Laundry Day Set to Heat Up Summer with New Album and Unmatched Energy
NEW YORK – Laundry Day, the dynamic pop-rock quartet forged in the crucible of a Manhattan high school, has revealed exclusively to USA TODAY that their highly anticipated sixth studio album is slated for release this summer. The announcement comes amidst a flurry of activity for the band, who have been consistently delivering fresh tracks to their ever-growing fanbase.
"We’re working on a ton of music right now," explains vocalist Jude Ciulla-Lipkin, his enthusiasm palpable even through text. "We’ve been putting out like a song a month, which has been incredible. We’re trying to make the album of the summer, so we’re excited."
Laundry Day, comprised of Ciulla-Lipkin, vocalist/instrumentalist Sawyer Nunes, guitarist Henry Weingartner, and bassist Henry Pearl, represents a captivating blend of youthful exuberance, urban grit, and undeniably catchy melodies. This unique combination has not only garnered them a devoted following but has also propelled them onto some of music’s most prestigious stages.
Adding to their burgeoning profile, Laundry Day has the distinction of being the inaugural act to grace the stage of USA TODAY Acoustic, a newly launched series designed to showcase both established and emerging talent within the expansive USA TODAY Network. This performance offers a platform to reach an even wider audience, further cementing their position as a band on the rise.
In recent years, Laundry Day has had the honor of opening for a diverse range of musical giants, including The 1975, Ed Sheeran, Teezo Touchdown, and Clairo. These experiences have not only exposed them to larger crowds but have also provided invaluable learning opportunities, shaping their performance style and musical sensibilities.
Ciulla-Lipkin fondly recalls a pivotal interaction with The 1975, a moment that served as a significant validation for the band’s artistic direction. "We were working on this EP (Light Up) and we were like, Can we play it for you guys?" he recounts, reminiscing about the encounter in 2019.
The 1975 readily agreed, inviting Laundry Day onto their tour bus, which, remarkably, was equipped with its own recording studio. "They just loved it so much," Ciulla-Lipkin continues. "Matty (Healy) was just like, If you guys keep this up and lean into the poppiness, you guys are gonna be so big. Hearing that from one of our heroes was pretty incredible." This encouragement from a respected figure in the music industry served as a powerful catalyst, emboldening them to embrace their pop sensibilities and further refine their sound.
Laundry Day’s latest musical offering comes in the form of a captivating music video for their song "Damn Shame." The video is a visually rich and conceptually intriguing piece, incorporating a variety of props, including a vintage edition of The Journal News commemorating the New York Yankees’ victory in the 2000 World Series. The Journal News, it is worth noting, is a part of the USA TODAY Network, adding a subtle layer of connection and context to the band’s story.
Adding an unexpected twist, the video opens with a familiar voice: Kendall Schmidt, the star of the beloved Nickelodeon show Big Time Rush. This cameo is not merely a random occurrence but rather a testament to the power of online engagement and the serendipitous nature of the digital age.
"(Schmidt) was one of the first celebrities to interact with our videos," Ciulla-Lipkin explains, highlighting the band’s affinity for the show during their formative years. "Then he just stayed around, like he would find other videos. I guess we were just in his algorithm." This unexpected connection demonstrates the ability of social media platforms to transcend traditional boundaries and foster genuine connections between artists and their audiences, regardless of their respective levels of fame.
Schmidt is just one of a growing number of celebrities who have taken notice of Laundry Day’s burgeoning talent. Through the platforms of TikTok and Instagram, the band has amassed tens of millions of views, attracting attention and co-signs from industry heavyweights such as Drake, Olivia Rodrigo, and, of course, the aforementioned Matty Healy. This digital buzz has undoubtedly played a significant role in their rising popularity, amplifying their reach and connecting them with a global audience.
Beyond the digital realm, Laundry Day’s true strength lies in their live performances. "My favorite part of (the band) is the live show," Pearl asserts, his enthusiasm radiating through the phone. "When you’re in front of so many people and they’re singing back to you, that’s really fun." This sentiment speaks to the unique energy and connection that can only be experienced in a live setting, where the music transcends the speakers and becomes a shared experience between the band and their audience.
Ciulla-Lipkin echoes this sentiment, while also acknowledging the undeniable allure of online virality. "Going viral on TikTok is pretty fun too," he admits with a chuckle. "The dopamine from that is kind of unmatched." This candid admission highlights the multifaceted nature of success in the modern music industry, where both captivating live performances and viral online moments contribute to a band’s overall trajectory.
As Laundry Day prepares to unleash their sixth studio album upon the world, they stand poised to capture the attention of an even wider audience. Their combination of undeniable talent, infectious energy, and savvy social media presence positions them as a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving landscape of pop-rock music. With the promise of an "album of the summer," Laundry Day is ready to deliver a soundtrack that will resonate with listeners long after the season has passed.
