About Superchunk

As a co-founder of Superchunk, Mac McCaughan has spent roughly 25 years waving the flag for American indie rock. Along with Laura Ballance, Jon Wurster and Jim Wilbur, they remain the pride and joy of the Chapel Hill Music scene and a shining example of how hard work and perseverance pays off in the music industry.

Sure, Superchunk isn't the biggest name on the scene. And no, their current incarnation isn't exactly the same lineup that started out in 1989. But they've forged ahead through good times and bad, and along the way shunned every major label in favor of owning their own company (Merge Records) and creating their own sound. The result has been a model of consistency that other bands now work to pattern themselves after.

It's a bit of an oxymoron, one would think, that Superchunk's latest album is entitled "I Hate Music." However, it certainly veers into darker territory than fans might be used to, especially on the heels of 2010's "Majesty Shredding," a masterpiece of power pop and songs that were bright and jubilant. Only one critic, in a review for the BBC, noticed what she believed to be a sense of 'jaded, measured hindsight' that transitioned from one album to the next.

All told, Superchunk is now 10 albums deep into a career that has had its highs and lows, but is spurred on by a relentless touring schedule, constant refinement of sound and a drive to keep the label operational from one day to the next.

Superchunk will be back on the road this spring, though they'll do so without Balance, who is suffering the effects of hyperacusis and will be replaced by Jason Narducy.