French Cassettes, Live Show on June 6th 2025

French Cassettes – Live at Tender Loving Empire
With Special Guest: Sunbathe

Location: TLE HQ- Warehouse on 3434 SE 21st Ave, All Ages

Tickets: 
General Admission: Free Ticket + $15 Suggested Donation at the Door
VIP Balcony: $25

French Cassettes: The album title for French Cassettes’ new album Benzene—is neither an allusion to the dangerous fossil fuel byproduct, nor is it a nod to the anti-anxiety drug Benzos, but rather a twist on Huerta’s family nickname, ‘Benz’. “I wish I had a better explanation,” Huerta admits. “I guess I should have Googled it first.”

The self-deprecation is classic Benz, as is this crossing of the wires between the flippant and the deeply meaningful. It’s one reason the San Francisco band’s third album holds up so well to repeated listens. Even when influences like The Magnetic Fields and The Beach Boys peek through, Huerta’s lyrical aesthetic is his own, and Benzene is packed to the gills with funny, memorable one-liners that take a twist for the heartbreaking. “My mother’s mother talks in comic sans,” he sings. “I will never not love her. I wish there were more emails to read.”

Their last album, Rolodex, was a painstaking six years in the making, with perfectionist tendencies, anxiety and grief all playing roles in the delay. On Benzene — recorded and produced with the band’s cofounder Mackenzie Bunch and drummer Rob Mills — they have let their proverbial hair down. And while the album bears evidence of a band more comfortable both taking risks and taking it easy, they still never miss an opportunity to do something interesting. Melodically, production-wise, lyrically: There is always room to add another hook, a new harmony, a strange sound, or a little secret handshake of a lyric.

Sunbathe: A guitar-pop band from Portland, Oregon, formed in 2015 by songwriter Maggie Morris. Known for her ethereal vocals and introspective songwriting, Morris radiates the smarts and edge of Liz Phair at her anthemic best, but with delicate golden guitar and a glut of catchy harmonies that would make James Mercer shed a little tear. The live band has an exceptional lineup including Adria Ivanitsky, Tyler Figley, and Skyler Hamler. Together, the band has an energetic and joyful presence on stage and a signature sound characterized by shimmering guitars, sweeping melodies, and a deep sense of emotional resonance.

Sunbathe’s musical journey has been marked by exciting milestones, including a notable 2019 recognition as one of Portland’s "Best New Bands." Their growing reputation led them to tour with some of the indie scene's most respected acts, including Typhoon, Built to Spill, and Helio Sequence, garnering an exceptional response from their audiences. With their anticipated 2025 release, “Myself To You”, the band is set to continue impressing audiences far and wide.

Show up early: The first 250 people through the door get in. This ticket does not guarantee entry. There will be a suggested donation of $15 at the door (via the bands Venmo or cash)

Doors at 7pm

All Ages, Beer/Wine/Cocktails for sale
Food Truck
Free Street Parking

Sponsored by: Gigantic Brewing