PHOTO BY JJUSTIN DUNLAP

Synth-pop quintet The Belle Sounds have been called “one of the best pop bands in Austin” (Austin American Statesman), “Best New Band” (Austin Chronicle) and have their own day named after them in their hometown of Austin, TX. Led by the husband-wife team of Noëlle Hampton and André Moran, they have been developing their evocative sound and each year the synchronicity between all five musicians shines through more and more. In 2020 they shifted gears from a more guitar heavy band to a synth-pop/alt-pop band with Hampton and longtime band member, Emily Shirley on synths and keys. Hampton also took on the role of producer, creating all of the musical parts, melody and lyrics for each song in highly detailed “demos” and then taking them to the studio to finesse with Moran. They released one song per month that year, making good use of the grant awarded to them by Black Fret by creating videos and new content. The momentum continued in 2021 with a brand new EP, All About Love. Their work garnered them a coveted spot on The Austin American Statesman’s Best of 2020 and Best of 2021 list, multiple spots on the KUTX Song Of The Day and a placement in the popular Netflix show, Outer Banks. In 2022 André took over the very established Cedar Creek Studio as head engineer/manager and they eventually began work on their newest EP, Four Fathoms Deep (out 6/30/23). It’s a lush and vibrant set of 6 songs, which includes their cover of the Talk Talk song, Life’s What You Make It. They will celebrate with a show at Pershing in Austin, TX on July 8th with Sabrina Ellis (Sweet Spirit/A Giant Dog) on the bill as well.