Los Angeles-based alt rock collective MASHA. and the Fam have released “New Normal,” a single frontwoman Masha Alexis began writing in 2015 in Baltimore following the death of Freddie Gray and spent nine years completing, according to the announcement.
Alexis says the song’s arrangement evolved significantly over time, eventually incorporating a 15-piece horn section recorded in Cape Town with William Haubrich of the South African College of Music, after she heard a horn-heavy arrangement by Brass Against. The band describes the track as moving from anger and frustration in its first half to a theme of communal healing in its second.
The current MASHA. and the Fam lineup includes Alexis on lead vocals and keys, Pedro Aquino on guitar, Servio Maldonado on bass and Kyle Dombroski on drums, along with a rotating group of additional collaborators. The group formed in Baltimore before relocating its base to Los Angeles, and the single is out now across streaming platforms.
Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Eric Alper, thatericalper.com.