Q&A: The Props Make a Bold Debut With ‘Arrow’
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY FAITH LUEVANOS ☆
LA-BASED INDIE ROCKERS THE PROPS MADE A STRONG IMPRESSION—with the release of their debut EP, Arrow. Inspired by a vast range of artists, including The Cure, Viagra Boys and The Beach Boys, the four-piece band is quickly on the rise. Originally formed in 2023, the band consists of Nick Ruiz (vocals), Dawson Kroeger (guitar), Sam Edelman (drums), and Jersey Sullivan (bass).
Each track on Arrow feels authentic to the band and their genre, blending memorable guitar riffs, honest lyricism, pulsing bass and heavy drums to create a truly memorable EP. Ruiz shares, “We’re pretty direct. We want people to get what they need from us. Everything feels so loud and extreme all the time—it’s easy for things to get confused. We try to be clear where it counts.”
The Props will be celebrating the release of Arrow at their free EP release show on April 15 at The Virgil in Los Angeles. Before their big night, The Luna Collective sat down with Ruiz and Kroeger to dive deeper into the making of Arrow. Read the full interview below.
LUNA: How did the band form?
KROEGER: It all started when Nick wanted to start a new project. He got put in touch with Jersey and Sam, whom I had been playing with already for a few years… It was a perfect fit.
LUNA: Your sound pulls from new wave and post-punk influences. What artists/bands have been some musical sources of inspiration?
KROEGER: Fontaines D.C., Big Thief, Quarters, Thee Oh Sees, The Beach Boys, The Marias, Snõõper, Viagra Boys, UMO and Been Stellar, to name a few.
RUIZ: Joy Division, The Smiths and The Cure come to mind… The Holy Trinity.
LUNA: As the band continues to pick up momentum, what are some of the key DIY aspects that you continue to hold onto?
KROEGER: Writing, recording and demoing everything at home is something we will never stop doing. Also, free shows at random DIY spots are always a blast and are usually more fun.
LUNA: You have a show coming up at The Virgil in April. What does a The Props show look like?
RUIZ: We're pretty intense. We like to think it's a good time. You'll have to come and see for yourself.
LUNA: Through your new EP Arrow, what are you hoping to convey to listeners?
RUIZ: That we have something to offer you won't find anywhere else, and we're just getting started. Just wait until what's next.
LUNA: Was there anything surprising or unexpected that you learned about yourselves while making this EP?
KROEGER: We are a real team whose silly little ideas and songs in our heads can actually materialize into a finished product.
LUNA: What song are you most looking forward to performing live?
KROEGER: Definitely “Arrow” and “Hexes and Ghosts.” “Arrow” is such a fun song to play live, I can make some loud sounds. And “Hexes and Ghosts” is such a journey of a song, I can really feel what the music is saying.
LUNA: Any final messages for fans and new listeners?
RUIZ: Thanks for hearing us out. There's more to come.
