Episode 146: Interview With Tess Stevens From Tess & The Details

San Francisco punk rock band Tess & The Details is back—and they’re not pulling any punches. With their latest single “Take Me Alive,” frontwoman Tess Stevens delivers a fierce, unapologetic anthem aimed at reclaiming identity in a world numbed by screens, noise, and self-doubt. Released June 13, 2025, the track marks the band’s first original release since their 2023 debut album Runaway, and it kicks off a bold new era of sonic and lyrical evolution.

“I had been grinding hard on TikTok and just lost myself,” Stevens admits. “I wasn’t creating from the heart—I was chasing trends. ‘Take Me Alive’ is about unplugging, waking up, and stepping into who you really are.”

Stevens wrote the song in a burst of spontaneous clarity, scrapping a separate project mid-process after the idea struck. What followed was a tight, blistering track loaded with defiance and stadium-ready hooks. With lines like “Are you having fun yet? Are you even there?” the song channels a sense of collective fatigue—and a cry to break free.

Musically, “Take Me Alive” marks new territory for the band. While Runaway showcased more cerebral, literary-inspired songwriting, this latest single leans into a polished, driving sound with wide appeal. Produced by Scott Goodrich (The Story So Far, Broadway Calls) and mastered by John Naclerio (My Chemical Romance, Brand New), the song is primed for the biggest stages—and Stevens makes it clear that’s exactly where she’s aiming.

“It’s intentionally big,” she says. “I wanted to experiment with a more universal approach while keeping the edge that defines who we are.”

Formed in the Bay Area, Tess & The Details is rounded out by drummer Gideon Berger, guitarist Dustin Galecki, and bassist Lawrence Hood. Stevens and Berger began the project in lockdown, collaborating remotely on the band’s debut material before assembling a full lineup and hitting the stage with a striking blend of melodic punk and visual polish.

True to their name, the band obsesses over every aspect of presentation. “We coordinate outfits for every show,” says Stevens. “We don’t just show up—we build an experience.” Whether they’re playing a packed venue or a DIY punk hall, the energy, look, and sound are all calibrated for impact.

A former solo artist and journalist with a deep love of language, Stevens takes a methodical approach to songwriting. “I read constantly and mine literature for phrases that I twist into lyrics,” she says. “But with this new music, I’m learning to simplify—to let the message hit hard and fast.”

That directness is front and center in the music video for “Take Me Alive,” directed by Like Roses guitarist Devin Zamora and edited by Stevens herself. Featuring raw performance shots and a pulsing visual aesthetic, it amplifies the track’s urgent call to resist conformity and reclaim your truth.

And if this single is any indication, 2025 is shaping up to be a breakthrough year for the band. In addition to “Take Me Alive,” Tess & The Details are preparing two more singles for release—“Standing on the Edge” and a romantic mid-tempo track that remains under wraps. A full-length project is also on the horizon for 2026.

“We’re here to build something bigger than ourselves,” Stevens says. “It’s not just about the music—it’s about building a culture around it.”

With a growing fanbase, a relentless work ethic, and a voice that refuses to be ignored, Tess & The Details are poised to become one of the most essential acts in modern punk rock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbgatDnqbio

🎧 To hear the full conversation with Tess Stevens, tune in to her episode on The Savoir Faire Audio Experience, streaming now.