Josie McQueen

Josie McQueen’s latest EP “The Man Is a Thief” is a strong, sensuous, conglomeration of tightly woven lyrics, driving drum grooves, shadowy bass lines, and tension building guitar riffs. Strange Matter, Richmond, Virginia, says, “Josie McQueen are recent transplants to our city from Pittsburgh, PA who play a grunge/alternative/catchy as hell blend of rock and roll that we're excited to see live.”

Josie’s original lineup formed in 2012 with Jesse Weygandt (Guitar/Backing Vocals), Aaron Duda (Guitar/Lead vocals), Matt Cooper (Bass Guitar), and Jon Willard (Drums). In early 2014, Josie McQueen released their first EP “Shed Some Light” as a three piece with Aaron playing bass and guitar.


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Upon the departure of Cooper and Willard, Aaron and Jesse released Josie’s second EP, “Grody Noise” in March 2015 with session drummer Brian Ganch. MusicExistance.com described “Grody Noise” as "a throwback to early 90’s pop punk, when the genre was still musically clinging tightly to the old 70’s/80’s punk sound while the lyrics paint a more cynical picture.” The band’s second EP also, “draws on the classic alternative rock sound,” that became the foundation of Josie McQueen’s third EP “The Man Is a Thief,” available May 18th.

Jesse and Aaron relocated to Richmond, Virginia motivated by rumors of an awesome music scene in summer 2015. At the same time, the band's current drummer, Rene Rivera, embarked on a similar journey from Florida. Once united, (thanks, Craig’s List) and now with the added power of Rene’s ridiculously high-energy drum skills, this trio formed a new - some might say Super Saiyan - version of Josie McQueen with Aaron on Bass and Vocals, and Jesse on Guitar and Backing Vocals.

Since the current line-up cemented in September 2016, Josie McQueen has: renovated and opened a successful House Venue called the Josie House in RVA; constructed a DIY Recording Studio in the Josie House living room; written and recorded a New 5-song EP; toured regionally; released their latest single “Say What You Will;” and launched an Indiegogo campaign in April of 2016 to start production on a music video with Vertical Sandbox Productions, as well as a supporting East Coast tour in July.