Preoccupations

Preoccupations is a Canadian post-punk band that originated in Calgary, Alberta, in 2012. The band initially formed under the name Viet Cong. The members include Matt Flegel on vocals and bass, Scott Munro on guitar and synth, Daniel Christiansen on guitar, and Mike Wallace on drums. Flegel and Wallace had previously been part of the band Women, which dissolved in 2010. Following the passing of Christopher Reimer, Women’s guitarist, Flegel and Munro formed the new group, later recruiting Wallace and Christiansen. Their early musical style was noted for combining post-punk vocals, psychedelic harmonies, noise-addled punk, and instrumental sounds.

Preoccupations released their debut EP, ‘Cassette’, in 2013, initially self-released before being reissued on vinyl by Mexican Summer in 2014. The band gained recognition, performing at SXSW festival in 2014, and subsequently signed with the Canadian record label Flemish Eye. Their debut album, ‘Viet Cong’, was released in 2015 through Jagjaguwar and Flemish Eye. The band embarked on North American and European tours to support the album. Throughout their career, Preoccupations has consistently released material, with their songs often exploring themes of creation, destruction, and existential futility.

The band underwent a significant change in 2016, modifying their name from Viet Cong to Preoccupations due to controversy surrounding the original name. This decision followed accusations of cultural appropriation and racism, notably leading to the cancellation of a performance at Oberlin College in March 2015. Their second studio album, self-titled ‘Preoccupations’, was released in September 2016 under the new name. Since then, they have continued to produce albums, including ‘New Material’ (2018), ‘Arrangements’ (2022), and have announced ‘Ill At Ease’ for 2025.