spotlight.” With each member playing an equal role in the band, how do you think this philosophy has contributed to your early progress?

Zane: I think it helps us make something that is truly unique. It’s rare to find a project where everyone contributes to each song in such a collective way. It allows everyone to think only about the project, not any other stuff. Which I guess keeps us productive.

If The Thing is “a vanguard of what [New York] City’s rock history means under a modern lens,” how do you think the band fits into the NYC music scene today, and where do you find yourselves drawing inspiration from such a dynamic musical environment?

Zane: It’s a dream to exist in the NYC music scene. Unsure where we fit. There are so many crazy artists in NYC at the moment that give us inspiration. Native Sun, YHWH Nailgun, Geese to name a few. Everything feels so fresh.

A self-titled album might mean something special to its artist, especially for what the work could say about a band’s identity at a particular time. Your last two albums were nearly there — what, if anything, went into the decision to name this release for the band?

Jack: We talk a lot about album names and the self-titled record is always a sacred thing in a band's career. Look at “The Rolling Stones” or “The Ramones” or “The White Album.” We felt like this record really captured that essence for us and wanted to make it the one.

What has been a career highlight for The Thing thus far, and what are some of your future aspirations?

Zane: Going to Europe twice now and having Australia on the calendar is pretty special. Playing with The Black Keys in Berlin is also up there. As far as future aspirations go, we just want to keep making records. If that’s our job, then that’s it.