Make Music Long Beach

Wormstew

WORMSTEW is a Long Beach, California–based band that has been quietly happening for over 25 years, mostly to itself. Founded in 2000 by songwriter MIKE SCHNEE, the project began with a simple, recurring mistake: trying to sound like other songwriters and failing just enough to accidentally sound like himself. Over the years, Schnee has aimed for Paul McCartney, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Ween, and various other heroes, only to miss the target entirely. These failed impressions became Wormstew’s defining feature—songs that feel familiar but slightly askew, earnest yet dryly funny, guided more by instinct than polish. Mike records his songs with many instruments but performs them live on an acoustic guitar. He is often accompanied by Teresa Cowles on bass.