Jerk With Laughing Cats: A Retro-Fueled Anthem

Imagine stumbling into a dive bar at the stroke of midnight, the air thick with nostalgia. And the jukebox is playing that one song that makes you think maybe I am a bit of a jerk. That’s the backdrop for the Laughing Cats’ second track “Jerk” from their upcoming album Funny Money. With Tony Fredianelli and Lauren Schiff at the helm, this duo is throwing you back to the golden days of pop and rock. They’re making them relive their glory right here in the present. I recently had the distinct honour of getting my hands on their inaugural single GYB, released just about a month ago. And let me tell you, that track haunted the corners of my mind for days. Now, their second single Jerk jolts me awake with a sharp slap of realization, stirring a hunger within. An eagerness for whatever auditory delights Laughing Cats plan to dish out next.

Meet the Laughing Cats: Tony and Lauren

Tony, a Santa Monica native, cut his teeth on the strings of a guitar with a pedigree. One that traces back to late night talks with Johnny Carson and tours with the Rat Pack, courtesy of his old man. He’s the uncredited genius behind hits like “Motorcycle Drive By” and “Semi Charmed Life” of Third Eye Blind fame. And later, the founder of XEB with fellow ex-3EB bandmates. Lauren, on the other hand, traded Broadway’s bright lights for dimly lit recording studios. An alumna of NYU’s MFA program. She has graced stages and film sets alike, ultimately discovering her true calling in songwriting, showcased in tracks like Goodbye.

How “Jerk” Came to Be

A song spawned not from the throes of heartache you might expect. But from observing the all-too-human spectacle of a man begging for his wife’s forgiveness. Lauren Schiff has a keen eye for the melodramas that unfold in the everyday dance of human relationships. She’s magically drawing her songwriting fuel from these fires. This knack sparked both GYB and Jerk. I feel Jerk as a raspy confessional, much like something you’d expect from Matt Shultz of Cage the Elephant. Lauren channelled the agonies of a man she once knew. This poor soul was caught in a thorny process. One of clawing his way back into the good graces of his estranged wife. But let’s be honest, his saga isn’t unique. It’s a page ripped out of the grand human script. And hopefully come out better on the other side. Jerk is for anyone who’s ever had to eat a slice of humble pie and beg for forgiveness.

Musical Inspirations and Sonic Love Letters

Tony and Lauren are like seasoned chefs in the kitchen of music. Stirring up a stew flavoured with the rich, bold tastes of pre-Y2K pop and rock. They’ve got a particular soft spot for the 60s and 80s. Yeah, those times when music felt like a constant revolution. The Beatles are their musical north star, and the list doesn’t stop there. From Lou Reed & The Velvet Underground to The Kinks, these artists stirred the pot of the music scene. Leaving an indelible mark with each track. As for the 80s, think of it as one hell of a party. With UK new wave acts like New Order and Tears for Fears turning up the volume. And dark poets like The Cure and Depeche Mode haunting the later hours.

A Slow Burn Album Release: Funny Money

Funny Money’ makes its entrance with a slow, deliberate swagger. Each track reveals itself like a sly whisper in the dark, tempting you to lean in for more. Released in a waterfall style, every 6-8 weeks another piece of the puzzle is revealed, allowing each song to simmer on the back burner of the audience’s mind before the next one is brought to a boil.

Laughing Cats are here to remind us that music isn’t just about what’s new or now; it’s about what moves us. With Jerk, they invite us to look inward while grooving outward. Offering a soundtrack for both reflection and rebellion. So dust off your vinyl, pour another drink, and let the guys take you on a journey through the ages. Because when it comes to music, sometimes looking back is the best way to move forward.