Written by Greg Ackerman Photos by James ATX
Los Angeles sound engineer and producer Sarah Tudzin left the console board recently to produce her own music dubbed illuminati hotties. Her work for indie music producer Chris Coady (TV on the Radio, Beach House) in addition to work she’s done for national Broadway shows such as Hamilton reflect her approach making music to some degree. The upstart group came through Barracuda last November with both that street cred and recognition from national outlets such as NPR and Pitchfork on their debut album “Kiss Yr Frenemies.” You can stream the entire album in the band link.
The project Tudzin describes as “tenderpunk” turned in an eclectic performance, mixing softer, subtle indie pop tunes with decidedly more upbeat pop-punk songs that lifted the audience as much as Tudzin and her band who appeared to relish the ebb and flow of their setlist. Perhaps the group’s popularity is in part due to the wave of female-fronted lo-fi punk, garage rock and songwriters enjoying attention from music fans. Although Illuminati Hotties music sounds nothing like Japanese Breakfast, Courtney Barnett or Snail Mail the music is in that vein. That is, the energy feels similar with a similar type of plain, unadulterated honesty.
Tudzin sported a white jumpsuit and red bandana headband looking and sounding like a a self-styled pop-punk waif. Her band was equally compelling. Bassist, Dan Kiner hopped around the stage in just about the goofiest DIY, thrift-store getup we’ve seen lately (see photos). Like her bassist, Tudzin injects a bit of fun and irreverence into the performances, as if she’s gently reminding us the point of rock n roll is to have a good time. Which we naturally did, eventually singing along to a tune in which Tudzin briefly reviewed how the chorus went for fans before launching into the track.
illuminati hotties return to Austin February 2 at Barracuda again. This time with Nashville singer-songwriter sensation, Lucy Dacus. The show is already sold-out but watch Barracuda’s social feeds for a late announcement regarding ticket availability. They’ve been known to release tickets day of the event.
