Manhattan's Woodridge Unveils Second Album, "Your End of the Bargain"

Woodridge sits down with Cadence Brier in Studio E at Wildcat 91.9 for an in-depth interview about their new album and creative process.

Full Woodridge InterviewHosted by Cadence Brier

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MANHATTAN, KS — Local alternative rock band Woodridge is back on Wildcat 91.9, sitting down with Cadence Brier to discuss their second album release, “Your End of the Bargain,” a project that was a long time in the making. According to the band, the album took over three years to complete, with most of the songs being written about two years ago. The current lineup, which has been together for about two years, includes members Justin, Ben, Paul, and Joey. 

The album's creation was a grassroots effort, with the band recording in a studio located in the basement of McCain Hall and working with producer Jackson Reyes, whom they've known since high school. The band describes the process as a long but ultimately rewarding battle of recording, editing, and producing. They even had to scrap their first few attempts at recording the album because they weren't happy with the sound. 

 

The Stories Behind the Songs 

The band members describe their sound as alternative rock with influences from a range of artists, including Nirvana and the Lumineers. Lead songwriter Justin writes the core songs—the chord progressions and lyrics—while the other members contribute their own parts. 

The album features a series of unique and sometimes interconnected song titles, including "Johnny Kaw" and "Juneberry (Lainey Kaw)," which are tied to local Manhattan scenery and a friend's relationship. The song "Wallace" was a collaboration with a friend, Peter Wallace, who wrote all the lyrics based on personal experiences, including past relationships and a gap year spent plumbing. 

The album's title, "Your End of the Bargain," is inspired by the idea that a relationship is a deal. As Justin explains, the songs often explore the "toxic cycles" within relationships and the act of placing blame on the other person for not holding up their end of the bargain. 

 

Looking Ahead 

Now that the album is out and the band has received positive feedback from the local community, they are already looking to the future. They revealed they have a number of unreleased original songs that they often play at live shows but have not yet recorded. 

When asked about their favorite live performance, the band mentioned playing at City Park during the "Arts in the Park" event and opening for another band, Wilderness, at the K-State Union, both of which had great sound. 

Fans can find “Your End of the Bargain” on all streaming platforms by searching for Woodridge. The band’s Instagram, where they announce upcoming shows, is @woodridge.mhk.

Live recordings of some of their unreleased songs can also be found on their YouTube channel.