Endearments to release debut LP
On March 6, Brooklyn, New York, band Endearments will release “An Always Open Door” via Trash Casual Records.
The album is the project’s first full-length body of work, following a series of carefully selected singles and two EPs.
“Putting out EPs has always been something we’ve done out of necessity,” said principal songwriter Kevin Marksson. “I’m not a prolific songwriter, so when we decided to do a full-length, I had maybe one or two songs in the works.”
Marksson began revisiting favorite albums from his past — like Youth Group’s “Shadowland” and Silversun Pickups’ “Carnavas” — in an effort to break out of his writer’s block. Concurrently, he attended a weekly songwriting group with a friend.
“This album wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for that group of friends and their feedback and encouragement,” said Marksson. “They’ve heard every iteration of these songs, and putting out this album feels like it’s as much for them as it is for us!”
When it came time to record, Endearments turned to longtime friend and producer Abe Seiferth (Car Seat Headrest, Nation of Language) — a “no-brainer” for the band. Seiferth has a background at New York City’s DFA Studios, which Marksson believes heavily contributed to Endearments’ signature blend of synths and guitars on the new record.
“We’ve developed a trust and way of working with Abe that feels really collaborative and always brings out the best in our music,” said Marksson.
Seiferth was first to suggest a collaboration with Trash Casual Records, a relationship that eventually materialized more organically than the album itself, when Marksson ran into founder AJ Tobey at a local show. The band’s signing to Trash Casual soon followed.
“AJ was one of the first people I showed the LP demos to, and he’s been along for the ride since then,” said Marksson. “There is nothing more valuable than a true advocate, someone who loves your music and wants to share it with everyone. AJ is that kind of person, so working with Trash Casual has been a dream! I feel very lucky.”
This album is special to Marksson because it could not have been created alone. The band’s relationships with Seiferth and Tobey and collaborators like Liv Price and Chris Croarkin shaped “An Always Open Door” into a debut record that stands out among the group’s repertoire.
“It wasn’t until I had most of the lyrics written that I realized how much more introspective these songs are than the ones on those EPs,” said Marksson. “It feels a bit like reflecting on old diary entries — I have the benefit now of time and distance to shape my perspective.”
Endearments will perform at SXSW in March before returning to Brooklyn for their album release show on March 20. Later, the band has plans to support Sheila Divine in their home state of New York in May and June.
