Frenchy and the Punk, formerly The Gypsy Nomads, are a Euro-American musical duo from New York. Their non-traditional eclectic mix of musical styles has elements of cabaret, gypsy, celtic and Steampunk. Formed in 2005, the duo consists of French born singer and percussionist Samantha Stephenson and American born punk veteran guitarist Scott Helland who is of Czech and Portuguese desent. The duo has developed a following from year-round touring across the U.S. and performing at such U.S. festivals as DragonCon, Steamcon, The Steampunk World's Fair, Wicked Faire, Sirius Rising and Faerieworlds and (FaerieCon). The name Frenchy and the Punk comes from the duo's french and punk backgrounds.
Scott Helland was also in the Western mass hardcore punk scene. At that time he was a bass player. He is a founding member of the bands Deep Wound with J Mascis and Lou Barlow (who later went on to form Dinosaur Jr) and (Outpatients) with brother Vis Helland. Scott Helland was a solo artist from 1996 to 2005 before forming Frenchy and the Punk with Stephenson.
French born Brit. Samantha Stephenson, Frenchy and the Punk singer and percussionist draws inspiration from art, dance and travel for her lyrics. She has lived in France, England, Brazil and the US and spent time in West Africa. She studied art at The National Academy of Design and Art Students League in New York City. She began her dance training at the Royal School of Dance in England and performed in dance troupes in Boston and New York and studied and played piano throughout her teens.
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