Nectar, an indie rock band from Champaign, has spent the last decade blending upbeat melodies with deep, introspective lyrics. Led by Kamila Glowacki, the band is celebrating their tenth anniversary with the release of their new single, “Too Much,” a track that delves into the challenges of mental health and the pressures of modern life. This milestone marks a significant chapter in the band’s journey, which has been characterized by creative evolution and a deep connection to the local music community.
Glowacki’s journey with Nectar began as a solo project, an outlet for songs that didn’t quite fit into her other punk-leaning bands. “I really like ’90s alternative and indie groups, especially bands like Letters to Cleo, The Muffs, and Tiger Trap,” she explains. These influences are evident in Nectar’s sound, which blends the energy of punk with the melodic sensibilities of indie pop. Over time, Nectar has evolved from Glowacki’s solo project into a full-fledged band, with the current lineup featuring Isabel Skidmore on bass, Jake Mott on drums, and Ivan Catron on guitar. Previous band members such as Aaron Shults and Sean Neumann have also contributed significantly to Nectar over the past ten years.
Reflecting on the band’s debut album Knocking at the Door, Glowacki recalls the excitement and challenges of recording their first full-length project. “We recorded it in Springfield, Illinois, with Luke McNeil from The Copyrights, and we did it all in one weekend,” she says. The album, released on Infinity Cat Recordings and 2670 Records in Japan, marked a significant milestone for the band. “Seeing our CD on display in Japanese record stores was just an amazing moment in my life,” she adds, highlighting a dream of visiting Japan, which she hopes to fulfill someday.
The band’s sophomore album, No Shadow, represents a period of growth and reflection for Glowacki. The recording process was interrupted by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the band to take a slower, more deliberate approach to crafting the album. “In that additional time and space, I got to dig deeper into the songs, and I spent a lot of time crafting the lyrics,” Glowacki explains. The result is an album that showcases a more refined sound and lyrical depth, reflecting the personal and global challenges of the time.
Nectar’s latest release, the single “Too Much,”, released today, commemorates ten years of the band and continues this exploration of personal and emotional landscapes. The song addresses the invisible struggles that many people face, such as anxiety, depression, and chronic illness. “It’s about navigating a lot of invisible struggles,” Glowacki says. “Whether that’s mental health struggles or being someone that’s neurodivergent, it’s just kind of hard to exist in the world sometimes.” The song’s poignant lyrics, particularly the line towards the end “Am I too much?” encapsulate the internal battles that accompany these experiences. “It’s almost like a rhetorical question,” she explains. “It speaks to that inner shame or insecurity that you’re battling when you’re struggling.”
For Glowacki, songwriting is a deeply personal and cathartic process, often informed by her own experiences. “I write what I know,” she says, describing how themes of mental health, relationships, and home frequently emerge in her lyrics. However, she strives to write in a way that can resonate broadly, allowing listeners to connect with the music through their own experiences. “I try not to make it too direct, but I do want it to be relatable,” she adds.
Nectar’s music is not just about personal expression; it’s also about community and connection. The Champaign-Urbana music scene has played an integral role in the band’s development, providing a supportive environment for Glowacki to share her work. “Without the support of the scene, I really don’t think Nectar would exist,” she says. Over the past decade, the band has been involved in various DIY (Do-It-Yourself) music initiatives, which have shaped their approach to making and sharing music. “DIY to me means accessibility and inclusivity,” Glowacki explains. “It’s about creating spaces where it’s safe to be vulnerable and try things out on your own.”
One of the most rewarding aspects of being in Nectar, Glowacki reflects, is the opportunity to connect with others through music. The band’s live performances, whether at local DIY venues or on tours across the country, have left lasting impressions. “Some of my favorite shows have been in smaller towns, visiting DIY communities where everyone is really invested in their community,” she says. These experiences have not only allowed the band to share their music but also to forge meaningful connections with audiences and fellow musicians alike.
As Nectar looks to the future, Glowacki is excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. She expresses a desire to continue exploring new musical directions, perhaps even venturing into a softer, more delicate sound in the style of bands like The Softies. “I’m still figuring out what the next directions are for Nectar,” she says, “but I’m curious about doing something that’s a little more…softer.”
In the immediate future, Glowacki is focused on maintaining the momentum generated by the release of “Too Much” and using that energy to fuel further creative endeavors. “I’m excited to write new music and work on that more,” she says. The recording process for “Too Much,” which was done with Matt Talbott at Earth Analog Studios, was particularly rewarding for Glowacki. “It feels very organic like I think it sounds like what we sound like live,” she notes, hinting at the possibility of exploring similar recording techniques for future projects.
As Nectar moves forward, Glowacki remains committed to the core values that have guided the band from the beginning: creativity, community, and authenticity. Whether it’s through music, visual art, or the DIY ethos that underpins their work, Nectar continues to be a testament to the power of indie music to inspire, connect, and uplift. “I just want to keep creating and see where it takes us,” Glowacki says, with the same sense of curiosity and passion that has driven her for the past decade. And as Nectar celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that their journey is far from over. The band is poised to continue evolving, with Glowacki at the helm, navigating the complexities of life and music with honesty and grace.
You can learn more about Nectar on their Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Spotify or Bandcamp pages.
Nectar, Sex Dream and Yap Trap
The Space
1 E Main St
Champaign
F Aug 16th, 8 p.m.
$10
Nectar at Toast to Taylor St.
Downtown Champaign
Sa Aug 24th, 4 p.m.
Free