We recently interviewed the Orange County indie emo band Who’s Cuter Now?, and we learned that their success isn’t measured by record deals or sold-out arenas. It’s measured in friendships, community, and the simple joy of creating something meaningful together.
Watch the full interview below:
Who’s Cuter Now? formed in January 2024 by vocalist/guitarists Frankie and Rufus alongside drummer Chris, and the band recently welcomed bassist Max into the fold. We learned that the band is built on shared influences, mutual respect, and a commitment to having fun.
“We wanted to go out, be a loud band, play live with people, meet the community, and hang out with our friends,” Frankie explained.
Musically, Who’s Cuter Now? pulls from indie rock, emo, classic rock, 90s alternative, and even jazz. Frankie cites bands like Tiger’s Jaw, Free Throw, and Charmer as influences, while Rufus points to everything from Frank Zappa and Jeff Beck to Bikini Kill and L7.
The result is a sound that feels nostalgic without sounding dated. We heard a little bit of 90’s vocal styles, grunge moods, and overall catchy melodies, backed by a band that values songwriting over trends.
“I write melody first,” Frankie said. “If I’m still humming it five days later, then it’s worth working on.”
The band’s name comes from a cool source: The Simpsons. Inspired by a scene where Bart asks “Who’s cuter now?” after cutting Lisa’s hair, the name stuck because it reflected the band’s dual-vocalist dynamic and playful personality.
Beyond the music, Who’s Cuter Now? is invested in building community. The band actively promotes shows, supports local artists, and organizes events with an anti-pay-to-play philosophy. Pay-to-play sucks, and DIY bands know it.
“We would never charge anybody to play one of our shows,” Rufus said. “Bands either get paid, or they don’t owe us anything.”
That community-first approach extends to their advice for younger musicians. Rather than chasing trends or trying to fit a particular image, the band encourages artists to stay authentic.
“Just write your music,” Frankie said. “People are going to find it. Don’t try too hard. Just have fun.”
The members also emphasized the importance of saying yes to opportunities, a philosophy that has helped shape the band’s growth.
“Say yes to everything,” Max said. “The more you do that, the more you’ll accelerate your networking and get yourself known.”
While many of the band’s songs explore uncertainty, anxiety, and navigating adulthood, there’s an underlying sense of optimism running through their music. Frankie openly told us that using songwriting as an outlet for depression and anxiety, helps her create music that helps pull her out of dark places.
“If I’m not making music, I find myself in a very dark place,” she said. “Writing and playing live allows me to express myself in ways I sometimes can’t verbally.”
That honesty resonates throughout the band’s catalog. Their songs capture a feeling many listeners know all too well: being a grown adult and still not having everything figured out.
As for the future, Who’s Cuter Now? hopes to continue building their audience, playing bigger festivals, releasing a full-length album, and creating memorable experiences for fans.
More than anything, they hope people leave their shows feeling inspired.
“I would love for someone to walk away thinking, ‘I want to pick up a guitar and do that,’” Frankie said. “If we can inspire somebody to participate in music, that’s a good day.”
In a time where so much of the music industry feels focused on algorithms and metrics, Who’s Cuter Now? offers a refreshing reminder of what makes local music scenes special: friendship, creativity, and a willingness to keep saying yes.
Follow Who’s Cuter Now? for upcoming shows, including their appearance at Hangar 24 Brewery in Irvine and the second annual Sincerely Emo Festival in Santa Ana.
About C² (Christy + Chris)
Concert lovers turned creators. Highlighting creators, bands, stories, sounds, and places you need to know.
Disarray Magazine is an independent media platform established in 2009, spotlighting punk, hardcore, alternative culture, live music, food, nightlife, and the chaos in between. Created by journalist Christy Buena, C² exists to document the bands, people, and moments shaping the scene.
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