Step into Profitopia: How STEPMOM and Factory Obscura Are Redefining Immersive Art and Music
Image by: Bailey Lev
Hiii STEPMOM!!! We are so excited to have you on Pop Palace! Can you introduce yourselves to our readers and share a bit about who you are and the journey that brought you to creating your unique sound?
Howdy! We're stepmom, an orchestral dream punk / art punk band based in Oklahoma City. Our lineup includes: Lindsey Cox on lead vocals and guitar, Amie Reardon-Cotter on drums, oboe, and harmonies, Cheyenne McCoy on bass, cello, and harmonies, and Bailey Pelletier on keys and harmonies.
I (Lindsey) founded stepmom in 2019, with Cheyenne as an original member. Over time, we’ve been lucky to bring Amie and Bailey into the fold, which has helped shape our current lineup and distinctive sound.
How did the collaboration between STEPMOM and Factory Obscura come to life?
I’ve been working with Factory Obscura for the past five years as their Talent Booker and Event Producer, so our collaboration felt like a natural fit. In late 2023, I pitched the idea for an immersive experience, and we started planning earlier this year. It’s been incredible getting to work with the Factory Obscura team in this new capacity.
Image by: Madelyn Amacher
What was the inspiration behind combining your EP with an immersive art experience?
I've always been drawn to immersive art, and I knew I wanted to expand the stepmom world in a way that went beyond music. The idea of combining our EP with an immersive art experience felt like the perfect challenge and a natural evolution for us as artists. I wanted our audience to not just listen to the music, but to feel it, to be fully immersed in the world we’ve created.
Profitopia explores themes of corporate culture and hidden secrets—what message or emotions do you hope visitors take away?
I hope visitors leave with a sense of empowerment and a spark of inspiration. Profitopia is meant to provoke conversations about what a future without corporate greed could look like. I believe that in order to create a better future, we first have to imagine what it might look like — and that's at the heart of Profitopia. It’s about asking ourselves: What do we want to build together? But before we can build something new, we need to deconstruct the harmful systems that have been ingrained in us.
Image by: Madelyn Amacher
How do the four distinct environments in Profitopia align with the songs on your EP?
Lobby / “Welcome to Profitopia”
The Lobby serves as the entry point into Profitopia, reflecting the sterile, controlled environment of corporate culture with a front desk, waiting area, and vending machine. The track “Welcome to Profitopia” echoes elevator music, but glitches and fading voiceovers signal that not everything is perfect. This subtle shift invites guests to question the illusion of this seemingly flawless world.
Employee Lounge / “Survival Mode”
The Employee Lounge appears to be a typical break room, but beneath the surface, it’s compromised by pink ooze, with stepmom hijacking the TV wall. The track “Survival Mode” explores overstimulation and isolation, but as the song progresses, harmonies and a rebellious guitar solo push against these themes. The lounge encourages guests to challenge their perceptions and question the nature of their surroundings.
Employee Gym / “Heavy Lifting”
In the Employee Gym, traditional workout equipment is reimagined with pink, fuzzy upholstery and playful “bearbells,” promoting a softer approach to the grind mentality. The track “Heavy Lifting” calls for rejecting societal pressures and embracing authenticity. This space reminds visitors that true strength lies in meaningful connections, not relentless hustle.
Stress Extraction Lab / “Self-Destruct”
The Stress Extraction Lab is a secretive space with top-level access, guarding the darker truths behind Profitopia. Here, guests can uncover the origin of the pink ooze and unlock hidden clues. The track “Self Destruct” is an anthem of self-empowerment, symbolizing the destruction of old, unfulfilling paths to make room for growth and collective liberation.
Image by: Bailey Lev
Does creating an exhibit like this change the way you approach your music or storytelling in the future?
Absolutely! This experience has pushed me to think outside the box and approach music and storytelling in new, more immersive ways. It’s inspired me to keep challenging myself creatively and to explore fresh, innovative ways to expand the stepmom world moving forward.
What’s next for STEPMOM after Profitopia? Can fans look forward to more projects blending music and art?
We will be playing more shows and touring to new cities! Be on the lookout for new show announcements!
Image by: Lindsey Cox
Finally, here at Pop Palace, we all have our own little 'Royal Court' of artists who inspire us and keep us going. So, if you could build your own musical palace, who would be sitting on your throne, and who would be in your royal court of all-time favorite artists?
I’d definitely place Jack White on the throne. His unruly, unpredictable energy — from The White Stripes to his solo work — has been a huge influence on my own performance style. As for the royal court, I’d invite Palehound, Ty Segall, Caroline Rose, Chappel Roan, Esperanza Spalding, Deerhoof, Stereolab, and of course the Spice Girls.
