Hailing from the post-industrial heart of Akron, Ohio, Librarians With Hickeys have quietly become one of the most refreshing names in modern power pop. Their name may sound bookish, but their sound is anything but reserved — it’s a mix of shimmering guitars, clever hooks, and emotional wit that echoes through the best of college rock and jangle-pop history.
Origins and Debut
Formed by a group of long-time friends who shared a love of melodic pop and classic guitar tones, Librarians With Hickeys (LWH) made their debut in 2019 with the irresistible single “Black Velvet Dress” backed with “Alex.” Released through Big Stir Records, the single immediately caught the attention of indie pop fans and critics, setting the stage for bigger things to come.
Their first album, “Long Overdue,” arrived in 2020 — an appropriately titled release that blended sweet harmonies with wry humor and jangling guitars. Even as the world shut down during the pandemic, the record resonated, earning radio play and critical acclaim around the globe.
The Second Chapter: Handclaps & Tambourines
In 2022, the band returned with “Handclaps & Tambourines,” an album that expanded their sonic palette while keeping their trademark pop craftsmanship intact. Songs like “Ghost Singer” and “Can’t Wait ’Till Summer” captured the nostalgia and warmth of classic 80s power pop while sounding fully modern. Critics from Spain to the UK to the U.S. praised the album’s smart songwriting and timeless melodies.
The Return: Hello Operator and a New Album
Now, Librarians With Hickeys are back with a new single, “Hello Operator,” a bright, infectious track that marks the beginning of their next chapter. The song introduces their upcoming third album, “How to Make Friends by Telephone,” arriving November 8 via Big Stir Records.
Produced and performed by founding members Ray Carmen and Mike Crooker, the album finds the duo crafting twelve tracks that explore connection, distance, and belonging — themes that resonate deeply in the digital age. Tracks like “Mirror,” “Brand New Boyfriend,” and “Everything Will Be All Right” showcase their knack for emotional storytelling wrapped in ringing guitars and rich harmonies.
Halloween Tradition and “Ghoul You Want”
Just in time for spooky season, LWH also contributes the new single “Ghoul You Want” to Big Stir’s annual Halloween compilation, releasing October 17. It’s a darkly playful cut that mixes jangle-pop with horror humor — a tribute to cult figures like Ghoulardi, Devo, and The Cramps. Expect a catchy, clever tune that will haunt your speakers long after Halloween ends.
A Message of Friendship: “No More Goodbyes”
Following “Hello Operator,” the single “No More Goodbyes” dropped October 4 with a striking video. The song was written as a gesture of friendship and support for someone coming out, but it’s open-ended enough to speak to anyone who has struggled to be themselves. It’s a song about empathy, identity, and acceptance — set to some of the most emotionally charged guitar work the band has ever recorded.
The Story Continues
From their Akron roots to an international audience, Librarians With Hickeys continue to balance sincerity with humor, hooks with heart, and nostalgia with originality. With How to Make Friends by Telephone, they remind listeners that sometimes the best way to reach people is still the simplest — one song at a time.
