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 spirit of the Big Easy. Their upcoming album, Hot Tub Sessions Vol. I, features a diverse collection of songs influenced by Balkan, mambo, film scores, pop, and classic rock. The album is accompanied by a strong visual identity, rooted in the symbolism of tarot, with each track 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 and features a talented lineup 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 in the tarot deck, symbolizing intuition, guidance, and the divine feminine—qualities personified by a divine goddess who champions the power of the inner voice.
Other standout tracks include the debut single “Make Believe,” which captures the unbridled joy of being with loved ones.
The revenge anthem “Look At Me Now” draws on Balkan influences, creating a haunting introduction. The song oscillates between a pointed melody with a defensive tone and a joyous hymn representing the brightness on the other side. It concludes with the eerie theme, symbolizing a grudge that will not soon be forgotten. The track is represented by The Magician tarot card, which signifies creativity, resourcefulness, and the manifestation of desires—often depicted with the infinity symbol, “what goes around, comes around.”
“Hot Tub Hotel II” is a tribute to Lions Inn, a beloved bed and breakfast in New Orleans' Marigny neighborhood. It features the classic NOLA groove you'd expect to hear up and down Frenchman Street. The band frequently reminisces about this special spot—a place that provided them peace and inspiration during the fateful night that inspired the album.
“Moon Shine” will have you dancing one minute and then lounging in a swimsuit, sipping moonshine under the stars the next.
The boldest track on the album, “Take The Throne,” is a powerful yet groovy rock ‘n’ roll-inspired anthem, declaring Brass Queens' ascent to brass band royalty.
So how did the album title come about, one may ask? It was inspired by a rare night off in 2023, when the band members found themselves relaxing in a hotel hot tub, discussing everything from their favorite performances to the challenges of being an all-female band in a male-dominated genre. This camaraderie sparked the creation of Hot Tub Sessions Vol. I, a collection of original music that reflects their shared journey. The album will be released on October 18th, 2024, in all formats: CD, vinyl, and digital.
With roots in the New Orleans brass band tradition, this album showcases Brass Queens' 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.
Brass Queens’ sound is a vibrant fusion of the New York scene and New Orleans culture, creating a nonstop party atmosphere that keeps 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 will embark on the first leg of their Hot Tub Sessions Vol. I tour this fall.
- Tuesday, October 8th - Town Hall (David Byrne Variety Show) - NYC
- Wednesday, October 9th - The Hideout - Chicago, IL
- Thursday, October 10th - Grand Theatre 10x10 Series - Wausau, WI
- Friday, October 11th - High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI
- Saturday, October 12th - Ludington Area Center for the Arts - Ludington, MI
- Sunday, October 13th - Cliff Bell’s - Detroit, MI
- Wednesday, October 16th - Brooklyn Bowl (MONDO) - Brooklyn, NY (Album Release Show)
