The Bridge City Sinners have carved a unique space in the music world, defying easy categorization and captivating audiences with their distinctive sound and DIY ethos. Emerging from the busking scene of the Pacific Northwest, the band has evolved into a formidable ensemble, celebrated for their voracious textures, audacious performances, and a sound that is both familiar and strikingly original.
From Street Corners to Center Stage: The Genesis of a Sinful Sound
The Bridge City Sinners' story began on the streets of Portland, Oregon, where Libby Lux (Lead Vocals/Ukulele) and Scott Michaud (Upright Bass) would occasionally meet to play music for passersby. These informal sessions, often with other street musicians, lacked rehearsal or a concrete plan, but they laid the foundation for something special. Separately, Lux and Michaud had spent years traveling across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, embracing a hobo lifestyle, earning their keep through the generosity of those who tossed coins into their hats. These experiences instilled in them a deep appreciation for the traveling/busking community and its rich catalog of songs.
The band's formation was also influenced by tragedy. In 2012, a close friend and lead singer of the folk-punk band Profane Sass passed away, inspiring Lux and Michaud to keep his spirit alive by continuing to share the music they had all sung together. In the winter of 2016, the Bridge City Sinners officially came into being, blending their diverse musical backgrounds and experiences into a singular sound.
Lux recalls her initial motivations: "I was probably in the most depressing, heartbroken state of my existence and I kind of got to this point where I was like 'I wanna be happy again. And to get happy again I really need to get back to some things that made me happy and what was that?' And then when I sat down and thought about it, it was music." She turned to Craigslist and found an ad that led her to her future bandmates.
The Sinners' Lineup: A Motley Crew of Musical Talent
The Bridge City Sinners are led by the captivating Libby Lux, whose vocals are described as both spicy and full of sublime intonations. Her journey began in the punk scene, but her musical path led her to embrace a wider range of influences. The band's lineup also includes:
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- King Strang (Guitar): A core member since the early days, King Strang brings his unique guitar style to the Sinners' sound. He joined after Libby answered his Craigslist ad, convincing Scott to join too.
- Scott Michaud (Upright Bass): Michaud's steady presence on the upright bass provides the rhythmic backbone for the band. He also runs Flail Records, the band's DIY label.
- Clyde McGee (Banjo): McGee's banjo adds a touch of traditional folk and bluegrass to the Sinners' eclectic mix. He toured with the band before becoming a full-time member.
- Lightnin’ Luke (Fiddle): Luke's fiery fiddle playing injects energy and virtuosity into the band's performances.
Former members include Ryan, who played clarinet before focusing on teaching music.
Each member brings a unique set of skills and influences to the table, creating a dynamic and cohesive sound that defies easy categorization.
Genre-Fluidity: Defining the Undefinable
One of the most striking aspects of the Bridge City Sinners is their refusal to be confined by genre labels. Their music incorporates elements of bluegrass, jazz, country, and punk, resulting in a sound that is both familiar and innovative. Lux herself has heard their music described as "yeehaw goth," "black grass," "folk metal," and "alternative rock," highlighting the difficulty in pinning down their unique style. The band members come from diverse musical backgrounds, ranging from classical music to traditional folk to punk rock, and they draw inspiration from all of these avenues.
King Strang acknowledges the challenge of defining their sound: "I think we’d all have a different answer to this, but I think we play such a range of different stuff there’s no one song that has it all. I think “Ashes” shows off our classic folk side, “Run From The Sun” is our jazz side, “Virgin Sacrifice” is our punk side, and “Never Gonna Give You Up” is where our hearts really lie."
This genre-fluidity allows the Bridge City Sinners to appeal to a wide range of listeners, from punk rockers to bluegrass enthusiasts. They have played festivals ranging from Punk Rock Bowling to Muddy Roots to the Bluegrass String Summit, showcasing their ability to transcend genre boundaries.
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DIY Ethos: Taking Control of Their Destiny
The Bridge City Sinners are fiercely independent, embracing a DIY approach to their music and career. They release their albums on their own label, Flail Records, run by bassist Scott Michaud. This allows them to maintain complete creative control over their music and branding.
Lux emphasizes the importance of their DIY ethos: "Honestly if it was up to me we’d do everything ourselves forever… I know for me personally the DIY music scene has supported me so much. It’s a lot less do it yourself and a lot more do it together. I think as we move forward we just have to accept that we can’t do it all ourselves. That being said, we will always do our best to work with folks we know and keep it in the community. We will always have DIY ethics."
Their commitment to DIY extends to all aspects of their career, from recording and distribution to promotion and touring. They have built a strong following through hard work, dedication, and a genuine connection with their fans.
Unholy Hymns: A Darkly Themed Masterpiece
The Bridge City Sinners' album Unholy Hymns is a testament to their unique sound and DIY spirit. The album showcases their genre-bending approach, blending folk, punk, and jazz elements with dark and often macabre themes. The album is split into two halves, with "Book I" featuring classic Sinners jazzy folk songs and "Book II" exploring a new sound that leans closer to black metal.
King Strang describes the album's sound: "They sound a lot like I mentioned above, all over the place. We split it into two halves. “Book I” is classic sinners jazzy folk songs with our dark themes, and “Book II” is a totally new sound that gets closer to black metal but still with the acoustic instrumentation. It’s still us, but I think we’re really trying to push into something that’s scarier and more badass."
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Despite being released independently, Unholy Hymns made it onto the Billboard charts, a testament to the band's growing popularity and the strength of their music.
Live Performances: A Spectacle of Sound and Energy
The Bridge City Sinners are known for their high-energy live performances, which are a spectacle of sound and showmanship. Lux's commanding stage presence and the band's tight musicianship create an unforgettable experience for audiences.
Lux describes her approach to live performance: "The part I enjoy most is the performance. That’s what gets me going… If the room becomes bigger and the crowds become bigger, I would also like the [performance] to grow. If I have the money, why not light some shit on fire? Where’s the confetti cannons?"
Their live shows often feature audience participation, creating a sense of community and shared experience. Whether you're a seasoned mosh pit veteran or a newcomer to this style of music, a Bridge City Sinners performance is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Touring Europe and Beyond: Spreading the Sinners' Gospel
After making waves in the United States, the Bridge City Sinners are now setting their sights on Europe and beyond. They had planned to tour Europe in 2022 but were forced to postpone due to the pandemic. Now, they are eager to bring their unique sound to international audiences, with plans to tour the U.K., Italy, and Germany.
Their partnership with SBÄM Records has helped them gain distribution and promotion in Europe, making their music more accessible to fans across the Atlantic. The band is grateful for the support of SBÄM, which allows them to avoid high transatlantic shipping costs for their fans.
Embracing the Sinner Within: A Philosophy of Life
The Bridge City Sinners' music often explores dark themes and embraces the darker aspects of human nature. Lux believes that it's important to embrace the "sinner" within ourselves, to indulge in life and experience as long as it feels good and you're not hurting anybody.
"Yes, because life is about living and I can’t imagine living it by someone else’s rules," she says. "I think we should all really indulge in life and in experience as long as it feels good and you’re not hurting anybody. That’s my perspective. I think that entertaining that part of you and letting yourself be a little wild, I think that that helps to tame the beast."
This philosophy is reflected in their music, which encourages listeners to embrace their individuality and to live life on their own terms.