Press
Biography
Sydney based
Psycho Zydeco, or the Psychos as their fans affectionately dub them,
have established themselves as the country’s premier roots act
specialising in the high-energy, uplifting style of music known as
zydeco. This music was originally born in the swamplands and bayou area
of Louisiana’s Deep South.
The band’s earthy
blend of traditional Cajun, blues, and swamp music produces a heady mix
of their brand of Zydeco.
Driving washboard, drums, guitar, saxophone, organ, piano and the odd
triangle combine with some amazing accordion playing creating music
that will make you move.
Since 2007 Psycho
Zydeco have been performing with new member George Bibicos on piano and
Hammond organ. This has led to a greater
warmth and diversity in the band’s sound. George’s playing
has helped create a fresh vibe amongst the group and has been embraced
by fans as a great new addition to the wild ride that is Psycho Zydeco.
With performances
at every major music festival nation-wide, TV and radio appearances and
three tours of the U.K. and Europe, Sydney based Psycho Zydeco are one
of the most successful touring ‘blues/roots’ acts in Australia. All
four of the band’s recordings, Swamp Box, Sell Your Soul, Zydeco
Factory and Get On Board have been favourably received by fans and
critics alike.
Psycho Zydeco are:
Stefan Sernek: Vocals, Accordion, Bass.
Gregg Hatton: Vocals, Guitar, Frottoir, Triangle.
Christopher Wilson: Vocals, Saxophone, Frottoir, Triangle.
?: Drums.
George Bibicos: Organ, Piano, Percussion.
Background
Cajun and Zydeco
music were spawned from the melting pot of cultures that is New Orleans
and Louisiana. When French speaking Acadians were exiled from Canada in
the 18th century, many settled in Louisiana alongside the local Native
American Indians, African slaves and European colonists already living
in the region. They became known as Cajuns and their folk music became
influenced by the surrounding cultures. Utilising button squeeze-box,
fiddle, whistles, triangle and washboard, by the 19th century accordion
was introduced as well as Spanish guitar and black Creole influences.
Psycho Zydeco add saxophone and drums to this lively musical gumbo,
creating a rollicking R&B mix that’s guaranteed to keep any dance
floor crowded.
Through
the years Psycho Zydeco have released several albums, toured
internationally, performed at festivals big and small, and generally
helped spread the beauty of the zydeco sound. The heady mix of
traditional cajun, modern zydeco, blues and funk can conjure the
atmosphere of an open air music festival, or a steaming late night jam.
The latest release is their fourth album,
Get On Board.
“Psycho
Zydeco has recently released one of the finest homegrown roots music
albums of the past decade, which is worthy of an ARIA nomination.
Get On Board is a 16-track romp through
the world of traditional and contemporary zydeco, interpreted in
Psycho’s own unique style.
There’s a solid collection of originals,
some classic covers from artists such as Terrence Simien and Clifton
Chenier and some real contemporary grooves along the lines of Chris
Ardoin. It’s highly recommended and worthy of an ARIA gong in the best
roots category.”
Pedro
Manoy
Drum Media, Sydney.
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