KINGS COUNTY QUEENS has been an important fixture on the New York City country scene since its debut in 2000. Driven by mostly acoustic arrangements, lush male-female harmonies, bittersweet lyrics, and music that one critic called “soft songs with a hard center,” KCQ is true to the country tradition, while maintaining a contemporary edge.
Formed by Suzanne in 2000, the band's first show was at the summer-opening of Coney Island, where they debuted with a handful of Chris Bowers' originals and a mixed bag of covers. The band quickly became regulars at NY venues, welcomed equally at downtown rock clubs and hole-in-the-wall honky-tonks. They have happily shared stages with the Waco Brothers, label-mate Mary Lou Lord, Trailer Bride and others. In addition, they have toured throughout the US, including showcases at SXSW and CMJ.
The band was picked up by Rubric Records in 2001. And in 2002 the band released the LP “Big Ideas”—a CD that captured both their songwriting ability and appreciation for the Sun Records sound. The CD was critically well-received and won over new fans all over the world. With the merger of Rubric and Tee-Pee Records in 2003, the newly formed label began to focus on heavy rock, and the label and KCQ decided to part ways.
KCQ have just finished recording their follow up to “Big Ideas,” tentatively titles “Big Mistake.” Quentin Jennings (Melomane, The Dylans) oversaw production of the CD. Sections we done at Brooklyn Broadcast Studios, while others were done in Quentin’s apartment, while his wife and kid were out of town. Like their previous release, this recording showcases their penchant for harmonies and sharp lyrics. But this time out the sound is more developed with larger and more complex arrangements. The CD also includes the help of several friends, such as Drew Glackin (The Silos, etc.) on lap steel and mandolin, Jon Petrow (Cordero) on violin, Meredith Yayanos (Vanity Set) on violin and viola, Frank Heer (Melomane) on cello, Fred Wallace (Oakley Hall) on banjo and Elena Belan helping out with string arrangements.