Brass Queens, Mama Digdown's Brass Band

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The band Brass Queens and instruments.

Brass Queens

media release: Hailing from Brooklyn, Brass Queens is an all female and female-led brass band with a unique sound that blends the energy of the Big Apple with the Big Easy. Their upcoming album ‘Hot Tub Sessions Vol. I’ features a collection of songs with a range of influences including Balkan, mambo, film scores, pop, and classic rock. The album is paired with a strong visual identity that dives into the symbolism found in the tradition of tarot, with each corresponding to a tarot card–taking listeners on a musical journey through their past, present, and future. Ally Chapel (Alto Sax) explains “After touring incessantly, we each wrote music reflecting our experiences on the road- from proving ourselves on new stages, to the late-night rituals that brought us closer as a band. These songs are snapshots of our journey, capturing the highs, lows, and everything in between.”

The album was recorded at Atlantic Records in NYC, featuring a talented line up of 11 musicians, including Alex Harris (Trumpet), Stephanie King (Trumpet), Minerva Johnson (Trumpet and Aux Percussion), Ally Chapel (Alto Sax), Jenna Murdoch (Tenor Sax), Stephanie Young (Trombone), Elizabeth Arce (Trombone), Nora Nalepka (Sousaphone), Heather Ewer (Sousaphone: Karma Queen), Ashley Baier (Drums), and Caitlin Cawley (Aux Percussion). The project was engineered by Joseph Pomarico with Ross Owen, mixed by Ian Kagey and mastered by Oscar Zambrano.

“Karma Queen” embodies the strength and resilience of the New Orleans brass band tradition, encouraging listeners to embrace their inner power. Alex Harris (Trumpet) reflects: “Sorry Not Sorry- we often feel the need to apologize for standing our ground, fearing karma will come for us. But ‘Karma Queen’ is a reminder to be unapologetic and claim our power.” The cover art for “Karma Queen” represents the High Priestess card found in a tarot deck. This card embodies intuition, guidance, and the divine feminine - qualities personified by a divine goddess who champions the power of the inner voice.

Other stand out tracks include the debut single “Make Believe” which is about feeling unbridled joy with your loved

ones.

The revenge anthem “Look At Me Now” has some Balkan influences which provide a sense of haunting in the intro. The song continues to oscillate between a pointed melody with a defensive tone followed by a joyous hymn resembling brightness on the other side. The song returns and ends with the ghostly theme, representing a grudge that will not soon be forgotten. The track is represented by ‘The Magician’ tarot card, which represents creativity, resourcefulness and manifesting desires. This card is often depicted with the infinity symbol, “what goes around, comes around.”

“Hot Tub Hotel II” is a tribute to a beloved bed and breakfast called Lions Inn, a place of peaceful respite in the heart of Marigny in New Orleans. It features that classic NOLA groove just like what you would hear up and down Frenchman Street. The band frequently reminisces about this favorite spot of theirs- one of the many memories shared between the band members during the fateful night the album is based on. “Moon Shine”, will find you on the dance floor, moving and groovin’ on the stage one minute, and then in a swimsuit sippin’ moonshine under the moon the next.

The boldest song on this album “Take The Throne” is a powerful yet groovy rock ‘n’ roll-inspired track declaring Brass Queens’ ascent to brass band royalty!

So how did the album title come to be, one may ask? Inspired by a rare night off in 2023, relaxing together in a hotel hot tub. The conversation covered everything from favorite performances, to the challenges of being an all-female band in a male-dominated genre, and the joys of collaboration. This momentum of camaraderie was the catalyst for members of the band to write their own original music and develop the collection of songs that make up Brass Queens 2024 album Hot Tub Sessions Vol. I which will be released on October 18th in all formats, CD, Vinyl and Digital.

With roots in the New Orleans brass band tradition, this album showcases their versatility, delivering intricate horn lines, driving grooves, and a powerful wall of sound that tells their story through triumphant anthems, joyous odes to friendship and danceable tunes.

About Brass Queens:

Brass Queens is a female-led New York-based brass band that has been dominating the brass band scene since 2019. Formed by co-founders Alex Harris and Ally Chapel out of a shared frustration with the male-dominated brass band landscape, Brass Queens has become a fixture in the local music scene. Known for their high-energy performances, they have toured nationally and internationally, gracing stages at major festivals and events such as the Ottawa Jazz Festival, The Met Gala, and the Blue Note Jazz Club.

The Brass Queens sound is a vibrant mix of the New York Scene and New Orleans, creating a nonstop party atmosphere that has audiences dancing from start to finish. Their debut EP Royal Street was released in 2021, followed by their first full-length album ‘Black & Gold’, in 2023. Their upcoming album ‘Hot Tub Sessions Vol. I is set to continue their musical journey, with its release scheduled for October 18th, 2024 on their own imprint Harmony Park Pro.

Brass Queens embarks on the first leg of their ‘Hot Tub Sessions. Vol I’ tour in the fall.