Discus

Coming from Chicago’s independent music landscape, Discus has built a reputation for thoughtful songwriting and a warm, guitar-driven sound that feels both familiar and distinctly their own. Formed by brothers Jake and Paul Stolz, the band has developed through years of collaboration, live shows, and an evolving sense of identity shaped by the city’s creative community. Discus continues to resonate with their listeners who value sincerity. In this interview, we explore their artistic process, the ideas behind their recent work. We caught up with the band for a quick interview, each band member answered in their own voice, so we’ll be using their names to show who’s speaking.

What’s the story behind the name Discus?

Jake: Right around the time we were starting the band, I had a favorite sweatshirt that used to be my grandpa’s, and it was Discus brand. Navy blue with the little emblem in the bottom right corner, very comfortable. As a bit of a family band, it felt appropriate to have our name reference a family keepsake. Plus I’ve always enjoyed how the name sounds when spoken.

How did you all first start making music together, and what clicked for you as a group?

Jake: Paul and I have been writing music together since we first picked up our guitars in the early aughts. We’ve had a few different outfits for Paul and my joint writing efforts over the years, but Discus has definitely been the longest lasting, and I guess the only as adults haha. The current lineup has been together for a few years now, I feel like we have a pretty easy flow, and while we each bring our own sensibilities we can come together to form a song pretty nicely I think.

Paul: Yeah I think I’m almost always writing with Jake in mind, knowing that he’s going to complete or fill out a sketch I’ve half fleshed out. Nick and Kevin are the ultimate rhythm section - the way they are able to click into a song and breathe life into it is a site to behold.

If you had to describe your sound to someone who’s never heard you before, what three words would you use?

Jake: Jangle pop confusion

Paul: fun guitar rock

Nick: moody but optimistic

Kevin: sexy crazy cool

What does a typical writing or recording session look like for you?

Jake: Paul or I will bring a songwriting idea or fully formed song to the group, and we’ll all hash it out together, filling out our individual parts, talking them through, performing them live, and fine-tuning from there. Recording sessions…anything goes.

Paul: definitely playing through new ideas live and feeling them in a room is key to solidifying a song. I think for the most part, we want recorded songs to reflect the live group effort we put into each idea.

Nick: Adding to what Jake and Paul said here but it’s a great feeling when we play through a new song a bunch of times and I think we can all start to feel the moment it really clicks.

What’s your favorite memory from performing live so far?

Jake: We played Real Love Summer Fest (RIP), the best fest ever, a couple years back. We had such an amazing time playing outdoors, watching Pile after we finished playing, and camping surrounded by tall prairie.

Nick: Real Love Summer Fest is an amazing memory but we also had an awesome set at a TV Station in Kalamazoo. The energy of the room was incredible.

What’s something outside of music that inspires your art?

Jake: Experimenting with video art, video feedback, and Super8 have all been super influential and go hand in hand with collaging an album. Also the isograph.

Paul: meditation and lighting

If you weren’t making music, what do you think each of you would be doing instead?

Jake: Making busted music videos most likely, printing, or making my own candles.

Paul: probably some mid level diplomatic position abroad.

Nick: Unhappily trying to work in the music industry.

Kevin: I’d probably be a trucker or I’d teach.

What’s next for Discus, any new projects, tours, or surprises we should keep an eye out for?

Jake: We’re in the process of writing our next album. We’re going to be recording at Jamdek here in Chicago with Dave Vettraino in early March! And hopefully touring in the Summer.

Our little conversation with Discus highlights a band in motion, confident in their foundation yet open to experimentation and growth. Their approach to music is measured, intentional, and rooted in an understanding of how sound can capture experience. Discus stands as a example of the talent emerging from Chicago’s indie scene. We appreciate their openness and insight, and hope this interview provides a clear view of the musicians behind the music. Their future projects will be worth following.