Indie music fans, get ready: Laughing Cats, the electrifying collaboration between singer-songwriter Lauren Schiff and acclaimed musician Tony Fredianelli, is back with their second single, “Jerk,” a sneak peek into their debut album, Funny Money. This dynamic duo channels a rare blend of nostalgic pop-rock fused with modern energy, showcasing both their reverence for rock’s golden eras and their commitment to fresh sonic storytelling.
Since their formation, Laughing Cats have carved out a distinct niche by melding contemporary sounds with the irresistible vibe of pre-Y2K pop and rock. This unique approach has quickly garnered attention, and “Jerk” highlights exactly why: the track is rich with textured melodies and undeniable energy, transporting listeners to an era when rock was both raw and catchy. Lauren and Tony’s sound captures the influence of iconic acts like The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, and New Order, as they infuse the record with a mix of classic rock reverence and today’s genre-defying possibilities.
“Our music is influenced by this musical renaissance when so many artists were pushing boundaries and really connecting with people,” Tony says. “With, Funny Money, we want to pay homage to that spirit but also bring it somewhere entirely new.”
The duo’s new single, “Jerk,” delivers the deep relatability and complex storytelling that’s quickly becoming a Laughing Cats trademark. Written by Lauren Schiff, “Jerk” is inspired by a male friend’s journey through self-discovery and the challenging path to becoming a better person. While the track was initially imagined with a male voice in mind, Lauren decided to carry the vocal mantle herself, adding a poignant and universal quality that transcends gender.
“It’s a human story,” Lauren explains. “At some point, everyone faces a moment of reckoning with themselves. Whether it’s for the sake of relationships or self-improvement, the journey of acknowledging and addressing our faults is something everyone can relate to.” With its bold, introspective lyrics and catchy chorus, “Jerk” isn’t just a single; it’s an anthem for anyone who’s ever felt the sting of self-awareness.
The duo’s upcoming album, Funny Money, is set to drop later this year, taking listeners through an 11-track exploration of pop, rock, and new wave influences. Laughing Cats manages to capture that unique magic of their favorite eras while transforming it into something entirely their own. Funny Money, promises to deliver a sound that is at once familiar yet refreshingly innovative—a perfect testament to their shared love of storytelling and melody-driven music.
With “Jerk” leading the charge, Laughing Cats are inviting fans to embark on a journey that celebrates both the roots of rock and its future evolution. As they craft a new sound for a new era, Lauren Schiff and Tony Fredianelli are proving that, even in an ever-evolving industry, there’s always room for something genuine and genre-defying.
