California Hardcore is in full swing in 2025. Today, we're focusing some love on Ursula, a ripping group with roots in the Apple Valley region of the Golden State.
After three EPs, and some lineup changes, Ursula has teamed up once again with Indecision Records. This time out, they went into Buzzbomb Studios with Paul Miner in Orange County, California to produce their forthcoming debut album, I Don't Like Anything.
The 12-song collection isn't out til next month, but Ursula have just dropped its first single, a relentless track called "Watch Out," which you can watch its music video below. The LP also serves as the recording debut of the band's current rhythm section: drummer Matt Kearney (No Plan, Bayonet) and bassist Nate Evans (Skullcrack, Step by Step).
I reached out to founding vocalist Whitney Marshall and guitarist Jesse Contreras (also both in No Plan) to get the skinny on I Don't Like Anything.
There have been a bunch of lineup changes in the band, with the exception of the two of you. What factors have contributed to the volatility in the regard?
(Jesse Contreras, guitar): I think that keeping a band going for a long time with all original members can be challenging and it takes a lot of hard work, communication, and compromise for that to happen. Differences in availability, personalities, location, conflict resolution skills, and personal/life goals will make longevity a challenge in keeping a band together. We’re very fortunate to have had plenty of opportunities to grow as people, regroup, learn from mistakes, and continue to write/release music and play shows.
Our current lineup is spread throughout four different counties within Southern California so it’s as important as ever for us to communicate frequently and ensure that we can thoughtfully schedule things out without causing complications in anyone’s life. The way the band operates in the present day is almost entirely different than how it operated in earlier years.
(Whitney Marshall, vocals): As Jesse said, it’s a challenge. The biggest obstacle seems to be the geographical locations of each member of Urusla. It’s overwhelming at first, but we find something that works for all of us and try to keep it consistent. That’s really the only way we can keep going. It also helps having the cooperation and understanding from each other; our schedules and lifestyles, plus three of us are newer parents, which made our focus veer a bit... so yeah, we just make it work because we want it to work.
What can you tell me about the song “Watch Out” and its lyrics? There’s a line in it that stands out to me: "it’s expected of me to have a message… all i know is that it’s null.”
(Whitney): “Watch Out”... to sum it up, it’s a jumble of my feelings and view of the world. I observe patterns and behaviors... the unawareness of others’ causes this cycle of madness.
The incomprehensible acts against others, especially based on religion. The same shit, over and over again. And it’s hard not to feel helpless or hopeless... and that no matter what I say, it isn’t really going to change the world... I don’t know, I try to live by example, I guess, because actions speak louder than words.
Now that the rhythm section of Nate and Matt are part of the band, what would you say is different about Ursula today versus the earliest material? What do they bring to the table?
(Jesse): I think that the contributions of Matt and Nate draw us more towards the sound and energy of the earlier material (referring to the Meet Is Murder era). Not only is Matt a super aggressive and fast drummer, he also helped with contributing guitar parts to the record and that made a huge difference in how “I don’t like anything” formed.
Anyone that knows Nate knows that he brings a really good energy into any room he enters and It’s ridiculously fun making music with him. Nate’s incredibly talented, has a very precise ear, and always has a way of lightening the mood when things are starting to get stressful or overwhelming.
(Whitney): This is something that Jesse and I have discussed and we couldn’t be more pleased with the current lineup. The flavors that Nate and Matt bring are the tastes we enjoy, hah. Not just musically, but their personalities as well. Matt and I play in two bands together (No Plan), and I would say he is the secret weapon.
Nate is literal sunshine. He is precise and his musical knowledge is extensive. It’s really good to have them. And I agree, it also gives me the same energy from our Meet Is Murder days. I think we work better under pressure, too? Whereas, the longer we work on something, the less stoked we seem on it. At least, that is what I have observed.
What’s on the agenda for Ursula this year outside of the album coming out? How much time can you commit to the road?
(Jesse): Over the years our lives have gotten much busier, but I think that it’s safe to say that our band will be more focused on doing weekend runs over long stretches of touring. I think we would discuss the possibilities of international opportunities when those opportunities arise but for the most part, we’re going to have fun with this and do our best to get our music out to as many ears and communities as possible.
(Whitney): It would be nice if we can make it to Chile!
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I Don't Like Anything will be out on April 4th via Indecision Records.
Ursula on social media: Instagram
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