For over a decade, Mike Chick has been a cornerstone of the Asbury Park music scene, most notably as the driving force behind the indie rock outfit Yawn Mower. Following the 2025 release of their sophomore full-length I Just Can’t Wait To Die, Chick has been maintaining a relentless creative pace, further diversifying his portfolio with a burgeoning solo career. Having already debuted his solo project with 2024’s More Thrills, Less Hills, Chick is set to return this spring with his latest collection of tracks, titled Congarts.
A Prolific Creative Streak
The upcoming album, Congarts, is the product of a year-long, meticulous recording process. Chick notes that the album took shape in the quiet pockets of time between his other professional commitments. A notable contributor to the project is Martin Howth of A Real Human Jazz Band, who provides backing vocals across the entire record, lending a textured, collaborative feel to the solo material. The lead single, the drum-machine-steeped power-pop anthem “Tomorrow Is All A Blur,” offers a glimpse into the lo-fi aesthetic that defines this new chapter.
The Philosophy of Constant Creation
In a recent press statement, Chick shed light on his motivation for such a rapid follow-up to his previous work. For Chick, the studio is not just a workspace; it is a necessity. “I just came to the point where I wanted to be working on music all the time,” he explained. “I don’t want to take any breaks from it. If I’m not writing or recording with Yawn Mower, I want to be working on at least demos of my solo songs.” This disciplined approach to composition and production has allowed him to refine his craft, turning fleeting ideas into a cohesive, finished product.
Guided by Influences
Chick’s work ethic mirrors the legendary output of Guided By Voices, a band he clearly admires. Embracing that same spirit of prolific, homespun productivity, Chick has today unveiled two new pieces of music: the jittery, new-wave-infused original track “Atom Bomb” and a spirited cover of the Guided By Voices classic “Teenage FBI,” originally featured on their 1999 masterpiece Do The Collapse. Both tracks demonstrate Chick’s ability to blend nostalgic indie sensibilities with modern, DIY production techniques.
Congarts is slated for an official release on April 17th via Mint 400 Records.
