In the shadowy corners of Washington D.C.’s late-80s underground, Strange Boutique carved out a space that felt both haunted and hopeful. With shimmering guitars, mystical lyricism, and a devoted subculture of goths, punks, and dreamers in tow, they left an undeniable mark on the American post-punk landscape. Three decades later, their music is reaching a new generation, this time through algorithms and rediscovery.
Now, after tragedy, reunion, and years of quiet rumblings, Strange Boutique emerge once more with 'Let the Lonely Heart Sing', their first album of new material in over 30 years. It’s a release that feels timeless: ghostly, poetic, and bursting with atmosphere. Featuring Monica Richards’ unmistakable voice, Dennis Kane’s glistening guitar work, and Steve Willett’s lush basslines, the album honours the spirit of the band’s past while forging forward with fresh emotional gravity.
So with the new LP out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Steve: I started playing guitar when I was 10, and then began playing bass in high school because my band needed a bass player. I found the bass to be a much more physical instrument… I loved that I could feel the bass in addition to hearing it.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Monica: The Beatles “Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band” was a huge deal. The songs were so amazing, the diversity of the stories and the styles, it was truly a journey to listen to it. I listen back to songs of the 70’s when I was a child, and I realize that they really told strange stories, and this aspect really influenced me. I loved songs like “Wildfire”, “Timothy”, “Conquistador”, “Cherokee Nation”, then later, bands like Fleetwood Mac, who wrote so many great songs with amazing lyrics, all had a great deal of influence.
Steve: Early on it was all the usual classic rock that dominated the radio, then punk and new wave changed everything. I still have a soft spot for the 60’s and 70’s rock stuff. I think that era influenced how I tend to write and arrange songs, … but, the energy and style is all about what was happening in the late 70’s and early 80’s, from the Clash to the Cars. I’m a walking mash up.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Monica: The first album I owned was Jesus Christ Super Star. My father brought this album home for me when I was a very little girl, maybe 6-7 at the time. I was immediately struck by the music, the singing, the lyrics… I stared at the images on the album, learned every line of every song, and journeyed through this album over and over and over. This album introduced me to music by how it told stories with songs. After this album, I myself began to write rock operas in my head - it opened me to writing in an artistic, storytelling style.
Steve: The first 7” I bought was “Band on the Run” by McCartney and Wings. I loved the acoustic 12-string sound and how all the parts segued into one another.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Steve: “Temptation” by New Order. I love the bass line and the whole groove and vibe of the song. Fantastic.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Monica: No, I always let it just come, usually it’s like 3 AM or so. I think I need to be half asleep to shut the other side of my brain off.
Steve: For me, catching the original spark is totally random. Those moments generally don’t happen while I’m trying to write something. When they do, I grab my phone and hit record the moment that something special catches my ear. From there it’s playing it over and over until the next part takes shape. With that initial kernel of an idea, I generally have an idea about how it will sound when finished, so the rest is fleshing out the original spark.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Steve: I’ve been on a real LCD Soundsystem kick lately. And, I really like the new Chameleons record. Their stuff is always in heavy rotation for me. I also can’t stop listening to Suki Waterhouse and a new group I just discovered called Glass Spells.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Steve: Since they’re still active and I love their music, I’d say the Chameleons. Hear that Vox? Hit us up, Todd knows how to find us!!!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Monica: Having a blast on stage with fans who fully get you and love your music.
Steve: Playing with other musicians! Either in a rehearsal room or the stage. I love the act of turning silence into music, … it's magic.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Monica: Dealing with someone rude who doesn’t know you or anything about your music.
Steve: Playing the music business game.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Monica: Keep going, keep writing, keep creating. Don’t quit.
Steve: Not given to me directly, … but I love David Bowie’s quote that “you should never play to the gallery”.
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Listen to Strange Boutique's new album 'Let The Lonely Heart Sing' in the player below.