Geese: Rockstars on the Rise
It seems that every year, there is once again a rise in anti-algorithm sentiment. Replacing screens with physical media, ignoring mainstream content with the intention of finding something unique. The search for some new form of art to admire, therefore, distinguishing themselves from everyone else. With regards to music specifically, new sounds are all the rage.
But music counterculture is not at all new. In the 1950s, jazz music as a form of civil war protest grew. Dating back to the 1960s, Bob Dylan and Joan Baez entered the folk scene. The 1970s experimented with psychedelic rock, and the growth of punk in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, it’s harder to place music counterculture now. New music comes so frequently and easily. On top of that, social media spreads its “underground” artists like wildfires. Although, one band is taking the stage pretty significantly today, and that band is Geese.
Geese, the up and coming indie rock band, is shaping counter-culture sound once again. The band formed in 2016, when its members, Dominic DiGesu, Cameron Winter, Max Bassin, and Emily Green were still in High School. The teenagers began recording songs in Bassin's basement, never really expecting anything huge to come from it. Eventually, they were signed by Partisan Records in 2021 and released two albums, Projector and 3D Country. Both releases brought in more and more of a cult following.
Geese went on to perform on Stephen Colbert, headlined for Greta Van Fleet, and made their mark on the indie world. Fans deeply appreciate the music, calling it refreshing or “mind-altering” (in a good way, of course). Geese has also been named Gen Z’s first great rock band by several sources.
Now, let’s talk about lead vocalist and songwriter, Cameron Winter. Winter has been capturing an audience to follow along on his music journey since the release of his solo album, Heavy Metal, in December 2024. His top song Love Takes Miles now has almost 19 million listens. His poetic lyricism and distinctive voice are no longer being overlooked. At just 23, Winter’s talent leaves fans in awe. Some people named him an “icon in the making” and admire his unique vocal delivery. When you combine his strong vocals with the experimental sound of Geese, we’ve got the next big heavy metal band around the corner. In an interview with Out+Back (a substack newsletter), Winter claims he and the band are trying to fight perfection with “unapproachable vocals.”
Geese’s music has sparked a lot of discourse from devoted fans and critics. People have taken to the internet claiming Getting Killed (their newest release) is “ear-splintering”, and some people try but just can’t get into it. Even when Winter was showing his solo album to friends and family, his father said, “Do whatever you want. But you may find out why people don’t just do whatever they want.” Audiences and Cameron’s dad alike all have their doubts. However, countless listeners stay very loyal, posting on social media “greatest songs of the century,” or comparing Geese to widely successful bands such as Radiohead or The Strokes. Some fans even express disliking their rise in popularity, in an attempt to gatekeep the band.
I think Winter’s approach is inspiring to many. Rather than chasing universal appeal, he embraces abrasive sounds, and fearlessly conveys emotion in his voice. He brings a sense of comfort in accepting the unaccepted approaches.
To conclude, Geese is coming in hot, and I predict they'll only get bigger with time. They just recently appeared as the musical guests on SNL, celebrities such as Cillian Murphy and Jack Black are discussing their admiration for Geese, and their newest album Getting Killed is racking in over 10 million streams. Cameron Winter has a new song coming for the HELP(2) album on March 6th, along with other artists in support of War Child’s work. With all that being said, I think Geese is worth a couple more listens from skeptical viewers; you never know when a certain new sound could start to grow on you.