Audio Book Club
Audioengine had the chance to catch up with Audio Book Club, a five-piece band from Oklahoma City that’s been making noise in the best way possible. Their debut record Born Loser just dropped, and we wanted to hear about the roots, the writing process, and what keeps them moving forward. What we found was a band that values connection, creative freedom, and the kind of live energy that leaves a mark.
“We started out just trying to write two or three songs,” they told us.
The band first came together during college, when each of the members were playing in different bands around campus. After a few shared gigs and plenty of time spent in each other’s circles, they decided to try writing together. What came out of those early sessions surprised them—and clicked instantly.
The first track they wrote was “Vodka Soda.”
It wasn’t planned. It wasn’t polished. But it felt right. That one song lit the spark, and what began as a one-off idea quickly turned into something worth building on. According to the band, the writing process hasn’t followed a set path since. Sometimes a melody sticks in someone’s head for weeks before it finds a home. Other times, like on the standout track “Stoop Kid,” the lyrics come first, written in minutes, long before a single chord is played.
“I typically get some random tune in my head and hum it,” they explained.
“I am totally incapable of having a set in stone process for writing, it just happens however feels the most natural.” That mindset shows up in the sound itself. Their songs have a raw edge, but it’s not careless. It’s deliberate. Each one takes its shape from instinct, not instruction.
We asked what inspires them to keep writing. The answer was simple: connection.
“We write for us, sure, but being able to deliver something that someone else resonates with is very rewarding. And the feeling that you have when you’ve accomplished that keeps us coming back for more.” they said. Whether it’s someone sending a message after a tough week or a rowdy crowd in Arkansas singing every line, that feedback loop matters.
Speaking of Arkansas—Fayetteville is their favorite city to play.
“Hands down,” they told us. “The city is so supportive and has a ton of people that are ready to show up and be loud. After the show, everyone is so down to earth and hospitable, I feel like I grew up there. There are no outsiders there, 10/10 humans.”
Their first recording setup? A bathroom wall and a digital camera.
In 2004, one member was recording takes on video, converting the footage into MP3s, and uploading the results to Myspace. That DIY ethic stuck. Over time, they learned the tools, upgraded the gear, and built out a full recording setup, but the attitude stayed the same. Get it done, learn as you go, and make sure it still feels real.
Freedom is a big part of how they define their music.
They’re not under a label. No one is setting limits or demanding radio-ready edits. They write what they want to hear. It’s that independence that makes the songs feel alive, and it’s what powers their high-energy live shows. From the first note, they aim to keep the audience locked in. “Life is serious enough,” they said. “I don’t need any help being world heavy. We’d rather disconnect and yell a little bit.”
If it’s your first time hearing Audio Book Club
The one thing they want you to know is that they like to have a good time. Their songs and their live set are built to keep you engaged from start to finish. The energy stays high, the pacing stays sharp, and they’re not interested in letting the room drift. Every part of the performance is meant to hold your attention and let loose a little.
Their advice for new artists?
Stay patient. Do it yourself.
“Just keep working, be patient, and don’t accept any deals without fully understanding what is at stake.” They explained, “we’ve been offered some of the worst recording contracts in history and most of what you’ll get offered in the early years is total trash.”
Now that Born Loser is out, Audio Book Club is pushing forward, but without overthinking the next step. They’re staying focused on what got them here: instinct, connection, and keeping it loud.
You can stream Born Loser wherever you listen.
