Freak Fingers - Los Feliz (2020)

"Los Feliz" was released on August 7, 2020. When writing began for the album in late 2019, the duo had no idea the direction and emotion their album would soon carry as 2020 unraveled itself to be a year filled with uncertainty and upheaval. The duo decided to keep their music honest and grasp how it feels to live during a pandemic and face deep rooted racial inequality in this country.

The duo writes music to fuel their passion and to digest complex feelings they are unable to put into plain words. One song on the album, Silver, came to the artists as they were quarantined to their studio apartment in Koreatown unable to work, but completely immersed by motivation to keep going. The two later wrote Gemini Mind with news of Breonna Taylor heavy on their hearts. Lead vocalist and bassist, Joan Sullivan, would have shared her 27th birthday this year with Ms. Taylor had Breonna not been brutally attacked by police in her apartment on March 13th.

Andre Paolo Juan is the other essential half of this band, providing backup vocals and playing lead guitar. Andre also composes, produces, mixes, and masters each track with deep care and intention. Joan weaves together vulnerable yet memorable lyrics amplified through dynamic vocal performance and contrapuntal bass melodies. Together, they find a new style of music nestled somewhere between R&B, Rock, and Pop. One could call it Bedroom Bop. They draw inspiration from artists ranging from Janis Joplin to D’Angelo to Erik Satie.

BuzzMusic stated, “Andre Paolo Juan and Joan Sullivan combine powers and create something bigger than themselves..” which is exactly the goal for “Los Feliz” according to the artists:

“You have to face reality, carry what exactly is happening with you even when it hurts, and talk even when you know other people see things differently. Only then can we work together to progress and reach a point of understanding. We must also know what we are striving for, imagine what we are working towards; a place where everyone can meet each other on the same level of mutual respect. Only then can everyone be happy.” - Joan Sullivan

“When you’re on your own, the toughest challenges eventually seem insurmountable. Every emotion rises like lava meant to burst. Burst if you need to, scream if it hurts, and let yourself be free of the burden of feeling the need to be certain way. But most importantly, find the love and partnership that breathes life and offers peace to the ashes of your doubt. We all crave to be understood, and it is our duty to provide that empathy to all.” - Andre Paolo Juan.