Jukebox the Ghost find “new types of songs to write, new ways to create” on latest album
Ben Thornewill, frontman of Jukebox the Ghost at Newport Music Hall in Columbus, Ohio (October 15, 2025) – Photo by Nadia Tolar
Seven albums in, Jukebox the Ghost keeps writing, recording, and touring because they have to. It’s not out of some contractual obligation, as the indie power-pop band is now self-recording and producing, but because it’s what they’re meant to do.
“I don't know how to not write songs,” frontman Ben Thornewill said in an interview with RØKKR.
Thornewill and bandmates, Jesse Kristin on drums and Tommy Siegel on guitar and bass, proved this point with Phantasmagorical Vol. 1, which released on Oct. 10. The album is jam-packed with thirty songs that build a world of fun, whimsy, and optimism despite the chaos in the world.
Jukebox the Ghost’s latest album Phantasmagorical Vol. 1, was released on October 10 and is available on all streaming platforms.
The trio flesh out the Phantasmagorical world through brief intermission-style tracks that include weather reports, ridiculous side effects for a mystery medication, and radio DJ intros. These tracks break up the thirty-song tracklisting into more digestible portions, each one hinting at themes present in the upcoming tracks. The ever so slightly abnormal “(weather report)” precedes the “Flash!” of thunder and lightning and the nonsensical list of “(side effects)” introduces “Drugs,” which asks the question, “What kind of drugs are you on and where can I find them?”
According to Thornewill, these were added to keep things more interesting for both the fans while listening and the band while writing. “Most of those moments just came from us being silly and thinking, ‘Well, this would be fun,’” Thornewill said. “We're finding new types of songs to write, new ways to create and be creative and that keeps it exciting.”
That sense of fun echoes throughout the record, keeping the listener bouncing from song to song and creating the perfect atmosphere to dance around at home or at a concert. The trio have recently set out on a North American tour bringing the album and all its theatrical flair on the road. “As these shows go on and people have had the songs for longer, we're really excited to see what sticks out, what becomes the favorites, and what's feeling good live,” Thornewill said.
Regarding the new album, Thornewill said, “We're really excited to see what sticks out, what becomes the favorites, and what's feeling good live.”
Photo by Nathan Smith
Live performances often bring new life and meaning to the songs, some of which have been waiting over a decade to see the light of day. According to Thornewill, some tracks on the album were written five months ago and others the group began writing twelve years ago. For him, there’s no reason to hold back these songs rather than let them exist out in the world.
“If time passes and you still like the song, you're like, ‘Well, what are we holding onto this for?,’” Thornewill said. “I’d rather it be out in the world than just sitting on my hard drive or in my brain.”
According to Thornewill, some tracks on the album were written five months ago and others the group began writing twelve years ago.
Photo by Nadia Tolar
In the midst of creating Phantasmagorical Vol. 1 with Jukebox the Ghost, Thornewill has also been working on a project of his own — a musical telling the story of a girl and her pet ferret. The musical has been in the works for six years and is currently in production with hopes of making it to stages within the next few years.
For Thornewill, the project has been a labor of love and a key creative outlet to write new songs and new stories that might not fit Jukebox the Ghost or be suited to his voice. It’s a new way of creating and, when the show comes to life, will be a new way for Thornewill to experience his work. “I cannot wait to sit in the audience and watch the show because that's something I've never gotten to do,” Thornewill said. “I'm always on the stage, so I'm really excited for that experience.”
The musical, much like the music of Jukebox the Ghost, has the goal of creating a fun and hopeful experience for people, being filled with optimism despite things happening in the world. “Things keep changing and moving,” Thornewill said. “And it always feels like the end and the sky always feels like it's falling, and yet we're still here.”
Phantasmagorical Vol. 1 is available on all streaming services. Jukebox the Ghost’s tour dates and tickets can be found at www.jukeboxtheghost.com.
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