Mountain Climer is back with Before You Turn Out the Lights, their highly anticipated follow-up to 2022's I’m Not Enough & That’s Okay. The new LP, recorded in Bloomington, Indiana, marks a fresh chapter for the project, with a dynamic cast of musicians and a new sonic direction that blends meticulous songwriting with a raw, collaborative energy.

Produced and engineered by the legendary Paul Mahern (John Mellencamp, Iggy Pop, The Fray, Lily & Madeleine), Before You Turn Out the Lights is the product of both carefully planned vision and spontaneous, real-time creativity. The album was primarily recorded at Primary Sound Studios in July 2024, with vocals captured in November at Mahern Audio. A final round of synthesizer, guitar, and vocal overdubs were completed at Ten Boats Studio in Broomfield, Colorado. With Mahern at the helm, the process was fast-paced but precise: ten of the twelve tracks were recorded from scratch in just three days, with the team completing the record on a tight deadline and a relentless sense of purpose.

The record features an incredible ensemble of musicians chosen not only for their instrumental prowess, but for their songwriting acumen. Devon Ashley (The Lemonheads, Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos) brings his innovative drumming and percussion to the table, alongside Shannon Hayden’s electric cello and mandolin, and Heidi Gluck (Some Girls, Carrie Newcomer, Margot & the Nuclear So and Sos) who handles bass, piano, and a wide range of other instruments. The team’s collective experience spans decades, and their encyclopedic knowledge of popular music is evident throughout the album’s intricate arrangements.

The story behind the album’s creation is as serendipitous as the music itself. It began with Jeremy Climer, the creative force behind Mountain Climer, embarking on a journey to write a book about the underground music scene in Indiana. His first interview was with Paul Mahern, and when the original producer for the record had to back out, Jeremy, without hesitation, reached out to Mahern to step in. The collaboration quickly took shape, and Mahern recruited Ashley, Hayden, and Gluck to form the core of the band.

The creative process for Before You Turn Out the Lights was equally unconventional. Jeremy had initially prepared nearly fifty songs, eventually narrowing them down to twelve. Working remotely with Mahern, they deconstructed each song to its bare essence, crafting a foundation that would allow the musicians to build each track from the ground up. The band recorded with no reference to the original compositions, relying instead on a playlist of reference tracks that provided a mood and vibe for the sessions. This spontaneous, organic approach resulted in a collection of songs that feel both tightly structured and deeply alive.

One of the most interesting moments during the recording process came near the end, when Mahern suggested recording “A Bedroom in Denver”—a track from dbcooper, Jeremy’s electronic alter ego. With only 45 minutes to spare, the band quickly set up and recorded the song, rounding out the album in unexpected yet satisfying fashion.

Before You Turn Out the Lights reflects a new chapter for Mountain Climer: a celebration of musical chemistry, instinct, and trust. The album weaves together intricate arrangements, lush instrumentation, and emotionally resonant lyrics that speak to both personal introspection and universal experience.

With its carefully constructed yet free-spirited feel, the record is a testament to the power of collaboration, a journey of mutual respect and shared creativity, and a bold step forward for Mountain Climer as they continue to push musical boundaries.

  • Paul Mahern - Producer & Engineer (+ Mixing & Mastering)

  • Jeremy Climer - Vocals, Acoustic & Electric guitars, B3, Harpsichord, Synthesizers

  • Heidi Lynne Gluck - Bass, Piano, Wurlitzer, B3, Lap Steel, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Vocals

  • Shannon Hayden - Electric Cello, Electric Guitar, Mandolin

  • Devon Ashley - Drums & Percussion

  • Dave England - Electric Guitar

  • Primary Sound Studios (Bloomington, IN) - July & August 2024

  • Mahern Audio (Bloomington, IN) - October & November 2024

  • Ten Boats Studio (Broomfield, CO) - Synthesizer, guitar and vocal overdubs