Why Not

Why Not

Why Not is a Minneapolis trio made up of Henry Breen, Isaac Dell and Joshua MacGregor. The three musicians meet in a middle school music class at Great River School in St. Paul, Minnesota, and form the band in early 2016, when Breen and MacGregor attend the St. Paul Conservatory of Performing Artists and Dell continues at Great River.

The group releases its first album and books its first tour before any of the members can drive, with Isaac Dell’s father, Irve, providing transport to shows. The band’s name is also used as a self-titled statement of intent, reflecting the uncertainty and change in the members’ lives as well as the pleasure they take in making music together.

Recording and development

Why Not is born during retreats to Dell’s family farm in Viroqua, Wisconsin, in early 2020. With no cell service, the band works in the living room, demoing songs, reading books and walking around the property. Ideas are developed through many versions, with the original demos gradually expanded into finished songs over time.

For the recording, the band works with Minneapolis producer Caleb Hinz, MacGregor’s brother, who has also worked with Hippo Campus, Samia and Miloe. Tracking is completed over a couple of weeks, spread across eight months.

Sound and style

The band is associated with indie pop, hardcore, synthpop and alternative music, and its work is described as genre-fluid.