Phoenix band MRCH's music appears on HBO series

Sure, we’re some 379 miles from Los Angeles (we Googled it), but Hollywood has always taken notice of Phoenix bands. There's that rock doc about local legends the Pistoleros. Or, Chuckie Duff, formerly of Dear and the Headlights, co-producing "Teenage Badass" (complete with cameos from several Phoenix venues). Even '80s Tempe rockers The Jetzons were (somehow) featured in the Nicolas Cage-starring "The Frozen Ground."

Now, electro-pop duo MRCH have further added to this star-studded local cadre with a new song placement on the most recent episode of HBO’s "The Sex Lives of College Girls."
If you're unaware, the series follows four college freshmen as they deal with the challenges of college (i.e., interpersonal relationships, adult responsibilities, sexual development in the digital age and seemingly having to wear shower sandals). The duo's 2022 single, the sleek and sexy dance ballad "Anxious and Angry," appears on the third season episode titled "Pics," in which the four roommates contend with first dates, carving out "me time" and the anxieties of sending nude selfies. Ah, to be young and horny once again.

This isn't MRCH's first time having their music featured on TV or streaming, with past spots in "Twilight Zone," "Shameless" and "Search Party." But as singer Mickey Pangburn told us recently, it's continually a big deal.

"It always feels really special getting a song chosen to be in someone’s vision," says Pangburn. "We definitely have a say in when or how our songs are used, but [the show] has a stellar cast and soundtrack, so we’re pumped."

And, yes, the duo also plan to have a viewing party with family and friends.

"Anything to celebrate, we’ll take it," says Mickey Pangburn. "Especially in times like these. The excitement is never lost on us."
With "times like these," Pangburn may likely be referring to when she suffered a spontaneously collapsed lung in mid-2024, which cut short a summer 2024 tour alongside the Los Angeles band Cannons.

"To be fully transparent, this [placement] was extra welcome as it’s helping with some medical bills," says Pangburn. "So it’s super helpful and appreciated for an indie band like us."

Following surgery and a recovery period, MRCH is already back to recording and performing. The duo recently released a new single in "Elvira Hancock," and are already at work on yet another new single, "Elixir," for the near future. Their first show post-Pangburn's recovery is set for Linger Longer Lounge on February 1 alongside FORTS and Dream2Dream (head to the Lounge's Facebook for more info).

The MRCH-featuring episode of "The Sex Lives of College Girls" is available to stream right now via Max and Hulu. Before or after your viewing, though, take a minute or two to really think about how your own college experience likely wasn't as cool, flirty or self-fulfilling.