Reaching for influences from the past and bringing them to a modern audience, Laughing Cats is a duo bringing their own brand of alternative pop music with an exciting yet nostalgic offering. The project is brought to life by veteran guitarist Tony Fredianelli, best known for his tenure with Third Eye Blind and New York stage actress Lauren Schiff, whose theatrical background brings an expressive vocal presence to their musical output.
Together, they deliver music that bridges decades of influence, fusing classic rock, 80s new wave and modern alternative pop into something entirely their own. Tony’s impact on rock music is well-documented, having contributed to some of Third Eye Blind’s most memorable moments during his decade-long run with the band. After stepping away from the limelight, he shifted toward behind-the-scenes work, exploring new sonic avenues. It wasn’t until a chance encounter with Lauren, whose husband mentioned Tony’s musical past in conversation, that the idea of a collaboration took shape.
What began as casual songwriting sessions quickly turned into something bigger and soon, Laughing Cats was born. Drawing inspiration from artists like The Beatles, The Velvet Underground and The Zombies, the duo threads vintage aesthetics into their cutting edge sound, set to be fully realised on their upcoming debut album, Funny Money, recorded in Las Vegas with audio engineer Vinnie Castaldo. Rather than releasing the project all at once, the duo has opted for a gradual rollout, offering listeners an intimate, single-by-single journey into their world.
The first taste arrived with debut single “GYB” in September last year, followed up with “Jerk,” a bright alternative pop track with strong 80s and 90s influences. Now, with their latest single Cool Hand Lucy, Laughing Cats delivers yet another compelling piece of their creative vision. The song explores themes of failed relationships and personal growth, reflecting on the lessons learned and the gratitude that comes with hindsight. It offers a poignant nod to Third Eye Blind’s track “Motorcycle Drive By,” providing a sense of closure and continuity within Tony’s own musical journey.
Set up by the rattle of cymbals and soft instrumental plucks, Lauren’s impassioned vocals drift in above airy guitar notes, casting a hazy pop-tinged rock scene that glides with blissful melodies and storytelling lyricism. Capturing a retro aesthetic cut with their thoroughly current sound, “Cool Hand Lucy” serves up a timeless slice of catchy and heartfelt indie pop that’s sure to impress existing fans and win over new listeners around the world.
Once again putting the wide appeal of their songwriting and superb performance talents on full display, “Cool Hand Lucy” delivers a magical musical moment from a thrilling new duo on the rise. With more releases and their highly anticipated full-length record on the horizon, we can’t wait to see what Laughing Cats have in store for the rest of 2025 and beyond.
Listen to Cool Hand Lucy below
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