Johnny Society is led by multi-instrumentalist, producer, and owner/engineer at Old Soul Studios in Catskill, Kenny Siegal. Originally named Hunk, with a self-titled release on Geffen, the pairing was birthed in mid-’90s Brooklyn and continues as a trio with Kenny’s wife, Gwen Synder Siegal. Their newest record, Hope Machine, continues to bust out instantly classic and timeless, soul crushingly, meaty, big, and bouncy rock and R&B tunes. Somewhat of a family affair, the band has Kenny singing strong and sweet and playing guitar, pedal steel, and piano; bassist Gwen adding backing vocals, piano, organ, and mellotron; and their daughters Phoebe and Ava Siegal on backing vocals (band cofounder Brian Geltner anchors everything on drums and also sings backup vocals). Both Kenny and Brian get in sync with synth and percussion, and over 20 heavy-hitting guests that include Langhorne Slim and Tears for Fears member Roland Orzabel put their stamp and stomp on everything from vocals to guitars, programming, and horns. Recommended for all booty shakers in the Hudson Valley and beyond.
This article appears in August 2026.
