Emerging from the heart of Chicago’s DIY scene, Modern Cults is the indie-pop project of Ryan Orda, a seasoned songwriter whose music captures the quiet storms of the mind. After more than a decade of private recording and late-night sharing among friends, Ryan is finally bringing his vision to the stage with a full five-piece band. The result is a sound that fuses the melodic punch of power pop with the rawness of lo-fi rock and a touch of beautiful disarray.
Modern Cults recently began gaining well-deserved momentum with the release of “Transported,” a shimmering single that showcases Orda’s knack for melodic layering and emotional storytelling. But it’s the follow-up track, “Inner Monologue,” that truly strikes a chord. Clocking in at just under two minutes, the song is a tight, powerful dive into the spiral of overthinking, written during the early days of the pandemic, when anxiety was a universal undercurrent. It’s vulnerable, relatable, and deeply cathartic, proof that even fleeting moments can leave a permanent mark.
Ryan’s journey through the Chicago music scene is equally rich and varied. From fronting post-punk outfit Lenny to his collaborations with Cherryburn and Owney, he’s developed a sound rooted in experimentation, emotional honesty, and an unshakable DIY ethos. With Modern Cults, those threads come together, creating music that is both intimately personal and explosively anthemic.
Now with a full band behind him and the Transported EP on the horizon, Modern Cults is stepping boldly into the spotlight. Whether it’s through more live shows, a debut LP, or further collaborations, Ryan Orda is building a sound that resonates with anyone who’s ever found comfort in chaos. For fans of Built to Spill, Car Seat Headrest, or The Wrens, Modern Cults is a name to remember and a voice to follow.
