Distortion Productions is pleased to announce the signing of New York's Frenchy and the Punk! Prior to their recent appearance at Dark Force Fest, label owner, Jim Semonik, was introduced to the band via the freelance A&R of label ally Athan Maroulis. Jim was quite delighted with their rousing performance, stating, "It's a natural fit. Not only do I vibe with these guys musically, they are incredibly talented, and I gel with them off-stage as well. They are amazing people, and I'm pleased to be releasing their new album this fall."
Frenchy and the Punk, the NY-based powerhouse duo of sound, create their own distinct blend of post-punk, with elements of darkwave and goth rock with electro-acoustic hybrid guitars, loop pedals, fiery live acoustic and electronic percussion and synth. Performing in the alternative underground scene since 2005, they originally formed in New York City as more of a dark cabaret / folk punk act. After years of touring and fine-tuning their sound, they have evolved into a distinctly authentic amalgamation of their divergent influences. Their relentless touring, which has amounted to nearly 1500 shows, has found them globetrotting across the US, Canada, Europe and West Africa.
French-born singer, keyboardist, percussionist, Samantha Stephenson, hails from a dance, music and art background, having studied piano, ballet, modern and hip-hop as well as sculpture. Guitarist Scott Helland comes from an entirely different background, the American Hardcore Punk scene of the 80’s. Helland was a founding member and bassist of the legendary hardcore band, Deep Wound, which he formed with J Mascis and Lou Barlow, now of Dinosaur Jr. Helland still joins his old bandmates on bass from time to time at clubs and arenas around the world. He was also a member of Outpatients and NYC’s School of Violence throughout the 80’s and into the 90’s.
Drawing inspiration from post-punk legends like the Cure, the upbeat energy and percussive textures of Adam and the Ants, the bewitching mystique of Siouxsie and the Banshees, and the quirky charm of the B-52's, Frenchy and the Punk have crafted a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshing delivered in an unorthodox way. Together, Samantha and Scott’s spellbinding stage presence and compelling delivery create an infectious and mesmerizing wall of sound that pushes the boundaries of what two people can do, what Post-Punk.com called, “…a wonderful alchemy of complementary energies."
Frenchy and the Punk have shared stages with the likes of: Thomas Dolby, Cruxshadows, Aurelio Voltaire, Vision Video, Health, Dinosaur Jr, Ego Likeness, Toyah Wilcox, Rosegarden Funeral Party, Rasputina and many more. Frenchy and the Punk are planning new releases for 2025 to follow up their recent albums "Midnight Garden" (2024) and "Zen Ghost" (2022). www.frenchyandthepunk.com