Miami Beach native recording artists Ex Norwegian return home this Friday to Libertine in support of their latest album, Pure Gold. Their impromptu tour catapulted with their cover of The Shirts “Tell Me Your Plans.” Ex Norwegian’s rendition of the original track and DIY video caught the attention of originator of the song and The Shirts member Artie Lamonica. Lamonica was so impressed with their version that he assisted the band in booking a show in New York City. Soon after, the band had shows lined up in Tennessee, Illinois, and Washington.
The band’s chemistry and quirky sound can be directly related to the dynamic relationship and vocalizing trade-off of founding member Roger Houdaille and Michelle Grand. It’s almost as if you’re watching Donny and Marie Osmond. Yet, Houdaille has a knack for coupling original arrangements that captivate the listener to stay tuned, knowing the next hook or chorus hides just behind the peripheral.
“After not playing for a couple weeks, we look forward to playing new arrangements and just playing in general to our home-based Miami audience,” says Houdaille. When asked about their inaugural show at Libertine and expectations of the Miami music scene, Houdaille says: “We are excited to see more places (like Libertine) in Miami open up there stages to live bands and not always DJs. There’s a great up-and-coming music scene in Miami.”
Catch Ex Norwegian and Beach Day tonight at Libertine.
– Text by Santi Sanz