PASSING STRANGE
Hailing from Southern Connecticut, Kate and Anthony formed Passing Strange in April 2017 after Kate performed solo during an open mic night at American Pie & Pub in Seymour, CT. As Anthony looked on, he thought about how drums would bring depth to the talented songwriter’s creations. He suggested they play together at the same open mic the following week, to determine whether they were musically compatible, and the rest is history.
One of the band's defining moments was when Anthony told Kate about the movie Once. The film is about two musicians who randomly meet and go on to create music together. The title refers to the many talented artists the filmmaker knew who put off their career by saying “once” they get this and that sorted out, but never succeeded because they put it off too long. It was upon hearing this that Kate felt inspired to go out the next day, purchase a new piano, and play the open mic that night.
The musical stylings of this unique duo are laced in jazz, bedazzled in blues, and brewed in a vat of indie rock. Listening to Passing Strange, one can hear traces of Tori Amos and Fiona Apple. Their influences are even broader – Kate lists Julien Baker, Death Cab For Cutie, and Phoebe Bridgers as her musical inspirations. Whereas Anthony lists The Deftones, Marilyn Manson, and The Doors.
On piano and vocals, Kate is self-taught, playing since she was 12. She has been involved in music since grammar school, where she played drums.
Anthony has been playing drums since he was 14 and got his musical start playing in various original bands. Before helping to form Passing Strange, Anthony all but gave up on ever being involved in a project as gratifying as those from his glory days.
In July of 2018, Passing Strange recorded the album Come Whatever Storms at Dobas Music Studios.
That same year, Passing Strange placed 3rd in the 2018 CTNOW’s Best of Hartford Reader’s Poll for both Best New Band and CT Song of the year “Pacific Northwest.”
Passing Strange was also nominated for the 2018 New England Music Award for New Act of the Year.
In January of 2019, Passing Strange organized a benefit concert in an effort to raise both funds and awareness for Bridges Healthcare and Milford Prevention Council. Various Connecticut businesses donated gifts for raffles, and the band Fiction and singer/songwriter Daniela Cardillo were invited to perform.
On July 17, 2019, Passing Strange signed with NeuroTronix Records.
In 2020, Passing Strange released their sophomore album The Water and the Woods.
In 2021, Passing Strange released their third album Afterthought.