Brooklyn band Pretty Rude is getting ready to release their debut album Ripe on May 16 through SideOneDummy Records. The album was produced by the band, mixed by Jake Sinclair (known for working on Weezer’s White Album), and mastered by Zach Weeks at God City. It will be available digitally and as a special vinyl that can be pre-ordered now.
Today, Pretty Rude shared a new single called “Call Me, Ishmael.” The song is streaming everywhere and comes with a music video directed by Luke LeCount, featuring members of the band Carpool. "Call Me, Ishmael" first premiered on Magnet Magazine and is now live on all platforms.
Singer James Palko says the song is about the fear that comes with choosing between a stable job and continuing to chase your dreams in music. He explained that sometimes it’s tempting to give up playing music just to make life easier, but doing so can feel like giving up a part of yourself.
“Call Me, Ishmael” follows earlier singles “Things I Do” and “Debbie & Lynn,” both available now. Pretty Rude started during the early pandemic as a small project between Palko and bandmate Matt Cook. It quickly grew into a full band as they found new energy writing together.
Ripe is packed with emotional songs, smart lyrics, and musical nods to bands like early Weezer, Randy Newman, and The Beach Boys. It mixes pop-rock sounds with thoughtful writing. Even though the songs touch on big ideas like identity and change, they stay light and catchy.
Pretty Rude also adds humor to their music, inspired by writers like Jarvis Cocker and Randy Newman. Some songs, like “Debbie & Lynn,” even take ideas from poems and old stories, showing how the band ties together literature and rock.
Pretty Rude brings something refreshing to pop-rock. Their songs are emotional without being too heavy, and fun without being silly. Ripe feels real and exciting, and it shows why smart, heartfelt rock music still matters today.
Photo credit: Gustav Hein