Bringing listeners into their vibrant world of badass blues and sultry soul rock n’ roll is Whiskey Heart and their fearless frontwoman Rebecca Haviland.
And on November 15th, 2024, Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart delivered their 5-song EP, Late Nights. The EP is Part 1 of a concept series that from the jump bursts with honesty and groove, celebrating the ups and downs of rock n’ roll and life as a servant of sound.
Listeners might fall into a reminiscent spell with their September single, “Monday Nights.” A tribute to the part of New York that fueled Haviland’s music career, this track was inspired by the concept of “Musicians Night Off.” In the city, Monday nights were reserved for musicians to go out with friends, connecting and showing support at local shows. Whether playing a gig or watching, Haviland was and still is drawn to the energy and intrigue associated with this special scene.
In a recent post about the album’s focal track, “Sins”, Haviland says, “This song was inspired by my addiction to music, especially live performance and my love of grunge. Recorded in one take, this is definitely my favorite track on the record.” With a sharp bluesy edge, Haviland’s soulful vocals hit hard wrapped in a strong rock n’ roll package.
Alongside Haviland are Chris Anderson, Kenny Shaw, Todd Caldwell, and Nicky Barbato, some of whom have sharpened their chops playing with acts like Crosby, Still, & Nash and Dispatch among others. Together, their striking sound stands out among a busy crowd, making for an invigorating energy that honors the past and celebrates the present.
Granddaughter to two professional musicians in the 1950s Westchester supper club scene, Haviland has gritty New York music culture in her veins. Her time studying music in college and interning at Acme Studios in Mamaroneck are what led to her eventual discovery by Peter Denenberg, when the studio owner gave her a chance to record.
Rebecca Haviland and Whiskey Heart released their debut album back in 2013, and have sharpened their sound in a decade plus. Among other notable projects, the band boasts two live albums recorded at the legendary Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. In 2022, they dropped a holiday album titled, A Holiday to Remember, and it might not be a bad time to fire that one up too.
