The LaRues is not a throwback band. Instead, it pays homage to the influences of the Queens, Kings and Godfather of Soul, while making soul music that is fresh, original and undeniably hip-shakin'.

In 2010, Austin, TX vocalists Sonya Benjamin and Kara Knorpp had sweet soul songs in their pockets and big ideas in their heads - they just needed a band to bring it together. At the same time, guitarist Jon Fichter, keyboardist Max Werkenthin, drummer Gabe Yukon and bassist Chris Hadley were gigging around town as Bigfoot, an instrumental soul band reminiscent of Booker T. & the MGs and the Meters. Their original compositions and quality instrumentation were turning heads, but they kept hearing, "You guys are great...but you should add vocals."

Some might call it fate, others might call it Craigslist, but when Sonya and Kara met the guys from Bigfoot, the chemistry was immediate and palpable. The girls would sing a melody, the guys would jump in with the music, and before long they were knockin' out originals left and right. Knowing that they were on to something big together, they joined forces to become The LaRues.

The LaRues came out swinging in the summer of 2011 by adding a third vocalist, Sharon Grant, recording an EP and proceeding to pack bar after bar. The LaRues were recently named one of the Top 10 Best New Local Acts by the critics in the Austin Chronicle and will be recording a new EP in the spring.