Seratones

Biography

Seratones are a dynamic funk-rock and retro soul band hailing from Shreveport, Louisiana, formed in 2013. The group was born out of the Louisiana club circuit, where frontwoman A.J. Haynes (vocals, guitar), Connor Davis (lead guitar), Jesse Gabriel (drums), and Adam Davis (bass) honed their craft in the region’s vibrant DIY scene. Their early years were marked by relentless gigging, late-night listening parties, and a collaborative songwriting process that drew from the deep musical traditions surrounding them—jazz from New Orleans, Mississippi delta blues, Memphis rock ‘n’ roll, gospel, and punk[2][4].

The band’s debut album, 'Get Gone' (2016), released on Fat Possum Records, quickly garnered critical acclaim and national attention, including a celebrated NPR Tiny Desk Concert. Their sound—a melting pot of garage rock, blues, soul, and punk—was further refined on subsequent albums, 'Power' (2019, New West Records) and 'Love & Algorhythms' (2022, New West Records). A.J. Haynes’s gospel-trained vocals, combined with the group’s genre-blending approach, have positioned Seratones as innovators redefining Southern rock and soul for a new generation[1][7].

Beyond their music, Seratones are known for their commitment to activism and social justice, particularly through Haynes’s advocacy for reproductive rights. Their work is deeply informed by Black feminist thought and Afrofuturism, with Haynes seeking to honor the Black matriarchal lineage of rock and roll while pushing the boundaries of genre and performance. The band’s legacy is one of joyful resistance, artistic innovation, and a celebration of the transformative power of music[1][4].

Fun Facts

• The band's name was originally 'Ceratones', a play on the Spanish word for wax ('cera'), referencing the phrase 'put it on wax' before evolving to 'Seratones'[4].
• A.J. Haynes is a trained gospel singer and has worked for over a decade as a counselor at one of Louisiana's last abortion clinics, integrating activism and music[7].
• Seratones were discovered by Fat Possum Records after a chance encounter with a warehouse employee who saw them perform at a regional show[2].
• Their NPR Tiny Desk Concert following their debut album 'Get Gone' helped propel them to national attention[4][7].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Charles Bradley - Touring partner and inspiration for live performance and band leadership; influenced Haynes's approach to connecting with audiences and channeling soul music's emotional depth. (Touring together after 'Get Gone', inspiration for 'Power') [2016-2019]
• Etta James - Vocal influence on A.J. Haynes, shaping her soulful delivery and stage presence. (Stylistic inspiration throughout Seratones' discography) [Ongoing]
• Poly Styrene (X-Ray Spex) - Cited as a vocal and stylistic influence, especially in blending punk energy with soul. (Stylistic inspiration for 'Get Gone') [Ongoing]

Key Collaborators

• A.J. Haynes - Lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter; driving force behind the band's sound and vision. (All Seratones albums) [2013–present]
• Connor Davis - Lead guitarist and founding member, contributing to the band's genre-blending sound. (All Seratones albums) [2013–present]
• Jesse Gabriel - Drummer and founding member, integral to the band's rhythmic foundation. (All Seratones albums) [2013–present]
• Adam Davis - Bassist and founding member, shaping the band's groove and funk elements. (All Seratones albums) [2013–present]
• Brad Schultz - Producer of the album 'Power', bringing a harder, groove-heavy edge to the band's sound. (Power (2019)) [2019]

Artists Influenced

• Regional Louisiana artists - Seratones' success and genre fusion have inspired emerging acts in the Shreveport and broader Louisiana indie and soul scenes. (N/A (influence noted in local press and interviews)) [2016–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Dark Matter (Love & Algorhythms)
2. Good Day (Love & Algorhythms)
3. Over You (POWER)
4. Gotta Get To Know Ya (POWER)
5. Power (POWER)
6. Don't Need It (Get Gone)
7. Get Free (Love & Algorhythms)
8. Pleasure (Love & Algorhythms)
9. Fear (POWER)
10. Lie To My Face (POWER)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #soul-rock