The Luxembourg-based alternative rock band has just released its debut original single, Light Down the Hall, and is preparing to headline the inaugural Luxembourg Rocks Summerfest at Sang a Klang on July 11th.
Marta joined the Sam Steen Show on RTL Today Radio this morning to discuss the band's first original release, their growing international audience and why they decided to create their own music festival.
Smoky Seattle first made a name for themselves by bringing new life to some of their favourite rock songs, drawing inspiration from the grunge explosion of the '90s as well as alternative rock from the '80s, 2000s and beyond.
Now, they're taking the next step.
"Our first single came out in June and the next one is coming in a few weeks," Marta explained. "We've been in the studio recording new songs and we're preparing an album by the end of the year."
The band's debut original release explores themes of memory, resilience and moving forward, while staying true to the grunge-inspired sound that first brought the five musicians together.
In an unexpected twist, Smoky Seattle's first original music is already finding listeners far beyond Luxembourg.
"We were very happy to learn that our new song attracted attention across the ocean," Marta said. "Our listeners are mostly in Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento. It's very surprising."
She added with a smile: "Today is the first day that we hear our song on the radio in Luxembourg, so thank you very much for inviting us."
Alongside releasing new music, Smoky Seattle are also helping launch a brand-new event they hope will become a fixture on the local music calendar.
Rather than waiting for a rock festival to appear, they decided to build one themselves. Luxembourg Rocks Summerfest.
"We thought there was something missing in Luxembourg," Marta explained. "Instead of waiting for it, we decided to create it together with a couple of other amazing bands."
Joining Smoky Seattle on the bill are fellow Luxembourg bands Unread and 20 Minutes, with the trio aiming to create an event that celebrates live rock music and local talent.
"This is just the beginning," Marta said. "We're looking for our founding crowd, people who can say they were there from the very start."
For Marta, the philosophy behind Luxembourg Rocks Summerfest is simple.
"We believe rock music is to be experienced together," she said. "Loud and in an authentic way. No backing tracks, just real, natural music."
With original music now flowing, a debut album on the horizon and ambitions to grow Luxembourg Rocks Summerfest into an annual event, Smoky Seattle are hoping this is only the beginning.
Saturday, July 11th
Sang a Klang, Pfaffenthal
Doors: 19:00
Live music from: 20:00
Tickets: €10 on the door
The festival features Smoky Seattle, Unread and 20 Minutes, celebrating Luxembourg's thriving rock scene with an evening of original music, alternative rock and live energy.
You can also listen back to Marta Duponselle's full interview on the Sam Steen Show below.
