Ian Shelton has always been known for his lightning-fast mind, but lately, it seems like the world is finally catching up to his pace. When a band experiences the whirlwind year that Militarie Gun just had, things tend to escalate quickly. Even for someone who thrives on the constant urge to create, like Shelton, the breakout success sparked by their debut album, “Life Under the Gun,” has been overwhelming. “It’s hard to fully grasp the magnitude of it all at this point,” Shelton admits.
In just the past few months, Militarie Gun has been on the road, opening for the equally hyped Bay Area hardcore band Scowl, collaborating with Hattiesburg synth-punks MSPAINT, and even found themselves partying backstage with Post Malone. They’ve had Anthony Green join them onstage during a cruise ship performance hosted by Coheed and Cambria, and received a nod from indie-rock legend Bob Mould ahead of a show in Berkeley. “It’s been a whirlwind of events,” Shelton remarks, downplaying the chaos with typical understatement. Moments of respite have been scarce, but as soon as our conversation ends, Shelton plans to escape Los Angeles with his girlfriend for a brief retreat to a coastal town. However, relaxation is fleeting as the looming European tour alongside Spiritual Cramp and Gumm approaches. “It’s like trying to squeeze normalcy into a tiny window, which feels inherently abnormal,” he reflects. “We’re essentially pretending to unwind for a handful of days.”
Yet, amidst the punishing schedule and chaotic pace, there’s a sense of fulfillment in seeing their plan come together. Militarie Gun began to gain traction during the pandemic, with Shelton crafting songs solo in his rehearsal space. The unexpected blend of noise-rock textures and melodic hooks in their debut release, “My Life is Over,” caught listeners off guard, particularly those familiar with Shelton’s heavier work in Regional Justice Center. Encouraged by the enthusiastic response from friends to his demos, Shelton knew he was onto something special. Thus began the rapid transformation of Militarie Gun from a solo project to a full-fledged band. With a lineup solidified, they embarked on their first tour in late 2021, having already released the EP “All Roads Lead to the Gun.” The subsequent reissue by Loma Vista and signing with Roc Nation marked significant milestones, alongside the unexpected placement of their single “Pressure Cooker” in a Taco Bell advertisement.
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