New Orleans-based garage-rock band Hotel Burgundy may look the part of the everyday college band, but this group has spent the formative years of their musical careers showing audiences how far ahead of the curve they truly are. Initially forming during the pandemic with lead singer and guitarist Josh Rovira, lead guitarist Evan Hendry, and rhythm guitarist and keyboardist Jacques du Passage, Hotel Burgundy came to fruition after adding drummer Jack Bidleman and bassist Jonathan Hidalgo, meeting the two while attending Louisiana State University (LSU). Three years, two massive tours, one album, and one EP later, Hotel Burgundy has improved upon their usual brand of new-aged garage rock and elevated their sound in a way that gives them a leg-up on other groups in the same stage of their careers.
With electric, engaging tracks reminiscent of early Cage The Elephant or Naked Giants, Hotel Burgundy has accomplished more than the average college group by amassing an impressive fanbase and reputation since the beginning of their run. The continued popularity of their 2021 single, “Victoria,” demonstrates the group’s ability to stand on a solid foundation with their work (the debut single still holds strong as one of Hotel Burgundy’s most-played songs on Spotify). Their 2022 EP I Want To Be Just Like You acts as a stepping stone for the group — a natural progression from the introductory tone of their debut album, Embrace The Space, which launched them on a 20-date tour across the US and Canada before entering their post-grad stage of their careers.
Pictured: Jack Bidleman (Drums), Jacques du Passage (Rhythm Guitar), Jonathon Hidalgo (Bass), Josh Rovira (Vocals, Rhythm Guitar), Evan Hendry (Lead Guitar)
Hotel Burgundy has more than just the releases to fall back on when considering their success. The group has nailed the art of the high-energy performance, employing a physicality and enthusiasm from each member typically seen in more experienced performers that keeps audiences coming back to their shows. Each member knows how to engage with an audience well on their own, so having these young performers take to the stage together provides an experience that only elevates the impact of their music.
With just two music videos under their belt to help promote each body of work, Hotel Burgundy has an acute understanding of how music videos are meant to act as a storytelling boost for their music rather than a social media promotional piece. Both the videos for “Mono” (released in 2023) and “Are We Okay” (released in 2024) utilize classic filmmaking building blocks that effectively change the way each song is perceived. Director David Culotta, a frequent collaborator with the group, masterfully applied the messaging of each single to the narrative of their videos to create impressive feats of visual storytelling. The “Are We Okay” video, in particular, shows how much the group has grown as storytellers through the wide-scale cops-and-robbers-themed piece.
Despite the questionable reputation that college bands hold when considered as a whole, Hotel Burgundy stands apart in their talent, dedication, and overt love for their craft. With time and opportunity, it’s not outrageous to see this group join the ranks of other beloved college-born bands like REM or Pink Floyd. The group has taken everything they’ve learned over the first three years of their run and allowed their success to culminate in a massive 2024 US tour, the Please Love Us tour, which closed its run in August. Hotel Burgundy is currently writing and recording their next project and, if the impressive success of I Want To Be Just Like You acts as any indication, we can only expect incredible works of art from the group’s upcoming releases.
You can listen to Hotel Burgundy on all streaming platforms now!
