To a rational person, hearing music coming from an abandoned laundromat might give the impression that it’s haunted. However, don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. Maybe it’s just a new band practicing.
Inside what used to be Doc’s Laundry and Linen Service, you’ll find a different kind of dirty clothing. This is Doc’s Dirty Laundry.
Inspired by artists such as Briston Maloney, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, the band plays live in Baton Rouge and other college towns. They said they live by one principle: “Cold comes first.”
They got off to a quick start after a long summer break, rebuilding their structure to adapt to the loss of their original drummer.
As you walk through the building, you’ll notice private practice rooms where Simon, lead singer Colin Blanchard, drummer Christian Wales, and bassist Miles Walley practice at least twice a week. Decorated with string lights and a handmade “Doc’s Dirty Laundry” banner, the group made it their own.
“LSU in particular has a really rich culture and a really cool group of people,” guitarist Gordie Simon said of Baton Rouge’s music scene.
The group is fully booked and has a busy end of the year, with performances continuing until late November. The gigs aren’t just limited to Baton Rouge, the band is looking forward to heading to other locations such as College Station to play Texas A&M’s fraternity house.
They weren’t used to traveling, Simon recalled during class last semester when he got a call that the band had to travel that night to make it to a show in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the next day. .
โIt takes a lot of effort to do that within 12 hours of notification,โ Simon said.
Part of that “calmness first” ethos is evident in the group’s stage presence. One of the most notable characteristics of this group is that they are a packaged deal, usually wearing matching outfits such as suits, jumpsuits, and lederhosen.
They have been on the move for the past year. They appeared on Tiger TV’s “Battle of the Bands,” won first place with Phi Mu’s “Bonnamu,” and traveled to College Station, Texas, as the opening act for Stews. They had packed springs.
“We’ve been very lucky to have the opportunity to travel,” Simon said.
Audiences are usually treated to songs like Briston Maroney’s “Freakin’ Out on the Interstate” and Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie.” Like many other bands in the area, they hope to incorporate a little more original music in the future. Nothing will come out right away, but please keep an eye on it as it is slowly cooking.
“It was a dynamic change, but a really great dynamic change,” Simon said. โWe really tried our best.โ
Sleeping in a hammock while on the road, having a trailer full of equipment come loose from his car on Interstate 10, and having his bumper chopped off by a Welshman while he was busy on stage during his final performance at the Reverie. There’s always something going on. The Doctor’s Dirty Laundry.
For more information on where you can watch the next show, check out @docsdirtylaundry on Instagram.