New Album Release From Mardi Gras Indian Chief Duo 79rs Gang

Putting aside "their territorial differences to make beautiful music," Big Chief Romeo from the 9^th Ward and Big Chief Jermaine of the 7^th Ward formed the 79rs Gang in 2013, producing a new kind of Mardi Gras Indian music that combines tradition with club and electronic elements. The duo has come a long way since the authentic, traditional rhythms of their first album Fire On The Bayou was released in 2014.

Working alongside writer/producer Eric Heigle (The Soul Rebels, Lost Bayou Ramblers), Jermaine and Romeo have crafted their latest album Expect the Unexpected, a unique collection that straddles two worlds, bringing traditional Mardi Gras Indian sounds to the hip hop dance floor. "Romeo and Jermaine are two of the baddest Indian singers out there, not to mention Romeo can play tambourine as well as anyone I've ever seen," said Heigle. "That along with the concept of solidarity that is embedded within the 79rs Gang concept makes this project super unique. They worked really hard on this music and I couldn't be prouder of 79rs Gang for Expect the Unexpected."

For Expect the Unexpected, the 79rs Gang collaborated with many different artists including notable musicians such as Win Butler of Arcade Fire, trumpeter Nicholas Payton, famed New Orleans percussionist and vocalist Cyril Neville, and the Haitian music collective Lakou Mizik. The brilliantly-hued artwork on the album cover was created by local artist Ceaux Young.

"In the 1970s, Bo Dollis and Monk Boudreaux opened the door and took Mardi Gras Indian music and culture around the world using New Orleans funk. On Expect the Unexpected, we bring this culture into the future," says Bossier. "We take this music around the world using a beat machine, using the sounds of hip hop and dance music. This is music for young people and old people, for the people of New Orleans, and for people who know nothing about this culture. This is music for the whole world."

**For more information on 79rs Gang and Expect the Unexpected visit https://79rsgang.bandcamp.com/. Listen via Bandcamp, Soundcloud, Spotify and more!