Thee Sinseers / The Altons

Thee Sinseers are a powerhouse of soul and R&B; evocative of their hometown of East L.A.’s Friday evening cruises, Saturday night backyard boogies, and Sunday afternoon barbecues that helped shape a resurgence and interest in this modern wave of soul music. Led by multi-instrumentalist, producer, and singer-songwriter Joseph Quiñones, Thee Sinseers features a full band that includes a 3 piece horn section (Eric Johnson [Tenor Sax] Steve Surman [Baritone Sax] and Joseluis Jimenez [Trombone]), sweet vocal harmonies (Adriana Flores, Bryan Ponce, Luis Carpio), and a tight rhythm section (Christopher Manjarrez [bass], Francisco Flores [guitar], Bryan Ponce [guitar], and Luis Carpio [drums]). Thee Sinseers worked with Colemine Records in 2019 to release a 7″ single (It Was Only a Dream/I Don’t Mind) and are currently working with the label on a full length LP, expected in 2023. The band also released a 7″ single of their viral hit “Seems Like” with the renowned Brooklyn based label, Daptone records, under their Penrose Records imprint. The single was later included on the “Penrose Records Vol. 1” compilation released in early 2022.

How would you characterize the sound of Southeast LA? The Altons, natives of the region, combine dust kicked up from backyard parties with evening Art Laboe listening sessions, evoking a sound that veers far from the shadows. The Altons curate a ballad of retro-indie-soul that has captivated local audiences for several years, quickly driving them to become a staple of the scene. Their distinct sound caught the attention of Daptone Records Co-founder Gabe Roth, who was in the process of starting Penrose Records. Penrose became a subsidiary label to Daptone to highlight the emerging soul-scene growing in Southern California, where The Altons fit perfectly. Their Penrose debut “When You Go (That’s When You’ll Know)” was KCRW’sToday’s Top Tune, and their most recent single “Tangled Up In You” has been featured on “Soulection Radio.”