Hamilton, Ontario baroque-pop quartet Superstar Crush share their latest single, “They Keep Calling,” a bombastic power ballad rooted in female rage, emotional exhaustion, and mutual care. Tugging at the threads of pop rock melodrama, the track is the latest preview of their debut album, Way Too Much, due August 5th, and a vivid portrait of creative camaraderie and burnout survival.
Written from the perspective of lead singer Marzieh Darling – by her partner and bandmate Sam Hansell – “They Keep Calling” is a love letter in reverse: one that says “I see you,” when no one else does. Inspired by the overwhelming sense of obligation she carried as a confidant, friend, and university Resident Advisor, the song chronicles a descent into psychic static, with Marzieh as its electrified centre. “I didn’t really know how to help,” says Sam. “So I wrote a scenario where she finally stands up and asks to be heard.”
The song’s unique production – equal parts polished and chaotic – came from a delirious overnight session at their old middle school. Sam and drummer Truaxe Fox set up a DIY studio in the forest-fringed building and tracked into the early hours, chasing ideas with semi-filled wine glasses and sleepless abandon. The next morning, bassist Chloe Butler-Stubbs and Marzieh arrived to add their voices, turning the sonic mess into something crystalline. “Our friend Lenny McGowan (Irresponsible Purchase) dropped by for coffee,” says Truaxe. “We ended up asking them to record a dream tap dance solo which you can hear at the very end of the track.”
Lyrically desperate and sonically layered, “They Keep Calling” is a Frankenstein of references: tremolo vocals à la Capital Steez, Motels-tight drums, Mike Dean synths, and Bangles-style string drama courtesy of violinist Helen Faucher. It’s a song stitched together by mutual admiration, inside jokes, and deeply felt emotion. “A lot of our songs are like that – inspired by each other,” says the band.
Formed in Hamilton and raised in basement parties and club shows across Ontario, Superstar Crush are a four-piece pop group with a punchy heart and a poet’s soul. Taking cues from Blondie, Pulp, and Arcade Fire, their music blends indie rock energy with baroque-pop flourishes, heartfelt lyrics, and a danceable sense of fun.
After debuting as the house band for a high school social justice coffeehouse series, the group – Marzieh Darling (vocals), Sam Hansell (guitar/vocals), Chloe Butler-Stubbs (bass/vocals), and Truaxe Fox (drums/vocals) – quickly became hometown heroes. Their chaotic live shows, tender lyrics, and stylish stage presence built a loyal following of teenagers, 20-somethings, and semi-employed romantics.
Superstar Crush‘s 2024 EP, Crushed to Meet You, was recorded in their former grade school, and their upcoming full-length was produced by Tyler Kyte in Toronto. Over the past year, they’ve sold out hometown venues, won Hamilton’s Battle of the Bands, played Supercrawl, and charmed crowds across central Canada.
As “They Keep Calling” continues blazing the trail toward Way Too Much, Superstar Crush are ready to share more sonic melodrama, emotional fireworks, and friendship-fuelled anthems with a wider audience.
SUPERSTAR CRUSH ONTARIO TOUR DATES:
June 27th & 28th, Mill’s Hardware, Hamilton
July 13th, Montreal
July 16th, Honey Dip, London
July 17th, Maud’s Variety, Sarnia
July 18th, Kalamazoo, Michigan
July 19th, Rewind, Grand Rapids, Michigan
July 24th, Hard Luck Bar, Toronto
July 25th, Niagara Arts Centre, Niagara Falls
August 8th, The Rainbow Bistro, Ottawa
August 9th, Casa Del Popolo, Montreal
August 15th, Brandi’s Kitchen & Bar, Brantford
August 21th, Poacher’s Arms, London
September 20th, Atria Bar, Oshawa
