Biography
In the lineage of West Coast pop ensembles, French Cassettes deliver an intelligent and captivating strain of indie pop marked by melodic precision, meticulous song construction, and rich vocal harmonies that underscore their gift for inventive tunes, paired with arrangements that fuse time-honored and forward-looking textures. Three high school friends launched the band, which introduced itself on record with the 2011 EP Summer Darling, an exuberant and homemade showcase of sharp pop, before attaining critical and commercial breakthrough via the more expansive 2020 album Rolodex. Nick Krill’s production assistance shaped 2024’s Benzene, an effort that revealed the group pursuing a deeper and more reflective path.
The trio came together in Ripon, California, the town that calls itself the “Almond Capital of the World.” While attending the same high school, lead singer Scott Huerta, bassist Thomas Huerta (Scott’s brother), and guitarist Mackenize Bunch began exchanging musical ideas in 2006 and took their first steps toward songwriting. Once they gained assurance and refined their abilities, the members taught themselves home-recording techniques; four completed tracks appeared in 2011 as the EP Summer Darling. Encouraging early responses prompted continued writing, resulting in the nine-song album Gold Youth in 2013. Seeking wider exposure, French Cassettes moved to San Francisco and recruited drummer James Gallagher, expanding the lineup and simplifying live performances. While acclimating to the new city and navigating its club scene, the band refined its recordings at a deliberate pace, issuing the 7" single “City Kitty” b/w “So Good.” in 2018. After signing with the Portland, Oregon indie imprint Tender Loving Empire, the group released its second full-length, Rolodex, in December 2020. Although pandemic restrictions delayed touring, favorable notices and listener support drove strong streaming numbers, and later concerts met with warm approval. Rob Mills had by then become the band’s drummer. During isolation, Scott Huerta accumulated a substantial catalog of new material, and continued momentum from Rolodex prompted the members to begin work on their next project. Sessions at Bunch’s studio were underway when engineer and producer Nick Krill, whose credits encompass the War on Drugs, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Generationals, reached out to express admiration for Rolodex and offer his services; he ultimately mixed the forthcoming album. Tender Loving Empire issued Benzene—Scott Huerta’s childhood nickname—in June 2024, showcasing a more seasoned and introspective creative stance.
The trio came together in Ripon, California, the town that calls itself the “Almond Capital of the World.” While attending the same high school, lead singer Scott Huerta, bassist Thomas Huerta (Scott’s brother), and guitarist Mackenize Bunch began exchanging musical ideas in 2006 and took their first steps toward songwriting. Once they gained assurance and refined their abilities, the members taught themselves home-recording techniques; four completed tracks appeared in 2011 as the EP Summer Darling. Encouraging early responses prompted continued writing, resulting in the nine-song album Gold Youth in 2013. Seeking wider exposure, French Cassettes moved to San Francisco and recruited drummer James Gallagher, expanding the lineup and simplifying live performances. While acclimating to the new city and navigating its club scene, the band refined its recordings at a deliberate pace, issuing the 7" single “City Kitty” b/w “So Good.” in 2018. After signing with the Portland, Oregon indie imprint Tender Loving Empire, the group released its second full-length, Rolodex, in December 2020. Although pandemic restrictions delayed touring, favorable notices and listener support drove strong streaming numbers, and later concerts met with warm approval. Rob Mills had by then become the band’s drummer. During isolation, Scott Huerta accumulated a substantial catalog of new material, and continued momentum from Rolodex prompted the members to begin work on their next project. Sessions at Bunch’s studio were underway when engineer and producer Nick Krill, whose credits encompass the War on Drugs, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and Generationals, reached out to express admiration for Rolodex and offer his services; he ultimately mixed the forthcoming album. Tender Loving Empire issued Benzene—Scott Huerta’s childhood nickname—in June 2024, showcasing a more seasoned and introspective creative stance.
Albums
Singles
