Head out on the highway of your mind! Inspired by the Louisiana town of the same name, Australian trio Opelousas are a double female fronted electrical attack on your senses with a unique swamp-soaked, sometimes dark psychedelic blues sound.

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Opelousas was formed by Kerri Simpson in 2018. Kerri and Alison Ferrier had made an album together in 2017, called Bluebirds, along with friends and Melbourne legends Barb Waters and Suzannah Espie. Kerri's vision for a blues/rock band was born after she heard Ali's raw electric guitar style. Long-time friend and musical partner, Anthony 'Shorty' Shortte, was the third ingredient to complete their swampy foreboding sound.​

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Their debut album Opelousified is a feast of grit and glory and was voted best blues album in 2019 at the Music Victoria awards. Their sound is a roux of Kerri Simpson’s powerful raw vocals, Alison Ferrier’s dirty lead electric guitar and sultry vocal tones, seasoned with Anthony “Shorty” Shortte’s expert swamp-soaked percussion. The rhythms of Opelousas seep right into your bloodstream.

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In 2024 the MIGHTY Opelousas launched their new album Opelousafried which made PBS and RRR album of the week with a national tour to celebrate it along with festival appearances at:

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• St Kilda Blues Festival

• Port Fairy Folk Festival

• Aireys Inlet Music Festival

• Memo Music Hall (Samantha Fish Support)

• Corner Hotel (Samantha Fish Support)

• 3RRR Live to Air

• Winter Blues Festival

• Adelaide Guitar Festival

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Opelousafried also won Music Victoria's best blues release in November 2024! 

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​Opelousas are....

 

Kerri Simpson: Visceral vocals and raw guitar
Alison Ferrier: Menacing electric guitar, amplified fiddle and sultry vocal tones
Anthony “Shorty” Shortte: Hypnotic drum grooves and swamp-soaked

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Bare-boned blues for free-wheeling minds...

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"...perhaps they sound like a blues band that doesn’t sound like a blues band. Are they a blues band? Opelousas are different, authentic, and good. Very good..."
- JVG Radio Method (3RRR)

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