Nicole Brice
Jul 25, 2025
The Fremonts blend elements of folk, country, blues, and rock in a way that feels both familiar and enduring.
Though The Fremonts are new to me, they have been making music together for over a decade. After sold-out performances of their original cabaret in New York City, Colorado, Massachusetts, and at the Edinburgh Fringe, as well as a cultural ambassador tour through Tajikistan with the U.S. State Department, they returned to the studio to develop a new album. However, life presented unexpected mid-life challenges, leading them to pause their latest projects and focus on remastering their existing full-length albums, We Don’t Live There and The Failure Cabaret. Those updated versions are now available on all streaming platforms.
Discovering new music is an exhilarating experience; it feels like uncovering a hidden part of yourself that you didn't even realize was missing. I feel this way about The Fremonts' music. It’s warm, soulful, and steeped in the spirit of storytelling. Their sound is nostalgic yet refreshingly original. In addition to their remastered albums, The Fremonts have released a new music video for their song ‘Ketamine Happy Hour,’ which humorously reflects on their experiences with alternative therapies for depression.
The Fremonts combine Americana music with storytelling in a theatrical cabaret style. Stephanie Dodd, from Fremont, Nebraska, and Justin Badger, from Fremont, California, have refined their music through years of professional acting experience. They have recorded two full-length albums, toured extensively, and received rave reviews for their original cabaret performances in the U.S. and at the Edinburgh Fringe. The duo currently resides in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
It’s challenging to define The Fremonts' sound completely, but I would say it leans more towards Americana than anything else. Americana music is classic and timeless because it draws from the roots of American culture, blending elements of folk, country, blues, and rock in a way that feels both familiar and enduring.
To celebrate their new releases, The Fremonts will be performing a series of shows in the Berkshires and the Hudson Valley this August. The performance dates have just been announced, so be sure to catch a show. In the meantime, let’s explore their latest work together!
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WE DON’T LIVE THERE
Since this is my first time listening to this album, I would like to share my thoughts. Stephanie’s vocals are angelic, carrying a soothing quality. Each song tells a story, painting a vivid picture in the mind. The music on this album is wonderful; I can’t think of any other word to describe it.
Standout tracks:
Tillman’s Wall – The beginning of this song is nothing short of epic. The sounds intertwine into a massive composition, and when Justin’s vocals kick in, it just builds and never lets up. It’s simply fantastic.
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Tell My Mother – Everything about this song is impressive. I often find it challenging to articulate what I love about a song, but this one is a toe-tapping singalong tune, and it’s phenomenal.
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Who Fears the Devil – This is a powerful track full of layers, and Justin’s vocals are flawless on this one.
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THE FAILURE CABARET
The Failure Cabaret is an album that features a diverse range of sounds and textures, making it a truly enjoyable listen. Every track feels like a road trip through emotions.
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Standout tracks:
Find Me – starts with a heavy groove and Stephanie's vocals take over, building to a chorus filled with conviction. I was nodding my head the entire time while listening to this track.
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Gravity – just plain beautiful
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Ketamine Happy Hour – such a fun song, and the video is even more fun.
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The latest releases from The Fremonts infuse new energy into the band’s already captivating catalog. They maintain the emotional depth and vintage charm of the original tracks while delivering a richer and more immersive sound experience. Whether you are a longtime fan or new to their unique blend of Americana, blues, and rock 'n' roll, these updated versions are a perfect way to rediscover or fall in love for the first time with the raw storytelling and musical craftsmanship that define The Fremonts. Go check them out today!
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**cover photo by Eric Limon
To learn more about The Fremonts:
Bandcamp:
The Failure Cabaret (2025) | The Fremonts
YouTube:
Apple Music:
Spotify:
Website:
Questions or comments? Reach out to mixedalternativemag@gmail.com.