Philadelphia's HOT SEAT Blends Punk and Dream-Pop on New EP

The nu-punk band's unconventional journey includes a song for a local PBS kids' show and a sonic evolution on their latest release.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Philadelphia's nu-punk band HOT SEAT is making waves with their unique sound and unconventional origins. The band, known for their gritty authenticity, recently sat down with Everything Is Noise to discuss their journey - from writing a song for a local PBS kids' show to the release of their new EP, Kissy Kissy, which showcases a shift towards a more alt-gaze, dream-pop style.

Why it matters

HOT SEAT's story highlights a growing trend among emerging artists to deliberately blur genre lines and embrace unconventional origins. Their willingness to explore unexpected opportunities and experiment with their sound reflects a broader movement in the independent music scene towards artistic exploration and immersive fan experiences.

The details

HOT SEAT's path to recognition began with penning 'Pepperoni Crackers' for an episode of Albie's Elevator, a show on Philadelphia's PBS station WHYY. The band's formation was equally organic, with members joining through serendipitous encounters and bringing unconventional instrumentation like the keytar. Their recent EP, Kissy Kissy, marks a sonic evolution, moving away from their earlier 'frantic punk energy' towards a more alt-gaze, dream-pop sound. The band also collaborated with animator qqpowpow for Instagram videos accompanying the EP, demonstrating the increasing importance of visual content in music promotion.

  • HOT SEAT penned 'Pepperoni Crackers' for an episode of Albie's Elevator that aired in 2024.
  • HOT SEAT released their Kissy Kissy EP in December 2025.

The players

HOT SEAT

A nu-punk band from Philadelphia known for their gritty authenticity and willingness to experiment with their sound.

Molly Bearden

The vocalist and rhythm guitarist of HOT SEAT.

Jesse Morency

The lead guitarist of HOT SEAT.

Stephen Kilpatrick

The bassist of HOT SEAT.

Eddie Devlin

The keyboardist and keytar player of HOT SEAT.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

HOT SEAT's story showcases the growing trend of independent bands deliberately blurring genre lines, embracing unconventional origins, and creating immersive fan experiences through the integration of music and visuals. Their sonic evolution and DIY approach to merchandise and fan engagement reflect the dynamic nature of the modern music scene.