Ian McFarland – Problem Child
Ian McFarland Shares “Problem Child” New Single + Video
Summer Rain EP Out Now via all DSPS
Brooklyn-based indie punk musician Ian McFarland writes about his life and experiences in New York City as an artist. This past summer McFarland released singles, “Coffee Shops and Modern Rock,” written about his experience as the creator and host of ‘Scaries’, a recurring event on the Lower East Side that has become a gathering place for New York’s indie music community, and the emo-tinged indie rock anthem “Leaving New York.” McFarland followed up the singles with the release of hisdebut EP, Summer Rain.
Today, Ian McFarland shares new single, “Problem Child,” a frantic indie-punk single about recognizing that you’re the one repeatedly sabotaging your own life. Rather than apologizing or attempting to change, McFarland channels that realization into a musical rage room, fueled by gritty, overdriven guitars, relentless energy, and an explosive melodic guitar solo that showcases his technical dexterity.
“Problem Child” is about being fucking pissed,” McFarland shares. “At yourself, at other people, at the mistakes you keep making over and over again. I wanted the song to feel like a rage room, like smashing everything in sight in blind fury rather than sitting around trying to make sense of it. It’s one of the more intense songs I’ve written and recorded, and there’s this ridiculous guitar solo I had so much fun writing, where I really got to let loose. It’s melodic and uses some nerdy tensions like a nice tritone section that I’d attribute to a guitarist like Synyster Gates.”
The track marks a louder, more confrontational direction for McFarland and will serve as the theme song for Garrison Lovely’s upcoming anti-AI podcast, Organize Against the Machine. Known for his work as a McKinsey whistleblower, Lovely explores the impact of artificial intelligence on workers and creative industries through the podcast.
When Lovely approached McFarland looking for music with the energy of Rage Against the Machine, McFarland recognized that while “Problem Child” wasn’t directly influenced by the band, it carried a similar sense of anger. Lovely connected with the track, which will feature prominently throughout the podcast as its intro and outro music and during playback.
The accompanying DIY music video was filmed in a Brooklyn warehouse, filled with smoke and mannequins and elaborate lighting all done DIY by the band and long-time videographer Aleksei Postnikov. Made for just a few hundred dollars to rent the space, the music video for “Problem Child” captures the same chaotic, unrestrained energy as the song itself.
Driven by gritty, overdriven guitars and a blistering melodic solo, “Problem Child” transforms self-sabotage and frustration into an explosive punk anthem.
“Problem Child” by Ian McFarland is out November 13, 2026.
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LISTEN & SHARE: Ian McFarland – “Problem Child” SAVE: Ian McFarland – Summer Rain EP LISTEN & SHARE: Ian McFarland – “Leaving New York” LISTEN & SHARE: Ian McFarland – “Coffee Shops and Modern Rock” |
SUMMER RAIN TRACKLISTING
1. “The Booming Business of Missed Opportunities and Heartaches”
2. “If the Sun Never Came Up Again”
3. “Coffee Shops and Modern Rock”
4. “Leaving New York”
Live Dates:
11/13 – New York, NY — Sugar Mouse
11/14 – New York, NY — Sour Mouse
11/28 – New York, NY— Sugar Mouse
12/5 – New York, NY— Sugar Mouse
12/11 – New York, NY— Sour Mouse
12/18 New York, NY — Sugar Mouse
CONNECT WITH IAN McFARLAND:
Website | Instagram | Youtube | Tiktok | Facebook | Bandcamp | Spotify | Apple Music | Soundcloud
