It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, not Christmas. Mardi Gras, which is a whole lot more than boobs and beads; it’s about celebrating the lively spirit of NOLA music and culture.
The 79rs Gang are Mardi Gras Indian Chiefs: Big Chief Romeo Bougere of the 9th Ward Hunters and Big Chief Jermaine Bossier of the 7th Ward Creole Hunters. Though traditionally rivals from different tribes in different wards of New Orleans, they’ve come together to rep their beloved city’s sound.
They last worked with Arcade Fire’s Win Butler and Regine Chassagne and also Lazou Mizik to create Iko Kreyòl, the “theme song” for Krewe du Kanaval 2019.
On “79rs Bout to Blow,” their new song with accompanying music video debuting today, call and response lyrics depict life on New Orleans’ rough streets and detail Mardi Gras Indian culture, in which Indians spend an entire year sewing elaborate new suits to debut on Mardi Gras morning. The calls and chants mingle with sounds of bass drum, snare, bottles, cowbell, cymbals, and handclaps.
79s Gang will be releasing a brand new album in late March, on which they worked with writer/producer Eric Heigle (Arcade Fire, The Soul Rebels) to pay unique homage to Mardi Gras Indian culture. Watch the video below.
