Edmonton’s Forester returns with Young Guns, a raw and restless new EP anchored by the lead single “You Were Born.” Balancing turbulent punk energy with brooding alternative rock grit, the record captures a band looking back on their scars, mistakes, and fleeting nights with both urgency and tenderness. It’s a reflection of growth and survival – an unflinching portrait of who they were and how far they’ve come.

While “You Were Born” may be the EP’s most urgent cut, Young Guns as a whole is about much more than fighting for the light. Written and recorded across studios, apartments, and rehearsal spaces – sometimes years apart – the collection pieces together moments of clarity, pain, joy, freedom, turbulence, and regret into a raw document of becoming. “The weight of past mistakes, friendships, and fleeting nights feel a little heavier now,” pianist Keenan Gregory reflects. “Writing and releasing these songs is our way of keeping them alive just a little longer.”

• What can you share with readers about your new project?

We’ve just dropped our new EP Young Guns and it’s probably the most personal thing we’ve ever released. It’s raw and it’s restless and it’s us looking back at the chaos, the scars, and the nights that shaped us.

• How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?

All of our releases have been deeply personal, but 

Young Guns feels a little different because it comes from a place of reflection, without losing that urgent fire that’s prominent in the rest of our work. This EP tugs at your emotional heartstrings in a way the past releases haven’t. Again, lots of reflection.

• What about this single makes you most proud?

The way it was written for sure. Creating the second verse of You Were Born was one of the most enjoyable writing experiences I’ve had in this band. Wayne sent the group a fully realized idea for the song but it was missing a second verse and a bridge. Because Wayne’s idea was already solid, it was so creatively freeing to explore while trying to find the second verse. We really didn’t want to be a simple copy of verse 1 and I think we came up with something that elevates that section and propels the song along.

• Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

I think we wanted to be honest? No bullshit, no polish, just songs that sound like us. You have to be that honest before asking people to connect with something you’ve made. All we can hope is that someone out there that feels the same as us, listens and realizes that they’re not alone.

• What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

Everything. Being alive and meeting people. Experiencing life. Music is the vehicle to trying to express that experience. 

• If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Nigel Godrich. Next question.

• What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

Last song I listened to was “nineties house” by Colin Carbonera. Fav all-time? That’s another one that’s hard to say, but I’ve probably seen Alexisonfire more than any other artist.

• Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

Instagram for sure. That’s our main platform.

• I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Thanks for having me! Go listen to that Colin Carbonera song and soften your heart for a minute. Then you can go back to blastin’ our tunes.