Bo Staloch Talks Vulnerability, Family, and His New EP 'The Garden'
- Mikaila Storrs
- Mar 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 7
Bo Staloch’s music isn’t just something you hear—it’s something you feel. Driven by raw emotion and storytelling, his latest EP, The Garden takes listeners on a six-song journey through Bo’s story, where heartbreak, resilience, and the bonds of family grow side by side. Seen through his eyes and soaked in emotion, it’s a vibrant mix of indie folk and Americana that blooms with every note. Thanks to 1824, we had the opportunity to sit down with Bo amidst his busy schedule opening for Houndmouth, right before the release of his EP on his 20th birthday. On what seemed to be a rare quiet day at home, he hopped on Zoom to share insights into his creative process, the stories behind his songs, and what inspired him to become a musician.
Right from the start, Bo shared how much his family has shaped both his life and his music, especially when it came to creating The Garden. Reflecting on the title track, he explained the special moment it came to life in his family home: "'The Garden' was the first song I wrote for this project. I started working on it in our family home in Minnesota. My manager and his daughter were there. I was sitting at the piano, and we were all playing with her. The original demo—her name’s Lola—features her playing in the background and laughing while I’m singing. It’s just beautiful. The inspiration for that song came from being surrounded by family. And yeah, it’s about my future children and letting go of fear for them."
It’s not every day you hear such a heartfelt reflection from someone who, at just 19 years old (almost 20 with the release of his EP), shows wisdom beyond his years. And this was only the beginning of a conversation that revealed Bo’s depth—something that shines through in his deeply vulnerable songwriting.
One of the most powerful moments of the conversation came when Bo shared the experience that made him realize he wanted to be a musician. Reflecting on a Mount Joy show he attended, he said: "I was on this balcony looking over the crowd. I just remember that moment—seeing a father and son dancing, a couple swaying, and an older man crying. I realized that they were only truly being themselves in that moment. And I thought, that’s what I want to create for everyone who listens to my music." It’s especially striking to hear this from an artist who understands that exact emotional connection firsthand, having felt it as part of the audience.
On The Garden, Bo pushed his sound in directions he hadn’t expected, diving into styles he never imagined creating. Take "Give It a Break," for example—it leans into a more classic rock vibe. Looking at the project as a whole, he describes it as "a roller coaster of sounds, emotions, feelings, lyrics, and stories. And I think that’s why I’m so connected to it." Growing up, hitting the road, and diving into new experiences have all expanded his musical horizons, bringing in fresh influences.
Bo’s approach to music is nothing short of intentional—every lyric, melody, and detail is crafted to spark emotion and resonate on a deeper level. His passion for storytelling shines through, making it easy to get lost in the world he creates. When asked what he hopes fans will take away from the new EP, he shared:
"I think people can expect a pretty vulnerable and emotional piece of writing and music. Every song comes from a very real and deep place for me. Everything—from the drum sound to the smallest details—was crafted with intention. It truly feels like a part of me. As cliché as that may sound, it’s the truth. I think people can expect a wave of emotions, and more than anything, I want them to be able to listen and just feel whatever they need to feel—to be whoever they need to be in that moment. And place yourself in the garden, whatever the garden means to you.”
As our conversation came to a close, Bo opened up about the fears he’s had to face on his journey to pursue music: "I’m a very anxious person. As a kid, I couldn’t even go to my own birthday parties. So, being a musician who gets up in front of thousands of people is a really odd career choice for someone like that. But it just happened. I think music helps. It’s like therapy—creating and writing helps me process it all."
"Music, in general, is a superpower. It lets you bury whatever you need to bury in the garden, whether that’s fear or anything else."
Hearing an artist so candid about their struggles only makes them feel more real, strengthening the bond between the music and its listeners. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re all facing our own battles—and in those moments of vulnerability, we’re never truly alone.
With The Garden now out in the world, it’s evident that this EP is more than just a set of songs—it’s a deeply personal sanctuary, offering both Bo and his listeners a space to feel, reflect, and connect. Each track weaves together raw emotion and vivid storytelling, making it an experience rather than just a listen.
Following the release, Bo is set to hit the road again, continuing his run with Houndmouth before joining Ashe later this spring. With so much momentum behind him, we can’t wait to see where this next chapter leads.
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