Starting up a band can have a number of intentions behind it. But Margaret Butler and her band GGOOLLDD had a pretty specific intention: they wanted to throw a party.

Today, the band tours around the country and has two extended plays under its belt.  

Butler encountered the music scene in a unique way. Before GGOOLLDD, she tried to start up a number of different businesses and designed clothing. While music may have not been her first career choice, she has found the fun within it. In addition, music has given her the chance to make art in a different way.

“[Creating music] was more fun than making clothes,” Butler said. “Which I still love making clothes, but this is easier, it’s more interactive. “I get to hang out with my friends to create art, which is the most fun part about it.”

Since working in music, Butler has taken on roles that include singing and writing. She said she was not initially confident with songwriting, but Butler believes that she has become better as time has gone on.

At first, she was inspired to write new music so the band could throw more parties, but today, her drive to produce new material is also driven by the passion for her talent.

“I was not super comfortable with the songwriting process because it was not something I had ever done before,” Butler said.  “But now I’m much more comfortable with it, so I enjoy the songwriting process just as much if not more than throwing parties.”

Songwriting is a collaborative effort from the band members. The members of GGOOLLDD work on one another’s parts, and Butler said that there is no selfishness behind who gets which part while they are developing a song.

The band members also have a close relationship with one another. Butler now refers to her bandmates as brothers.

The members are going to rent a house together when the tour concludes. They will continue to collaborate on new music in their new home. Butler said some people have questioned this decision, but she is confident and excited.  

“We’re happiest when we are together, we are a family,” Butler said. “I love being around these guys.”

GGOOLLDD’s current tour will first take them to the Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. After the festival, they will trek east to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Butler’s hometown. 

In Louisiana, they plan on seeing some of the sites and cities in the state. Butler said the band members will also use the opportunity to work in an environment different than their home state of Wisconsin. They will record new music during the tour.   

“Wisconsin can be a little bit gloomy, and it’s hard to keep morale up all the time when it’s just so nasty out,” Butler said. “We’re gonna actually try to get some serious writing done for three weeks down there.”

The band plans to work hard on the creation of a full-length album. Butler said a release date for the album is not set, but it’s a project it will be working hard on.

Before GGOOLLDD sets out on all of their upcoming creative expeditions, music fans can catch them at 6 p.m. Friday at the Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the door or online.