The Duchess and the Fox may be a relatively-new group with only one EP to its credit, but its members have long been active on the New York City music scene. Vocalist Andrea Diaz is the frontwoman of Superhuman Happiness and also the creative force behind Dia Luna. Pianist Joe McGinty has played with lots of key musicians – Ryan Adams, The Ramones, Nada Surf and Spacehog included – beyond scoring film and TV projects and leading the Loser’s Lounge tribute band.
The duo of Andrea and Joe are making a big splash in February 2016 with an interesting mix of events. Every Night, their debut studio effort – which was still self-titled when I was doing my research – is set to come out on Feb. 9. In celebration of that EP, there is a release show planned for Feb. 9 at The Red Room (85 East 4th St). For those unable to attend that gig, a Duchess and the Fox performance is slated for Sid Gold’s Request Room (165 West 26th St.) on Feb. 24. Prior to that 26th Street appearance, both Andrea and Joe will be on-stage for the Loser’s Lounge Tribute To David Bowie shows at Joe’s Pub (425 Lafayette St).
For more info on the Dutchess and the Fox beyond February 2016 activities, click on over to their Tumblr page: http://theduchessandthefox.tumblr.com.
How did you two first meet?
Andrea Diaz: We met one balmy night at The Manhattan Inn. Joe was playing a piano karaoke night. It was actually my first time there. I sang “I Put A Spell On You,” and shyly left my name and contact information on a slip of paper on the white piano before I left. He got in touch shortly afterwards.
Joe McGinty: I’ve probably played piano for thousands of singers on my piano karaoke nights. Even after just one song, I knew there was something special about Andrea. I was intrigued when she left her contact information. Soon after, I asked her to sing at Loser’s Lounge. And after that, we started writing songs together.
As your new EP is a debut effort, how would you describe The Duchess & The Fox to someone familiar with your other projects?
A: The Duchess and The Fox is a throwback to an era of glamour that Joe and I both appreciate. It’s highly sensual piano cabaret music with a solid dose of New York nightlife flavor and grit.
Did you have a working title for the EP before deciding to name it after the group?
A: We were going to self-title the EP, but then we decided to name it Every Night, after our single.
For you to view the EP as a success, does something need to happen? Do you have any goals for the EP?
A: Personally, I’m happy that it’s completed and it already is a success in its own right. That being said, we would love to see it in the hands of as many people who appreciate it. We’re hoping to have the songs featured in films, since our music is cinematic and we’re both very influenced by old noir films.
Of all possible venues, how did you wind up with at The Red Room?
A: We played there a few times before, and it has a really unique feel. You have to walk upstairs, it’s quite hidden, and it’s a very beautiful room. It has the same kind of sumptous and mysterious atmosphere our music has, so it seemed like a natural fit.
Should any covers be expected from your set at The Red Room?
A: Well, normally we have our standby covers, like Nina Simone’s “I Put A Spell On You” and Joni Mitchell’s “A Case Of You,” but all bets are off for our release party! You’ll have to be there to find out!
Any chance we’ll be seeing a Duchess & The Fox performance at Sid Gold’s Request Room?
A: Yes, definitely! February 24.
What’s ahead for Loser’s Lounge?
J: A special memorial tribute for David Bowie, February 18 to 20.
Finally, any last words for the kids?
A: Believe in the magic! And keep yourself open to random encounters!
-by Darren Paltrowitz
