TV LOVE by FRENCH INHALER (Interview 2026)

Edition Fifty – Week Fifty; Unit 2:

Written by: Mercedes Barreto

Introduction

Emerging from Chicago’s vibrant underground music scene, French Inhaler is a band that captures the restless spirit of post-punk and indie rock with remarkable confidence. Their music pairs shimmering guitars, driving rhythms, and atmospheric textures with introspective lyricism, creating songs that feel equally cinematic and deeply personal. While still in the early stages of their journey, the band’s growing catalog demonstrates a clear artistic vision built on raw emotion and memorable songwriting. With releases like their recent demo, French Inhaler embraces a DIY ethos while showcasing a sound that balances urgency with melody. Their recordings hint at a band unafraid to experiment, yet committed to crafting songs that resonate long after the final chord. As they continue to evolve, French Inhaler is steadily establishing themselves as one of Chicago’s promising new independent acts.

Short Review

French Inhaler’s music thrives on atmosphere without sacrificing energy. Their songs weave together jangling guitars, pulsating rhythms, and expressive vocals into a sound that recalls the best elements of classic post-punk and modern indie rock while maintaining a personality of its own. What stands out most is the band’s ability to make emotionally charged songwriting feel both intimate and expansive. Even in their demo recordings, there’s an undeniable sense of direction and authenticity. Rather than relying on overproduction, French Inhaler lets strong melodies and honest performances take center stage, making them an exciting band to watch as they continue to refine their craft.

Q&A

For readers discovering French Inhaler for the first time, how would you describe the band’s identity and musical vision?

“Thanks so much for giving us a listen! I grew up listening to 80’s new wave and pop music. When I was a kid, I imagined by 2026 we’d have hoverboards, flying cars, clean energy. Instead we got drones, AI slop, and $6 gasoline. I guess our band’s vision is a bleak but hopeful future where humans still write music and go dancing.”

How does a typical French Inhaler song come together—from the initial idea to the finished recording?

“We demo quite a bit when working on new songs. Our singer Ashvin will share a demo or idea with us and we’ll rehearse it and record that, then go home, listen to it on repeat, and start to flesh things out. By the time we are ready to record at a studio we’ve gone through countless versions and demos of these songs and we feel pretty confident with the material.”

What have you learned about yourselves through playing live shows?

“That’s a great question! We’ve gotten a lot better as a band. More comfortable just being ourselves, which I think also makes the room more relaxed and fun. You work so hard rehearsing the performance that sometimes you forget to be present and just enjoy it.”

Is there one song in your catalog that you feel best represents who French Inhaler is today?

“One song? I would say maybe TV LOVE? That was our first song we wrote. Our baby. Ashvin really captured the mood on that one. Gave us the title of our album in the lyrics. Zane’s drumming is so precise. I really like my bass parts on that one. Yeah, I think it has all the right elements.”

Where can we hear more of your music, and why should we?

“Why should you listen to us? I suppose you could listen to The French Inhaler by Warren Zevon instead. If you dig that song good, you might enjoy our music. You can give us a follow and listen at frenchinhaler.bandcamp.com, buy our new tape Practiced Lines in August on LittleHEADbutt tapes. Follow us on instagram @frenchinhalermusic for upcoming tour dates.”

Anything to add here?

“I would like to say thank you for the questions and, uh thank you to those of you who read all of this interview – Adam O’Leary.”