MAD HONEY. Wasp Doctor has arrived to the Eau Claire music scene, led by Caleb Price (vocals, songwriting), Phil Dedman (drums) and Eric Thompson (bass). The trio will release their self-titled EP, "Wasp Doctor," on Sept. 20 and perform live at DedArtFest that very evening at The Plus in downtown Eau Claire.

What's the new music buzz around Eau Claire? The answer is "Wasp Doctor," the self-titled, upcoming EP from a newer trio of area musicians.

The group's six-track EP — exploring themes of frustration and anger in an entertaining way — will be available to stream on Sept. 20 via Bandcamp.

Caleb Price (vocals, songwriter) brought the trio to life, with the help of his friends Phil Dedman (drums) and Eric Thompson (bass).

Inspired by musicians including Idol, Nirvana, and System of a Down, Caleb was ready to form his own group in the Eau Claire area. Phil and Eric expressed interest in collaborating after Caleb shared an open call in a local musicians' Facebook group.

"Wasp Doctor," EP cover.

He began writing songs for the group's first release back in 2024. Once he brought them to Phil and Eric, they each provided feedback and helped workshop each songs with their unique flare.

Casual, impromptu jam sessions in Phil's garage eventually led to recording demos, making it evident that an EP was in Wasp Doctor's future. In March of this year, the group took their vision to RiverRock Studios, a recording studio based in Minneapolis, to complete the finishing touches.

For Caleb, days recording with Phil and Eric were often his favorites in bringing the EP to life. From his initial pictures to the vivid realization of each song, the trio's collaboration and preparedness shone through in every session.

Prior to the “Wasp Doctor” release, the trio has performed live around the Chippewa Valley, even taking the labyrinth stage at the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series in July at Phoenix Park in downtown Eau Claire.

Wasp Doctor’s sound would best be described as rock, alternative and grungy — with unique twists to make the music their own — Caleb said.

“(Wasp Doctor) is exploring the harsher sides of existence, but doing it with a sense of humor as well,” Caleb said.

With these themes in mind, the EP cover itself depicts a hellish landscape with the band members blissfully unaware, representing a dichotomy of harsh realities and the humor found throughout.

To celebrate the EP’s release, Wasp Doctor will headline the DedArtFest bill at The Plus (208 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire) alongside other local acts. This event, Caleb said, will be the culmination of all the energy Wasp Doctor has generated leading up to this moment.

For more information on Wasp Doctor’s forthcoming release, visit the group’s Bandcamp page online. To purchase tickets for DedArtFest, visit volumeonetickets.org.