Dynamic French Art Rockers The Dukes were formed in 2010 by Lead Vocalist/Guitarist Francois “Shanka” Maigret – who has been a part of notable French Rockers No One Is Innocent. He is partnered with Drummer/Programmer/Vocalist Greg Jacks from the multi-platinum pop rock band Superbus, which won an MTV award, and 2 French Grammy nominations (winning in 2007 for Best Rock Album).
The band has 2 previous releases: 2010’s “Resilient Lovers” EP and 2011’s “Victory” LP (both recorded by Magnus Lindberg from Cult of Luna). Their first American full length album is “Smoke Against The Beat” (produced by Jamie Candiloro – REM, Ryan Adams) which will be released by Concrete Entertainment on July 28th, 2017. The LP defines the band’s sleazy, sexy, driving sound and has established them as a successful touring act in Europe, both as headliners and as an opening act for international bands on arena tours.
The stage show has machines, scenography, projected animated video clips designed by Shanka, and an original light show that creates a visual presentation reminiscent of a Stanley Kubrick film for the intense live performance of this Indie Rock duo.
The Dukes are also visual artists: their personage “Smoki”, drawn with a Sharpie marker, epitomizes the DIY fury and the subversive “Art‘n’Roll” spirit that animates the group. Available in all forms including animation, stop-motion, comics and action figures, the Smoki universe is an expansion of The Dukes.
The band recently signed a worldwide management agreement with Bob Chiappardi and Erik Baker of Concrete Entertainment, the sister company of legendary Concrete Marketing. They are currently recording more new material to follow up “Smoke Against The Best” with #1 rock producer Kato Khandwala (Papa Roach, Paramore, The Pretty Reckless) who coined their style as “future rock”. The new material is being recorded at the legendary Sphere Studios in Los Angeles. A Pledge music campaign to finance the new recordings and upcoming tour is set to launch in late June 2017.
The Dukes – Summer Us Tour 2017
June 27th – The Fairgrounds Nashville (Warped Tour) – Nashville, TN
June 29th – Lakewood Amphitheatre (Warped tour) – Atlanta, GA
June 30th – Tinker Field (Warped Tour) – Orlando, FL
July 1st – Vinoy Park (Warped Tour) – St. Petersburg, FL
July 2nd – Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, FL
July 5th – The Concert Pub North – Houston, TX
July 6th – My Place – Abilene, TX
July 8th – The Last Exit – Phoenix, AZ
Keep in touch with The Dukes:
Official Website : www.thedukesmusic.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/thedukes54
Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/user/THEDUKESVIDEO
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thedvkes
Twitter : https://twitter.com/wearethedukes
