Jamaican Queens

Last updated
Jamaican Queens
Origin Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Genres Pop, electronic, experimental, Indie rock
Years active2012present
Associated actsPrussia
Website www.jamaicanqueens.com
MembersRyan Spencer
Adam Pressley
Ryan Clancy

Jamaican Queens is an American electronic pop band based in Detroit, Michigan.

Contents

History

Adam Pressley and Ryan Spencer formed Jamaican Queens in Detroit in 2011. Pressley and Spencer had previously performed together in the defunct band Prussia. The duo wrote the songs that would comprise their first album. Jamaican Queens later expanded to include drummer Ryan Clancy. [1] [2] [3] [4] The band name comes from Spencer’s love of Jamaican dancehall music. [5]

In March 2013, Jamaican Queens released their debut album, Wormfood. [6] Abby Fiscus provided vocals on two tracks, and also appeared on the album's cover. [7] L Magazine ranked Wormfood #3 on its list of the 20 Best Albums of 2013, calling it the year's "best debut record." [8] The band's music has been described as having elements of pop, glam rock and electronic dance music. [9] [10] [3] Some of their influences include David Bowie, the Magnetic Fields, and Three Six Mafia. [1] [5] [6] Spencer has called Morrissey his biggest influence when writing lyrics. [11]

In October 2014, the band released a new single, "Bored + Lazy". [12] On June 2, 2015, the band's second album, Downers, was released. [13] [14]

Discography

Albums

TitleAlbum details
Wormfood
  • Released: March 5, 2013
  • Label: self-released
  • Formats: Digital download, CD, vinyl, cassette
Downers
  • Released: June 2, 2015
  • Label: Freakish Pleasures
  • Formats: Digital download, vinyl, cassette (limited edition)

EPs

TitleAlbum details
Bored + Lazy
  • Released: February 6, 2015
  • Label: Freakish Pleasures
  • Formats: Digital download, 12" white label vinyl

Singles

YearTitleAlbum
2012"When You Sleep"
2013"Kids Get Away"
  • Released: June 17, 2013
  • Formats: Digital download
Wormfood
2014"Bored + Lazy"
  • Released: November 4, 2014
  • Formats: Digital download, vinyl
Downers

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References

  1. 1 2 Brian Baker, “Jamaican Queens,” Cincinnati CityBeat , August 20, 2013.
  2. Gary Bartle, “Gold Standard,” Real Detroit Weekly , April 10, 2013.
  3. 1 2 Jonah Wolf, “Jamaican Queens Perform in our Kitchen,” Paper , March 19, 2013.
  4. Chelsea Burcz, “Jamaican Queens’ Food for Thought,” Interview , April 26, 2013.
  5. 1 2 Mia Sullivan, “Jamaican Queens on major influences, ‘Wormfood,’ and Detroit,” San Francisco Bay Guardian , May 10, 2013.
  6. 1 2 Chris Martins, “Jamaican Queens Introduce Meaty Décor in Twisted ‘Can’t Say No to Annie’ Video,” Spin , July 9, 2013.
  7. Maria Schurr, “Jamaican Queens: Wormfood,” PopMatters, April 17, 2013.
  8. Lauren Beck and Jeff Klingman, "The 20 Best Albums of 2013," L Magazine , December 18, 2013.
  9. Matthew A. Taub, "'Jamaican Queens' Rock the House at 285 Kent," Greenpointers.com, July 22, 2013.
  10. K. Ross Hoffman, "Jamaican Queens Lay a Strong Claim to the Crown," Archived 2013-10-02 at the Wayback Machine Philadelphia City Paper , July 18, 2013.
  11. Michael Cragg, "New Music: Jamaican Queens - Can't Say No To Annie," The Guardian , April 24, 2013.
  12. Eric Renner Brown, "Jamaican Queens return with grimy 'Bored + Lazy'," Entertainment Weekly , October 16, 2014.
  13. Lee DeVito, "A track-by-track breakdown of Jamaican Queens’ excellent new LP, 'Downers'," Detroit Metro Times , June 3, 2015.
  14. Cole Waterman, "Jamaican Queens: Downers," PopMatters, June 5, 2015.