Arts & Entertainment

The Hot Moms Move their Sound out of the Suburbs and onto the Radio

Don't be fooled by the name: The Hot Moms are dudes with a garage-band vibe who, led by Western Springs' Andrew Stephens, met at Stonegrove Guitar in La Grange.

Let’s answer the most pressing question first: Yes, Andrew Stephens’ mom is good looking.

And she was the inspiration for his band’s name—The Hot Moms.

“Most people are thoroughly disappointed when we’re not women,” Stephens said. “But then they’re impressed by our music.”

Find out what's happening in La Grangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Hot Moms, who met through Stonegrove Guitar in La Grange, released their debut single this spring and caught the ear of WXRT Host Richard Milne, who played their song “Classic Start” on his show Local Anesthetic.

Milne had high praise for the band, likening them to “the New York Dolls meets the Bay City Rollers with a touch of Sweet in the mix as well.”

Find out what's happening in La Grangewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Stephens began hanging out at Stonegrove when he moved home to Western Springs after college. He began writing folk music and playing open mic nights but didn’t record anything because, as he said, he “knew something better was going to come out.”

Stephens, who sings and plays guitar, clicked with former Stonegrove manager Kevin Majka and convinced him to play bass. They recruited guitar teacher Kevin Claxton and drum teacher Eric Ridder, and the Hot Moms were born.

“We have that communal bond,” Claxton said. “It’s a fun, energetic group to play in.”

Sign up for the daily Patch newsletter: La Grange / Western Springs

Eventually all the members plan to collaborate on writing, but for now Stephens pens most of the band’s energetic, playful garage rock. His background in philosophy influences much of what he writes.

“I’m interested in language and not necessarily writing poetically but with a lot of rhetorical devices—double and triple entendres, things that are straightforward, but if you listen there’s a little bit more going on,” he said.

One of the Hot Moms early highlights was recording “Classic Start” at Wall-to-Wall Recording in Chicago, which has played host to artists such as Andrew Bird and Neko Case. Conor Oberst, of Bright Eyes fame, held a party at the studio the night before the band recorded.

Follow us on Facebook: La Grange Patch / Western Springs Patch

“The day started out by drinking Conor Oberst’s vodka,” Stephens said. “It’s definitely not like someone’s practice space with a mic.” The band plans to record their first full-length album in July at the same studio.

As of now, the Hot Moms have two Chicago shows booked this summer: July 18 at Tonic Room, 2447 Halsted St.; and Aug. 17 at The Burlington, 3425 W. Fullerton Ave.

With his days of solo folk shows mostly behind him, Stephens said he looks forward to growing with the band.

“It’s a lot more fun playing with a group of people,” he said. “It’s a lot more complete of a sound. … It’s like painting a picture together. It gives people more to listen to.”

For more on the Hot Moms, check them out online: www.thehotmoms.com / www.thehotmoms.bandcamp.com / www.facebook.com/thehotmoms


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here