SLUGGER
Come AROUNd
BANGERS is eight tracks of high energy – a confluence of funk, fusion and gospel, inspired by the vibrant live music scene in New Orleans.
BANGERS - Full Album out Jan 9th 2026
After making waves with several EPs, Slugger is set to drop their debut full-length album, Bangers, on January 9, 2026. Blending R&B, soul, gospel, funk, and jazz, this album is a bold step forward, showcasing the band’s unique sound and musical evolution.
The album features collaborations with some of New Orleans' best, including Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Berkley the Artist, and Kayla Jasmine. “New Orleans' vibrant live music scene has us playing with so many people and in so many different styles” says Sam Kuslan. “These collaborations bring all of those genres together and make it our own.”
With tracks that move from deep, soulful grooves to joyful, funky rhythms, BANGERS reflects the band’s diverse influences and the pure joy they find in making music together.
TOUR DATES
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BIO
In early 2017, acclaimed New Orleans drummer Terrence “Groove Guardian” Houston was looking for inspiration. Already in the midst of a successful career that included work with The Funky Meters and George Porter Jr’s own projects, Houston knew it was time to find a sound of his own. He contacted bassist Noah Young, known as a member of post-jazz powerhouse Naughty Professor. What started as a few casual jam sessions in Houston’s practice space in a storage facility soon became the beginnings of a new project. Young tapped childhood friend and guitarist Max Bronstein, a relative new-comer to the city, to join in on several writing and recording sessions. When the group added keyboardist/vocalist Sam Kuslan they knew they had something special. They have recently released singles showcasing the bands development into a vocal oriented space. The single “Headbanga“ features Angelika “Jelly“ Joseph known for her work with Tank and the Bangas and Galactic.
Slugger has quickly become one of New Orleans most exciting new bands, drawing praise from both fellow musicians and the avid listeners who frequent the city’s vibrant live music scene. Combining elements of fusion, funk and gospel music, Slugger represents the confluence of styles that makes New Orleans a unique musical and cultural hub. As the group finds themselves on a trajectory few anticipated, one thing is certain- Houston and his collaborators have found their inspiration.
Slugger is proud to have performed at the New Orleans Jazz Museum, French Quarter Fest and New Orleans Funk fest and at seminal venues Tipitina‘s and the Maple Leaf.
Contact: slugger@sluggernola.com
