Stetson Heat Seeker was formed in early 2023 by former Actionesse singer and guitarist Ian Reed. He was joined by bass player Meg Slavich, fellow Actionesse alumni baritone saxophonist Obi Guinn, and drummer Mark Etherington. They quickly put together a set of original songs, recorded an EP, Someone Call My Phone, and began playing shows.

When it became clear that Etherington was leaving the band, Reed contacted his friend and Bad Optics drummer Joshua Ihler. Later that year, the band was in need of a saxophone player to sub for Guinn while she volunteered at Burning Man. Katie Cassidy and Guinn played in the street brass band, Filthy Femme Corps; Cassidy was introduced to the band as a sub, and occasionally played alongside Obi while they were still in the band. Eventually, Guinn left the group in late 2024, thus making Cassidy a permanent member. Madison “Mads” Moilanen was later brought on for a couple of shows to do background vocals and was later added as a permanent member, bringing the “cowboy punk band” to what it is today.

In 2026, they continue to play shows extensively in the greater Seattle area, while recording their debut album, This Is No Place For Cowards, set to release on September 4. They plan on embarking on another West Coast tour this summer.

Today, Stetson Heat Seeker premieres ‘Oh Sweet Pain’ from its debut.

Reed says, “[This is] my humble ode to the hangover. I went for sort of a stoner metal vibe in the structure of the song with the song having a sort of swing feel. Fun fact: it’s the hardest song of ours to sing and play!” 

Ihler adds, “It’s definitely the fastest and ‘punkiest’ feeling song we have. When we reach the breakdown in the middle of the set, it’s certainly a highlight for me, and I think for the rest of the band and audience as well. Everything slows down a bit, and Katie is usually standing on a bar or table while she rips on the saxophone.”

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Humphryes (IG_ @poundingthenail).