The Grocery Story

Biography

The Grocery Story is an Americana ensemble rooted in the vibrant musical traditions of New Orleans and Colorado, formed by John Magnie and Steve Amedee—both founding members of the acclaimed roots-rock band The Subdudes. John Magnie, originally from Denver, moved to New Orleans in 1974, where he met Amedee and the other Subdudes, before the group relocated to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1987. Steve Amedee, hailing from small-town Louisiana, brought his son Jess Amedee into the fold, who began playing drums at age three and now performs alongside his father on a custom double drum set.

The band’s lineup is a testament to the rich musical tapestry of their adopted home in Fort Collins, featuring local stalwarts such as bassist Marty Rein, guitarist and songwriter Mike Finders (known for his work with FY5 and SpiderCat), and a trio of dynamic lead vocalists: Peaches Embry (with roots in Gary, Indiana and New Orleans), Rhonda Merrick (from a renowned New Orleans musical family), and Erik Lunde (a Wisconsin native and respected Fort Collins singer-songwriter). Their debut album, 'Situation on Aisle #3,' showcases original compositions by Magnie, Embry, and Merrick, alongside soulful renditions of classics by Johnny Cash and Pops Staples.

Musically, The Grocery Story blends blues, rock, gospel, zydeco, and R&B, creating a sound described as a 'rich New Orleans gumbo.' Their performances are characterized by powerful vocal harmonies, passionate songwriting, and a rhythmic groove anchored by the father-son drum duo. The band’s innovative approach—featuring three lead vocalists and a blend of original and classic material—cements their legacy as a heartfelt, genre-defying force in the contemporary Americana scene.

Fun Facts

• The band features a rare double drum set played by father-son duo Steve and Jess Amedee, creating a unique rhythmic foundation.
• Three members—Peaches Embry, Rhonda Merrick, and Erik Lunde—share lead vocal duties, making vocal interplay a hallmark of their sound.
• Their debut album includes both original songs and covers of classics by Johnny Cash and Pops Staples, reflecting their deep roots in American music.
• Rhonda Merrick and Steve Amedee grew up in neighboring towns in Louisiana but only met after both had moved to Colorado.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• The Subdudes - John Magnie and Steve Amedee’s foundational experience and stylistic development came from their work with The Subdudes, whose blend of roots, blues, and New Orleans R&B deeply informs The Grocery Story’s sound. (The Subdudes albums (1987–present)) [1980s–present]
• New Orleans musical tradition - The band’s members, especially John Magnie and Rhonda Merrick, draw significant inspiration from the New Orleans music scene and its gospel, R&B, and zydeco heritage. (General influence on songwriting and performance style) [1970s–present]

Key Collaborators

• Steve Amedee - Co-founder, drummer, and vocalist; collaborates with John Magnie in both The Subdudes and The Grocery Story. (Situation on Aisle #3 (2024), The Subdudes albums) [1980s–present]
• Jess Amedee - Drummer; performs alongside his father Steve on a double drum set in The Grocery Story. (Situation on Aisle #3 (2024)) [2020s–present]
• Peaches Embry - Lead vocalist and songwriter; co-writes and performs on the debut album. (Situation on Aisle #3 (2024)) [2020s–present]
• Rhonda Merrick - Lead vocalist and songwriter; member of a famous New Orleans musical family. (Situation on Aisle #3 (2024)) [2020s–present]
• Erik Lunde - Lead vocalist; contributes to the group’s signature vocal interplay. (Situation on Aisle #3 (2024)) [2020s–present]
• Mike Finders - Guitarist and songwriter; also known for work with FY5 and SpiderCat. (Situation on Aisle #3 (2024), FY5, SpiderCat) [2020s–present]
• Marty Rein - Bassist; long-time fixture in the Fort Collins music scene. (Situation on Aisle #3 (2024)) [2020s–present]

Source: Wikipedia

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Situation on Aisle #3 (Situation on Aisle #3)
2. Plaquemines Parish (Situation on Aisle #3)
3. You Don't Knock (Situation on Aisle #3)
4. Call Me Up (Situation on Aisle #3)
5. Big River (Situation on Aisle #3)
6. Stick with Love (Situation on Aisle #3)
7. Far Country (Situation on Aisle #3)
8. Always Come Back Home (Situation on Aisle #3)
9. Too Hurt To Cry (Situation on Aisle #3)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia