Dust Bowl Faeries / Frenchy and the Punk

Dust Bowl Faeries perform a faerie-tale fusion of dark cabaret and polka-punk music, infused with a dose of witchcraft and a dusting of woodland magic. The accordion driven freak-folk ensemble hails from the New York Hudson Valley and draws inspiration from sinister circus songs, murder ballads and Eastern European folk music. Singing saw, piano accordion, lap-steel, bass, percussion and acoustic guitar combine to create the Dust Bowl Faeries otherworldly sound.

Dust Bowl Faeries was founded by Ryder Cooley (faerie queen) and the band’s taxidermy spirit animal, Hazel the Ram.  Ryder and Hazel are joined by Rubi LaRue (feisty faerie), Jon B. Woodin (rocket faerie), Jude Roberts (hobbit faerie) & Andrew Stein (time faerie). The ensemble has toured internationally and has released several recordings including Magic & Mayhem (2024) featuring cellist Melora Creager/Rasputina, Carnival Dust (2023) featuring harpist Mikaela Davis and a debut album featuring guitarist Tommy Stinson/Replacements.

Frenchy and the Punk, the NY-based two-person powerhouse 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 synths. 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.

French-born singer, keyboardist, percussionist, Samantha Stephenson, hails from a dance and art background having studied 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 western Massachusetts hardcore band, Deep Wound that he formed with J Mascis and Lou Barlow now of Dinosaur jr. Helland still joins his old band mates on bass from time to time at clubs and arenas around the World.