By Ryan J. Nims
In late 2024, I went to Mohawk to see one of my favorite punk bands, Boston’s Fiddlehead, play with Austin bands Nuclear Daisies and Touch Girl Apple Blossom. I had never heard of the opening act, but I really liked their sound: a modern interpretation of indie pop with roots in the 80s and 90s underground. After their set, I chatted with a couple of the band members by the merch table and bought their 7” EP (2023 Summer Shade).
Daniel Powell, Olivia Garner, John Morales, Dustin Pilkington (left to right)
This year, Touch Girl Apple Blossom–comprised of singer/guitarist Olivia Garner, guitarist John Morales, bassist/vocalist Dustin Pilkington, and drummer Daniel Powell–announced they had been signed by the influential Olympia, WA label K Records that represents Beat Happening, the Microphones, and Modest Mouse for their debut full-length album, Graceful (2026, Perennial/K Records).
K Records, which was founded by Beat Happening’s Calvin Johnston, has a long history of releasing twee bands and is the perfect home for Touch Girl Apple Blossom whose very name is taken from the lyrics of Beat Happening’s “Indian Summer.” The band went on tour in March with Indianapolis band Good Flying Birds.
Graceful was recorded between 2024 and 2025 by Max Deems. In the run-up to the album’s release, the band released three singles,”The Springtime Reminds Me Of…”, a jangly pop song reminiscent of Lush or Velocity Girl; “Vacation”–two-and-a-half minutes of a blissful, sugary pop interplay of Garner’s and Morales’ guitars; and “I’m Lucky I Found You”, featuring Pilkington on lead vocals, a song with shades of Elliott Smith and the Apples in Stereo.
Touch Girl Apple Blossom “The Springtime Reminds Me Of…” (official video)
Touch Girl Apple Blossom occupies a space that is both fresh and nostalgic. There are links to the twee music of the Pacific Northwest with elements of Austin’s New Sincerity movement. Their sound is less lo-fi and more analog warmth. The musicians bring their own spin on these genres that feels wholly new and not derivative.
I’m excited to see where Touch Girl Apple Blossom goes from here. They make great music, put on a fun live show, and, according to Garner, they love KOOP! If you listen to Heavenly Pop Hits on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. or Beat Happenings on Fridays at 6:00 p.m., give Touch Girl Apple Blossom a try–you’ll likely dig their sound.
Every band or artist you love started somewhere. So, remember to get to the show early to catch the opening band.