Quells

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“Both hopeful and heartbreaking.”

— Global-Pop Mag

“The American manages to delight us with splendid guitar melodies with surf-rock tones and at the same time manages to find a veil of melancholy and explore towards ambient soundscapes.”

– Indie for Bunnies

“It’s moody, sexy, and romantic… feels like a warm hug.”

— R+mas

“With a scant handful of singles to his name, Fitzgerald is poised to captivate the global stage.”

— Indie Boulevard

Heartfelt Indie … about fear, love, and emotional healing.”

– Visualatelier8

“Indie chameleon… combines indie songwriting with surf rock, dream pop, shoegaze and ambient sounds to weave a wild sonic tapestry. The esoteric lyrics convey timeless symbols and Jungian archetypes that ride cascading sound waves.”

— Indie Italia

Yes we all need escapism in our lives and today it is supplied by Detroit’s Quells. If woozy theatrics are your want, here's an opportunity to consume them liberally.”

– MP3 Hugger

“Adam Fitzgerald records a blend of indie rock, shoegaze, and dream pop under the moniker of Quells”

– WDET (Detroit’s NPR)

“‘Quells features a blend of groovy dream pop, shoegaze, and surf rock, with haunted flourishes that tap into a sense of melancholy.”

– We All Want Someone to Shout For

Quells is the project of singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Adam Fitzgerald of Shady Groves, The Kodaks, Moon Lake and Ojala. From Detroit, formerly based in Edinburgh & Colorado.

Diving into the eclectic realms of ambient indie, dreamy shoegaze, dance rock, folk pop, and beyond, Quells aspires to the limitless nature of genre-hopping visionaries such as Bent, Washed Out, Devendra Banhart, or Broken Social Scene.

Fitzgerald’s music is a tapestry woven with threads of post-punk energy, R&B soul, elemental spaciness, and jazz intricacy. Echoing the experimental spirit of The Velvet Underground while blending the hypnotic rhythms of MGMT with the introspective depth of Beach Fossils and Slowdive, Quells creates soundscapes that are both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Exploring themes of life, love, and the poignant whispers of loss, Fitzgerald’s songs are journeys through existential musings, esoterica, romance, and death. Quells’ artistry goes beyond mere melody; it's a call to empathy, a bridge to connect with others in shared human experience. Every track is an invitation to explore the depths of consciousness and the beauty of understanding. For listeners who seek to feel, question, and connect, Quells’ music is an odyssey into the heart of what it means to be human.

Press Quotes on Quells:

“The American manages to delight us with splendid guitar melodies with surf-rock tones and at the same time manages to find a veil of melancholy and explore towards ambient soundscapes.”

– Indie for Bunnies

“Its moody, sexy, and romantic personality captivates listeners thanks to the overwhelming expressiveness that emerges from the interpretation of each instrument and each element that makes up this track, all of which interact fluidly to construct and develop a dynamic, accessible, and friendly musical narrative, always emanating emotions, but above all, fostering a reflection on death.”

– R+Mas

“There is a lush and dreamy indie rock nature that harnesses the backbone of 80s new wave classics with elements of the ultra smooth summer-laden vibes of chillwave tracks that took blogs like this by storm during the 2010s.”
– We All Want Someone to Shout For

“There is a bit of a funk, psychedelically produced it must be said and with singer Adam Fitzgerald floating off in the distance it is clear that Quells have something different going on. In short they appear to have at their disposal a cache of cool which manifests itself in drifts of sound that one could quite easily get lost in. I am certainly ok with all of that because we’re running short of bands who imbue cool detachment without forgetting the kernel of a great song.”
– MP3 Hugger

““Pale Moonlight” is the new work from this indie chameleon, recorded in Los Angeles and released through Underflow Records. A death ode unintentionally released shortly after Fitzgerald’s mother died of ALS, Pale Moonlight combines indie songwriting with surf rock, dream pop, shoegaze and ambient sounds to weave a wild sonic tapestry. The esoteric lyrics convey timeless symbols and Jungian archetypes that ride cascading sound waves. This track follows “Smoke Dance” as the second new single.”

– Indie Italia

“With an immersive atmosphere, "Pale Moonlight" reveals itself to be extremely rich in textures and melodies, with a soundscape that is both intricate and fluid, vibrant and intimate, ethereal but also very warm and comforting. The harmonies shine throughout the song, courtesy of a luminous guitar line, the rhythm section gains an unmistakable swing with the relaxed bass, and the chorus is an absolutely delightful moment, with a vibrant and hopeful energy. In a perfect interweaving and complement, the vocal arrangements come to us softly, bringing an (even more) dreamy dimension to the composition, while at the same time offering us encouragement.

"Pale Moonlight" is a song that is both dense and light, emotional and moving, ideal for setting the music for moments of introspection and pure relaxation. And it is to listen to whenever we need to let our minds clear and take a deep breath.”

– Phonograph Me

“With a scant handful of singles to his name, Fitzgerald is poised to captivate the global stage with his latest single, “Pale Moonlight.”

In a realm where mere mortals tread lightly, Fitzgerald crafts guitar melodies that echo the surf-rock tones of yesteryear, all while delicately weaving a narrative of melancholy that ventures into the ambient realms of sonic landscapes.”

– Indie Boulevard

“‘Quells features a blend of groovy dream pop, shoegaze, and surf rock, with haunted flourishes in its production that taps into a sense of melancholy.”

– We All Want Someone to Shout For

“...the track (“Pale Moonlight”) hits us on Quells’ ability to blend indie singer-songwriting with elements of surf rock, dream pop, shoegaze, and ambient sounds. Despite its melancholic undertones, the track exudes a contagious positivity, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in its lush instrumentation and ethereal vocals. From the hauntingly beautiful basslines to the mesmerizing synths and captivating lyrics, every element of the song contributes to its enchanting allure.”

– Where the Music Meets

“... manages to make you feel under a dense, warm mist that adapts perfectly to each tone, creating a pleasant soundscape.”

– ZoneNights

“Oh so tropical… on that psychedelic laden approach … makes for a swell of sound that is utterly immersive on headphones to a degree that come the end, it felt like we were traipsing through the “‘Ice Temple” ourselves. Yes we all need escapism in our lives and today it is supplied by Detroit’s Quells. If woozy theatrics are your want, here's an opportunity to consume them liberally.”

– MP3 Hugger

“Adam Fitzgerald records a blend of indie rock, shoegaze, and dream pop under the moniker of Quells”

– WDET (Detroit’s NPR)

“... offers a warm sound, driven by robust drums complemented by the brilliance of the guitars. Without a doubt, the emotional journey is guided by a deep, smooth, and highly expressive vocal performance, which conveys strength and warmth from the first seconds. The narrative values ​​love as the element that sustains people despite suffering profound pain, such as the loss of a loved one. All of this unfolds within a catchy and engaging identity, exploring styles such as Indie Rock, Indie Pop, and Alternative Rock. Despite its energy and strength, this song feels like a warm hug.”

– R+Mas

“Heartfelt Indie … about fear, love, and emotional healing.”

– Visualatelier8

“Energetic rhythms intertwine with melancholic melodies, creating an atmosphere that is both hopeful and heartbreaking. The song is a testament to QUELLS’ artistic growth and a promise of what’s to come.”

– Global Pop Magazine

“an eclectic instrumentation journey … filled with moments of reflection and joy through the music arrangements… production within this song makes it feel addicting to the listener… couldn’t help but keep listening and discovering new moments each time… a wonderfully cohesive experience.”

– Music Fashion Blog

“Mixes various musical genres such as indie R&B, dance rock and chillwave, creating a perfect fusion of sounds that explores themes such as healing and the pain that true love can bring.

Quells is known for his melancholic and introspective style, with a distinctive indie guitar, while Pesky Kid adds a lighter and more danceable touch with his indie dance style. The combination of the two is reminiscent of collaborations between artists such as Toro y Moi and Unknown Mortal Orchestra or Tame Impala and Gorillaz, and Real Love stands out for its catchy riffs, verses that stick in your head and choruses that inspire repeat listens. The song, with its dreamy and engaging atmospheres, is a perfect example of how indie music can push the boundaries of genres, creating something unique and modern.

– Indie Italia 

With "Real Love," Pesky Kid and Quells don't just navigate genres; they redefine them, creating a space where indie pop meets the dance floor, while exploring the depths of real love. The track is both a celebration of love and a meditation on its complexity, offering listeners an experience that is both danceable and deeply reflective.”

— Extrava French

“Before you know it, you'll be humming its melody.”
— ZoneNights

“... bursts out of the speakers with groovy funky instrumentation and a hazy set of of vocals that cast a dreamy shadow full of lush vocals and production that calls to mind early 2010s indie darlings…”

– We All Want Someone to Shout For

PRESS:

WDET Detroit 101.9 FM – MI Local: Spotlight on Underflow Records

We All Want Someone to Shout For – Quells – “Ice Temple”

ZoneNights (Argentina) – Pesky Kid ft. Quells – Real Love [Video]

ExtravaFrench – “Real Love” : Une Alchimie Musicale Par Pesky Kid Et Quells

We All Want Someone to Shout For – Pesky Kid x Quells – “Real Love”

Indie Italia – Pesky Kid x Quells "Real Love" - Sognante e coinvolgente

Music & Fashion Blog – “Ice Temple” by Quells

Global Pop Magazine – QUELLS / “Ice Temple” (NUEVA CANCIÓN)

Visual Atelier 8 – Quells: “Lucky #7”

R+mas – Quells presenta el sencillo «Lucky #7» (EE.UU)

MP3 Hugger - Tropical Wooziness - Quells “Ice Temple”

ZoneNights (Argentina) - Quells “Ice Temple” Video

Where The Music Meets - Quells “Pale Moonlight”

We All Want Someone to Shout For - Quells “Pale Moonlight”

Indie Boulevard - QUELLS INTERVIEW

Phonograph Me - Quells “Pale Moonlight”

Indie Italia - Quells “Pale Moonlight”

MP3 Hugger - Indie Allure - Quells “Pale Moonlight”

We All Want Someone to Shout For - Quells “Smoke Dance”

R+mas - Quells presenta el sencillo «Pale Moonlight» (EE.UU)

Indie For Bunnies - Quells “Pale Moonlight”

Puddlegum - Shady Groves “Smoulder” Video

Warmer Climes Mixtape

Adam Fitzgerald is a writer, DJ, and musician from Michigan. Born and raised outside of Flint, Fitzgerald has also lived in Nashville, then Detroit for many years before relocating to Edinburgh, Scotland. After returning to the US from the UK, Fitzgerald landed temporarily in Traverse City, Michigan before relocating again to Denver, Colorado. Adam has worked as a teacher, a copywriter, an editor and a journalist. He is the founder of Underflow Records, a cofounder of the underground independent arts festival Whateverfest in Detroit and also a founding member and singer-songwriter of indie “genre chameleons” Shady Groves. He has produced music with several different projects and artists over the years, including The Kodaks, Moon Lake and Ojala. A plant-based entrepreneur, Fitzgerald shares his passion for art, education and cats with the world through his writing and teaching.