Los Angeles indie-rock quintet Common People is set to make waves with their new single, “Propaganda,” out now via Parallel Vision/Big Loud Rock. Since forming in a Southern California basement, the band—Nicky Winegardner (vocals, guitar), Sam Belzer (guitar), Asher Thomsen (guitar), Konrad Ulich (bass, vocals), and Cormac Cadden (drums)—have built early buzz with their breakout debut “Thank You” and an electrifying live set at Cage The Elephant’s Lollapalooza official aftershow.
“The advent of the internet age has allowed us to dictate how people perceive us in a way that humans haven’t been able to before,” says Nicky Winegardner. “Our perceptions of others often form from the way they present themselves or are presented by others on social media or on TV. Discernment of the truth is fading. Everyone has their own Propaganda.”
Co-written with Cage The Elephant’s Matt Shultz, “Propaganda” came together in the studio almost by accident. “We were in the studio cutting vocals for the Cage record. Nicky swung by to say ‘hey’ and we just started writing for the fun of it. Quickly became one of those instantaneous songs that kind of effortlessly flows out of you. Catchy, vibey, everything we could have hoped for,” says Shultz.
“One of the things that stood out to us at Parallel Vision when we signed Common People was their sonic creativity,” adds Brad Shultz from Cage The Elephant, who also produced the track. “They’re so open to experimenting, and it’s really inspiring to work with a band that’s intentional and so willing to push the boundaries of what a rock band can sound like.”
Today, Common People is premiering “Propaganda”—a sharp, sun-soaked indie rock track exploring the distortions behind how we see each other in today’s world. With instantly catchy hooks, punchy riffs, and a fusion of garage energy, DIY indie spirit, and swirling psych influences, the song delivers a vivid, energetic take on the illusions of modern perception.
Check out the video below.
Photo credit: Kate Lamendola
