Emerging from East Los Angeles, Thee Sinseers have become one of the defining voices in contemporary soul revival, blending classic R&B, oldies, and lowrider soul traditions into something that feels deeply lived rather than revived. Rooted in the cultural legacy of East LA and the wider afterlife of the Chicano Movement, the band’s music reflects a community where soul has remained a shared language across generations.

Their latest album, Love Stories, released through Colemine Records, sees the group fully embracing its identity, with carefully crafted arrangements that still retain the warmth and looseness central to their sound. Standout track Did Ya Know? captures that balance perfectly, pairing nostalgic soul textures with an effortless, reggae-inflected groove. Ahead of this Q&A, we spoke with Thee Sinseers about Love Stories, community, and carrying tradition forward through modern soul music. We caught up with Joey Quiñones to learn a little more.

How does growing up and making music in East Los Angeles shape Thee Sinseers’ identity and sound?

The exposure to such an eclectic scene definitely opened our eyes to endless possibilities while being creative – also, the pawn shops have some pretty cool guitars in East LA.

In what ways does Love Stories feel different from the band’s earlier release, Sinseerly Yours?

In a way, Love Stories feels like it has a cohesive thread of ups and downs, a full climax of emotion, yet still filled with unanswered questions.

Why is the connection between soul music, lowrider culture, and Chicano identity so important to understanding Thee Sinseers?

It’s not a requirement for understanding us, but it does deepen the appreciation for who we are and where we come from. Our music is universal, but having the cultural understanding, whether it's first-hand or second-hand, helps. I don’t stress it so much as a necessity but rather a great combination. Growing up in East LA ironing your clothes while listening to Art Laboe make dedications on the radio made you stand a little taller and love a little harder. It just feels right.

How does the album Love Stories balance nostalgia with a more contemporary approach to arrangement and production?

The stories and characters are current, but the themes are always timeless. Whether it’s recorded on a vintage tape machine or an iPhone, the feeling’s always the goal and always the priority.

How does Did Ya Know? capture the themes of romance, memory, and unresolved emotion described across Love Stories?

Sometimes in this lifetime, especially with technology, it can be hard to keep things just for yourself and to be present in the moment. Did Ya Know? captures the theme of saving a little something just for yourself and the one you love. Plus I wrote it for my daughter, so it’s pretty special.




The article says Thee Sinseers are “extending” the past rather than recreating it—what does that mean in practice?

We are fans, students, and then artists. Being able to play alongside some of our influences and mentors allows us to learn and also pay homage to everyone before us. It’s our way of connecting the people to the history and also being a part of it as well.

How has Los Angeles contributed to building such a loyal audience for Thee Sinseers?

We’ve all been playing in so many bands in multiple underground scenes in Los Angeles for such a long time that by now people from the ska scene, punk scene, indie rock scene, and soul scene will all know us from our various projects, and those fans are die-hard loyalists.

That’s what LA is all about, loyalty for the people who show you love, reciprocating the love by putting out the best record we can and putting on the best show we can for the city we love.

In what ways can Thee Sinseers be seen as part of the cultural legacy of the Chicano Movement, even if they are not explicitly political?

Our stories start and end with our history. Culture movements can be as big as a protest in the streets or as subtle as a love song reminding you to love your brothers and sisters, yet still having the same impact. As long as we stay connected to our message and our community and stay true to ourselves, we will always be a part of the movement.

Why does the band prioritise feel, restraint, and cohesion over technical polish or individual showmanship?

Making moments has always been the deciding factor for choosing takes or performances. If it feels right, it’s gonna make you move, and that’s what we aim for always.

What role does community seem to play in both the band’s sound and audience connection?

We really couldn’t do this without our community's support, input, criticism, and passion. It’s the biggest reason why we do this.

How might UK audiences respond differently to Thee Sinseers’ music compared with their core LA fanbase?

The only thing I’ve noticed is that UK and Euro fans are immersed and observing the moment in a different way we might not be used to.

What opportunities does this UK tour—stopping in Bristol, Manchester, and London—create for expanding the band’s international audience?

We want to travel everywhere and anywhere. Hitting these destinations is another way to meet new fans and spread our music!

What larger message about love and emotional experience does Did Ya Know? communicate within the context of Love Stories?

Love is never-ending – it travels beyond lifetimes and generations. It has its ups, downs, and in-betweens. We might not always get it right but we can always try again.



UK TOUR:

September 29th- Strange Brew – Bristol

September 30th- Blues Kitchen- Manchester

October 1st- Jazz Café- London