Kevin Bronson on June 3rd, 2021

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Massachusetts native Wayne Whittaker makes music as Pigeon Club, a name he adopted to honor a longtime hobby in his family.

An L.A. denizen since 2018, Whittaker cut his teeth in Boston, where the singer-songwriter/producer attended Berklee and hustled work as a bassist for a host of artists, including Marissa Nadler and indie-pop duo HAERTS (he played on their new album “Dream Nation”).

Whittaker’s music as Pigeon Club flies the flag of classic folk-rock, with the songwriter casting himself as world-wary (not necessarily weary) troubadour crafting lyrics that are at turns smart, wry and self-deprecating. Notably, Whittaker’s principal collaborator on his debut album, “Pigeon Club,” is producer/multi-instrumentalist John Would, a Grammy nominee and winner for his work with Fiona Apple and onetime guitarist for Warren Zevon. Would’s daughter, Amy Wood, drums on most of the record (Pete Thomas sits in on one track), and a host of other players help give Whittaker’s musings a cozy, familiar glow.

“I’ve spent quite some time in my own head this year, which is where I think a lot of folks tend to reside,” Whittaker says. “I hope the anxieties presented in these songs feel familiar, so at the very least we can compare notes.”

He tackles anxiety head-on in the memorable lead track, “Worry About It.” His advice? Don’t.

His way to move forward: “OK, so things feel kinda strange / and you miss our old familiar ways / they weren’t the good guys and they weren’t the good ol’ days / and if I were you I wouldn’t worry about it.”

“Pigeon Club” is out June 18.

||| Stream: “Worry About It” and “What If I Don’t Get Sick”