Conversations with Jeremy Mederich

Written By Info Prizefighter

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Mederich of the band Prizefighter.

Hi Jeremy, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, how can you bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My brother, Bryan (Prizefighter drummer), and I were performing with our former band ‘Luster’ in Austin, TX, during SXSW Music Week some years back. Steve Mast, a hometown friend through music/bands (Plain White Ts, The Waiting Game, The Scissors), was also in town performing with his band ‘The Scissors.’ We ran into each other and ended up sharing the stage for a showcase. After a late night out to follow that show, I invited Steve to join me at my solo cover gigs in the city whenever we weren’t on the road. He took me up on the offer, and we started performing as a cover duo as often as we could while in town. Shortly after that, Bryan and I lost our Mom to a relatively quick and aggressive bout with cancer. That, plus a few other adverse life challenges within the band, led to the band (Luster) going on indefinite hiatus. Steve and I continued with the local gigs as an acoustic duo and called ourselves ‘The Pheromones. We became super busy with it. Well, over 300 gigs a year at one point. We had been talking with Bryan for years about doing an original three-piece project and calling it ‘Prizefighter.’ The name which Bryan came up with, by the way.

At some point along the way, a group of investors found us at a regular spot we would play. After hiring us for a handful of private events, they offered to build a team of investors to support an original project if we wanted to give it another run. We saw the opportunity to make a real effort to bring Prizefighter to life and took it. From there, we did our first EP, ‘Rewind’ with producer Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, OAR, The Replacements, Faith No More). We plan to release it in early 2020. This past summer was our first opportunity to play any real shows supporting the EP. The pandemic made that very difficult. So we did our best to introduce the band to a world on lockdown.

We did our best to make the most of Summer 2022, having had our first ever real show as a Prizefighter alongside Cracker, Marcy Playground, and Ike Reilly in Joliet, IL. Following that, we did WGN’s Midday Fix to support our Taste of Randolph appearance in Fulton Market. We then did a small tour through Indianapolis (WishTV Morning Show, The Rathskeller), Knoxville, Nashville, and Memphis, TN. From here, we are working on new material to be released in 2023. The plan is to be touring extensively in 2023 to support new material.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Like much of the music industry and most others, the Covid 19 pandemic has been the greatest obstacle to Prizefighter’s journey and our lives as working artists.

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
While Prizefighter is the main focus of our collective efforts in music, we each stay involved in various other projects. As a working artist, it’s essential to maintain a portfolio of different outlets with your craft in contributing in a different role to my other bands. Both Steve and Bryan also stay involved in other ventures alongside Prizefighter. It’s a community thing of sorts.

I don’t know what Prizefighter is best known for at this stage, being we are a very new band. One day we’ll be known for something very noble and inspiring. I don’t know what that will look like. I would be happy to start with a good song that many people love. So far, we’ve been very well received from the stage. The thing I am most proud of about this band. I’m most proud that we saw the project to fruition. We’re super proud of our EP’ Rewind’. It’s the best thing any of us has been a part of in our careers as artists. We feel excitement and gratitude for what’s to come. We have some fun stuff coming up in 2023. I’d like to know if something makes us more intriguing or exciting than any other band. That’s up to the listener. Everyone has a different story. For us, the road has been the best life has to offer. On the other hand, our road to where we are now have provided plenty of the most challenging things life can throw at anyone. Hopefully, some of that comes out relatable and uplifting through our music.

What quality or characteristic is most important to your success?
Gratitude

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Brian Olivo Alex Zarek Darren Vorel

Info Prizefighter
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Prizefighter performs their new EP at the Replay Lounge
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Prizefighter Hits Rewind