The Nude Party

The Nude Party, a band that pays homage to the clanging frat rock of the 1960s and draws inspiration from iconic groups like the Rolling Stones and the Velvet Underground, has been making waves in the music industry. Working closely with their early mentor and producer, Oakley Munson of Black Lips, the band made their debut in 2016 with the Hot Tub EP. Since then, they have released a series of full-length albums under New West Records, including the Munson-produced self-titled album "The Nude Party" in 2018, "Midnight Manor" in 2020, and their latest venture, "Rides On," self-produced by the band, set to be released in 2023.

The Nude Party originated as a close-knit group of childhood friends and stepsiblings who decided to form a band while learning to play their instruments. The band took shape while residing in a dormitory at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, back in 2012. Led by freshman vocalist and guitarist Patton Magee, the band consists of lead guitarist Shaun Couture, organist/pianist Don Merrill, bass player Alec Castillo, percussionist Austin Brose, and drummer Connor Mikita, with most members also contributing backup vocals. The sextet quickly found their groove when they moved into a lake house and began nightly jam sessions in the basement. It was during their regular gig as the resident band at a local party spot in Boone that their habit of performing in the nude earned them the moniker "the naked party band." However, when transitioning to performances at local clubs and bars, the band embraced the name The Nude Party while donning clothing.

In 2014, their path crossed with Oakley Munson, drummer of Black Lips, during a show in Charlotte. Impressed by their talent, Munson took an interest in the band and recorded their first release, the Hot Tub EP, which was unveiled in early 2016. As word spread about the EP's raw energy and infectious spirit, The Nude Party made the move to Munson's base in the New York Catskills and began performing regularly in Brooklyn and the surrounding areas. Recognizing their potential, New West Records signed the band for their Munson-produced debut full-length album. In July 2018, the band unveiled "The Nude Party," featuring the original six-piece lineup. Building on two years of touring experience, the band returned to the Catskills to collaborate with Munson once again, resulting in the release of "Midnight Manor" in October 2020. This album also introduced pedal steel guitarist Jon "Catfish" Delorme to the lineup, expanding the band to a seven-piece ensemble.

For their forthcoming album, The Nude Party took matters into their own hands and decided to self-produce. The band embarked on recording over 20 songs, exploring diverse styles that deviated from their previous output. Ultimately, they selected 13 tracks for the album, with a focus on '70s blues-rock influences like the Rolling Stones, while also embracing elements of '60s music. The highly anticipated album, "Rides On," is set to be released on New West Records in March 2023.

The Nude Party's journey is a testament to their commitment to reviving the spirit of the '60s while infusing their own unique energy and style. With their latest release on the horizon, the band continues to captivate audiences with their vibrant performances and timeless sound.