J.d. Simo and Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears

Frontman Joe Lewis first learned to play the guitar whilst working in a pawn show in Austin, Texas. He later became immersed in the Red River blues and garage scene, later making a name for himself by recording and performing in Austin with local heroes Weary Boys and Walter Daniels. In 2005, Lewis and his band released the EP “Black Joe Lewis and The Cold Breeze”, and later the full-length “Black Joe Lewis” in 2007. Both were issued by the Italian label Shake Yo Ass Records. Following the release of the self-titled album, the band embarked on a critically acclaimed tour in support of Spoon and Okkervil River.

The tour significantly grew Lewis popularity and led to the band signing with Lost Highway Records and playing the Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits Music Festivals in 2008. After returning to the studio, the band reemerged to release the EP “Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears” in January 2009. Lewis continued to draw inspiration from artists including James Brown and Sam Cooke, and a wide range of influences from vintage blues, soul and R&B.

The band’s next full-length arrived in early 2009 entitled “Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is!” and was produed by Spoon’s drummer Jim Eno. After a year-long touring schedule that can only be referred to as relentless, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, returned to the studio with Eno, to record the edgier “Scandalous” in 2011. The same year the band released the single “Boogaloo on Clark Street” in a collaboration with The Soul Distibuters, released on Papa Bill Records. After signing with Vagrant Records, the band released their third full-length album “Electric Slave” in 2013.