Recently Ehren Thomas, the lead vocalist of Weekend Picnic, asked me if I would listen to the band’s self-titled Weekend Picnic album and critique it. I was happy to do it. I’ve been following and listening to this Minnesota rock band’s unique music for quite a while, so I thought this would be awesome. Making it even cooler was that Ehren offered to send me the .wav files of the songs, which provide a much better sound quality. I really appreciated that the band allowed me to listen to their music this way. Everything was so crystal clear. I could really hear all of the intricate details of the music and Ehren’s wonderful vocals.
The Weekend Picnic lineup includes: Ehren; Ben Valle (rhythm guitar); Patrick Bangasser (lead guitar); and Drew Morrisette (drums). The band was founded by Ben Valle in early 2019. At that time, the band still did not have a name yet. Drew was the original drummer. Ehren and Patrick were added later that year. All of the current band members were involved in the completion and recording of the self-titled Weekend Picnic album.
As for the band’s name, it was created by the original lead guitarist, and it came to him in a dream. The initial reaction included some laughs, but eventually it just felt right. As Ben says, “Weekend Picnic is not your typical angsty and edgy hard rock band. We’re a chill group of guys with a sense of humor. It’s fun to have a name that reflects our personality more than what the industry expects.”
Most, if not all, instrumental components of Weekend Picnic songs are written and recorded on a live stream. Ben used to do #CreativeSunday streams on his Twitch channel – he would sit down to write and record whatever came to him. This music would span any genre or style, but the best tracks were often hard rock. One day after a live stream when he wrote “Believe In Me” he decided that this music needed an outlet to be performed. That set the stage for the creation of Weekend Picnic – both the band and the album.
Musical elements of Weekend Picnic songs are mostly written by Ben. He offers an extensive pedigree of instrumental composition. Drew and Patrick always add their personal touch and feel to the music as well, to truly bring it to life. Ehren compliments Ben’s musicality as the lyricist. He takes the music and melodies and writes from his heart. Ehren and Ben often work together to align the feel and texture of a song, and then Ehren will take the notes to write a story, an anthem, or a piece of poetry that speaks about a given theme or situation to a wide audience.
The Weekend Picnic album was produced by Ian Combs at River Rock Studios. Ian is a musical engineering juggernaut in the local rock scene and was an instrumental component in bringing the band’s vision to life. For a new band trying to break into the scene, the members of Weekend Picnic learned and grew a ton working with him. The band gives special thanks to their families for their constant support and to their friends for always encouraging them. They are also extremely grateful to anyone who has checked out their music and attended their shows. This band is extremely passionate about their music. They truly believe that music can impact lives profoundly, and their fans enable them to continue to do just that. Their support means everything.
Listening to Weekend Picnic music is a very emotional thing. What do I mean by that? Let’s see if I can explain it with an example of a recent morning as I was on my way to work. I had the Weekend Picnic album playing in my car via my Bluetooth and I was literally in tears as I was driving. The work this band creates takes me to another place. The melodies, Ehren’s singing, the variety of the music from soft to heavy, the relatable themes – it’s all amazing and ethereal. This is one of the most beautiful things about music – when it conjures up a range of emotions that shake your soul to the core.
Weekend Picnic’s music is so interesting and complex. It incorporates electronic and keyboard elements, stellar guitar-playing, and the dynamic rhythm of the drums. Ehren’s vocal range is remarkable. It can easily transition from soft to powerful, and there are some hard vocals by lead guitarist Patrick sprinkled in for emphasis. One of the songs on the Weekend Picnic album, “Initials On A Tree”, even features full strings, which is absolutely breathtaking. No Weekend Picnic song sounds the same as the others, which makes listening to their music so intriguing.
Something I love about Weekend Picnic songs is that they incorporate many relatable themes and messages. There are some songs on the album that really struck a chord with me, and I want to highlight them.
“Believe In Me” is a song about overcoming trauma and rising above it to become a light for those who are broken. The lyrics in the bridge reflect triumph:
“See me
Seated in victory
Hear me
This is the reckoning”
“Suffer The Silence” reflects on self-doubt, and thinking you’re not good enough for someone who seems to be very pure and angelic. Part of the chorus lyrics speak to the acceptance of defeat:
“I know that you
Are better off walking away
I’ll be okay”
“Remember October” tells the story of someone who is in a toxic relationship, but is always coming back for more because they find something redeeming in the other person. In the end, the subject realizes they’re better off closing the book on the relationship because all that other person does is cause them pain. This is summed up in the bridge:
“And my fall from grace
Is my rising pain
When I think I’m done
You manipulate
I’ll close the book
The end is wrong
Here
I don’t belong”
“Not The Same” is about domestic abuse. It is written from the point of view of a domestic abuse survivor. This theme is incorporated in lyrics throughout the song with lines such as “You lost your way”, “We’re not the same”, “I’m not ok”, “The price is paid”, and “Forget my face”.
“Initials On A Tree” Is an emotional story of a loved one who needs a transplant surgery to survive. You remember how much you love them and everything they do for the world, so in the end you volunteer for the transplant. Something goes wrong in your surgery, and you die. The other person, however, lives on with a part of you and your sacrifice inside of them keeping them alive. Some of the lines that stand out include “Something you need I have in me”; “And you saved me/In ways I can’t describe/In return this is a small sacrifice”; “Not everything goes exactly to the plan/But I promised to protect you until the end”; “I gave you my life/’Cause I still held you to that promise made/Like initials on a tree”; and, finally, the very last line of the song which tugs at the heartstrings – “You’ll always have a part of me”.
Weekend Picnic is working on new music, so be on the lookout for that. Upcoming shows include Throw The Fight’s album release party Friday, June 3oth at Amsterdam Bar & Hall in St. Paul, Minnesota, and Rock Fest 2023 in Cadott, Wisconsin Thursday, July 13th. You can find Weekend Picnic on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and the band’s website.
Weekend Picnic album track listing
Believe In Me
Suffer The Silence
Lies
Savages
Plastic Entourage
Remember October
Great Escape
Before Your Time
Alone
Not The Same
Initials On A Tree
The Answer
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