Gretchen and the Pickpockets

New Hampshire alt-rock band Gretchen & the Pickpockets are named after two of the members’ hometown road. But they’ve taken a rather unorthodox route in crafting their latest music video.

“Old Souls,” which we are premiering on Vanyaland today, originally appeared on the group’s latest EP, last year’s Anachronic, and takes their signature blend of jazz, soul, and rock and roll to a bit of a slower level. For the song’s video, frontwoman Gretchen Klempa utilized a grant from the Iguana Music Fund at Cambridge’s Club Passim.

The video was shot on a rural farm in southern New Hampshire and was ideated, directed, and produced by Klempa herself alongside Jonathon Millman and Mike Gillis. It tells a story of several couples from all different walks of life and of all different ages coming together and enjoying, well, life together. Klempa tells Vanyaland that this was the first video she’s ever really dived head-first into.

“I wasn’t planning on it, but the day we filmed everything was a 14 hour day and I just ran around the farm with Jonathon figuring out shots and directing people,” Klempa says. “It was really fun. The editing process takes a crazy long time but it’s so awesome watching footage and then being like, ‘That’s the shot!’ when you finally find an amazing two seconds.”

Klempa says the inspiration for the video simply came down to a notion of acceptance and togetherness. “My overall vision was that no matter who you are, where you’re from, what color your skin is or what your age is, anyone can grow old with someone,” she adds. “For months, I kept imagining a big white blanket in a field, and slowly couples come together in the field and do something with this really big white sheet, but I just couldn’t figure it out. Eventually the band was talking with Jonathon and we thought, ‘What if it was a parachute?’ And it all just kinda clicked together once we figured out what this ‘big white blanket in a field’ was supposed to be.”

The video itself is a testament to the amount of support our community has for the local music scene, and guitarist and vocalist Richie Smith is grateful for Passim’s annual Iguana Music Fund. “With their support, we were able to fund this entire production,” Smith says. “Being able to experience that kind of appreciation for local art was really a blessing. The Iguana Music Fund makes some amazing things happen.”

Check out the video for “Old Souls” below. - Vanyaland

In a time where our nation struggles with division, Gretchen & The Pickpockets, have created a vision of unity and acceptance in their video for "Old Souls". The video follows several couples of different backgrounds and orientations, who find happiness within each other and, ultimately, as a diverse community. A departure from the band's soulful rock-n-roll style, "Old Souls" is a softer ballad that focuses on harmony and emotion. Directed and produced by lead singer Gretchen Klempa, this is truly a unique and personal vision and a powerful message of togetherness that we should all take to heart. Check out the video, then experience Gretchen & The Pickpockets live at Ocean Mist in Wakefield, RI on 12/30. -Brian Varneke - The Deli

Gretchen & the Pickpockets Steal Hearts at the Middle East

January 15, 2016

By Marc Lovely

Gretchen & the Pickpockets. The name conjures up some type of early 20th century vagabond quick on her wits; her posse of sly, thieving miscreants impatiently nipping at her heals, waiting for the next unsuspecting victim. I specifically pictured soot covered clothing and knitted gloves with all the fingers appropriately cut off. I could practically hear the slight accent of street-talk and the smell the smoke of a barrel fire in some dark alley. Of course if you knew the band, you would immediately know that I had yet to catch a show.

I stumbled down the stairs of the Middle East in Cambridge to a room that had already started filling up for a busy night of music presented by radio station WEMF. I met the band and my preconceived images couldn’t have been more misleading. The five-piece from New Hampshire was far from the storybook hobos I had set firm in my head. They were welcoming, receptive, hygienically pleasant, and eager to converse about their music and the direction they’re headed.

Anachronic (2015) is the title of their newest EP. While slightly different in sound from their previous self-titled album, the four-song collection contains a more prominent horn section and sanguine lyrics that help make it indisputably danceable. It still manages however, to capture the distinct rock and soul sound that Gretchen and the Pickpockets have adopted these past years. The vocals never waver, not even for a second. And I don’t really see how they could when you have the transcendent pipes of Gretchen Klempa in the midst of such a gifted band. It is the same solid-gold voice that could effortlessly tear a hole in your heart while at the same time make you weep with joy. With the help of producer Chris Chase (The Gin Blossoms, Wyclef Jean, Smashmouth) the EP embeds a warm, satisfying, and comfy impression on the listener. It starts out loaded with a three-song gut-punch of rock and soul and ends gingerly in a dream-like state of tranquility.

There were a whopping seven bands slated to play that evening. Two separate stages were available to maximize time efficiency between sets. I’ve never seen this done at the Middle East Downstairs before—the second, makeshift stage was assembled near the handicap ramp on the raised section of the club. One of the bands regrettably had to bow out putting Gretchen and the Pickpockets on stage around 10:20pm, a set earlier than expected. Even with six bands on the bill the night was still bustling. By the time they took the Main Stage the crowd was at its highest capacity of the evening.

The 45-minute set itself was really something to behold. It was a small portrait of a small band making big waves and the energy was apparently rampant. As the first frisky notes of “Sweet Sweet Love” hit the air, the audience surged forward and immediately the dance floor began to swirl. The images of railroad bums in dark, unforgiving alleyways, strumming lunchbox guitars, and rapping on rusty trashcans were replaced with bits and pieces of familiarity and affection. In fact, their set sparked a sincere emotion that was felt for the first time that evening. They dipped into hits from Anachronic as well as their self-titled album and supplied the audience with two killer covers. The first was one that might have been expected since the recent departure of David Bowie. “It Ain’t Easy” wasn’t the song I had anticipated and was abruptly taken aback for a moment. Quickly, I shook the disbelief from between my ears. The song was poignant and well-played—full of admiration for a man who touched so many people. A great choice and one I wish I had recorded. But if I was dazed by the Bowie cover then I was certainly bowled over when I heard the brilliant rendition of Blondie’s “Heart of Glass”. The music had already been soaking deep into my soul, taking my dance grooves to a level I never knew existed, but the Blondie cover is where I lost control. In fact, I believe the entire joint broke loose, belting the lyrics right back at the band.

It’s hard to pinpoint an exact genre to file this group under, but two bands immediately come to mind. Now, I’m not one who usually compares one band to another, but I feel it pertinent in this regard. The two bands in question are the Heartless Bastards and Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings. The former is a hard rock outfit that prides itself on the dominate vocals of Erika Wennerstrom. The latter is a familiar soul staple that generates a festering dance party each time they take the stage. If you had the opportunity to merge the two sounds together you’d yield Gretchen & the Pickpockets—a sound that is both as honest as it is habit-forming. The band also cites an eclectic list of influences on their music which include the likes of Lucius, Pink Floyd, and Lake Street Dive—all of which are faintly detected in their original music.

While 2016 has started out as busy as they want it to be, Gretchen & the Pickpockets have a lot in store for the remainder of the year. They will undoubtedly continue to promote Anachronic through constant gigging, but they have also been chosen to receive a grant from the Iguana Music Fund, a program which, with the aid of Club Passim, helps artists with expenses on new projects and supports their growing career. The money can be used for anything from recording projects, to community programs, to specialized equipment or instruments. Forever grateful for the opportunity, the band has no immediate plans for the money (or at least nothing they want to share publicly), but instead says they want to take their time and see how everything pans out.

I left the Middle East satiated. No more was I scrounging for a new band to tickle my eardrums—something I perpetually find myself doing and usually without success. Nope, I had found all I needed that night in Gretchen & the Pickpockets. I had shown up with one suspecting hand on my wallet while the whole time I should have been safeguarding the key to my heart. - Live Music News and Review

New Local Music Alert! These Pickpockets Will Steal Your Monday Blues

By A-Train

March 23, 2015 12:55 PM

Your brackets are trashed, it’s still way too cold out and the workweek has just begun. You are in serious need of great new local music and the happiest music video in years. Enjoy ‘Sweet Sweet Love’ from Gretchen & The Pickpockets’ new EP ‘Anachronic’. After all, you deserve it.

I first watched them perform last year at The Stratham Fair and was very impressed with the variety of instruments they play and the ability to combine them all into a most righteous groove.

I was amazed at how many times I was fooled into thinking I was hearing an original song, then realized it was their version of a tune I hear on The Shark’s power rotation.

This is great news for you because you’ll get to see them this Saturday at The Press Room in Portsmouth! It’s the EP release party and tickets are just $7. You may thank me later for destroying your early workweek funk with a funk that is much more enjoyable! - 102.1 The Shark

In a small town, it’s not easy to find a decent local band that isn’t playing worn out cover songs, and growing up in the music crowd, I’ve seen my fair share of these. But after receiving a Facebook request from a former classmate of mine, I came across a band that has to be one of the most unique musical groups I’ve heard in years; and that is no exaggeration.

‘Gretchen and the Pickpockets’ originate from New Hampshire and play all over New England. Each member of the band brings something special to the stage: lead signer Gretchen Klempa is a powerhouse and has amazing control behind her vocal range; Mike Klempa’s bass lines are catchy and keep you moving to the rhythm; Richie Smith is not only an amazing guitarist but his stage presence brings an infectious enthusiasm; James McGinness is a genius at the kit, perfectly mixing rock with that much needed jazzy feel; and Ryan O’Connell will bust out a trumpet at any given moment to add the pizazz that not many rock groups have.

Two things really stuck out to me, not only as a musician but as someone who was raised on Rock and Roll. First is the genre itself, Rock with Jazz and Blues infusions. How many times do you want to swing dance while head banging? Not often. And they do it so well, that you’ll catch yourself doing such. Second, is the fact that they write all their own music. As I mentioned before, it’s not easy to find a band that does this and to top it off, does it well. The amount of unique talent and energy put in by this band clearly shows in all of their songs. You won’t find an over-used riff or bass line on any track and you’ll wish you thought of it.

If you haven’t heard this band yet, you’re missing out on an experience. I guarantee you won’t regret a second. Visit their website for music videos, as well as a link to download their EP on iTunes.

Gretchen and the Pickpockets are on their way to release their album and June. Check the link below for further details! You’ll want to download it as soon as it’s out. - tBubble

Many students choose to go abroad to visit different countries, but for UNH band Gretchen and the Pickpockets, it's their raw talent that may lead them outside of the states. After recently winning the Regional Hard Rock Rising Competition in Boston, Mass. the opportunities ahead of these five young adults has greatly expanded.
The Hard Rock Rising Competition is giving Gretchen and the Pickpockets the opportunity to travel to London to compete for the Global Hard Rock Winner, but first they must win the national competition. Twelve thousand bands signed up for the competition, and out of five rounds Gretchen and the Pickpockets have advanced to the fourth round so far. Out of 12,000 bands, only 96 remain, making Gretchen and the Pickpockets number one in New England.
"Winning was surreal," guitarist and trumpet player Ryan O'Connell said. "I wasn't expecting anything, it was good enough that we played as best as we could and had a lot of fun."
"Winning the competition felt good, it was unexpected and at the same time we felt like we we're doing well," bassist Mike Klempa said.
The bond between the members was vibrant. The members used "we" instead of "I" for how they felt winning. Numerous laughs were shared and jokes were made proving this band is serious without coming across that way. Each personality was shown when they were making jokes.
When asked why they chose this band name the members all seemed to join in on the joke.
"We steal everyone's money. That's how we bought our instruments," guitarist Richie Smith said. When in reality, Pick Pocket Woods was a place Gretchen and her brother Mike, the bassist, grew up.
Four out of five members of Gretchen and the Pickpockets attend UNH. Barrett Goeman, the drummer, is the only who does not.
With every show Gretchen and the Pickpockets perform, more people get to know their music and style, thus leading to gaining more fans.
"I first saw them perform at The Grind, which is an open mic that UNH has once a month. I also knew a few people in the band. I really like Gretchen's voice," UNH junior, Jared Rocco said. "She is very bluesy and a lot different sounding than many of the other female singers out there today. They›re all great musicians. I bought their EP the night I saw them."

This band is determined to get their name known. They do this by entering numerous competitions and by never turning down a show. "I think it's cool that we don't really acknowledge our awards, we just keep going forward," Richie Smith, the guitarist said. "We're just focused on the next thing, and we're not going to stop."

Often classified as an alternative rock band, Gretchen and the Pickpockets have many different sounds. "We have jazz, and blues, and rock, we bring in a lot of different sounds," Gretchen Klempa, vocalist for the band said. Along with the many different styles of music, having a female vocalist also makes them very unique.

"Their music is amazing," said Halli D'Andreti, sophomore UNH student. "When you see them perform they just have fun on stage, they›re really goofy and their style of music is completely different."

Stage presence is notably something many Gretchen and the Pickpockets fans enjoy about them.

"I just always have so much fun on stage, I forgot it was a competition," Smith said.

Being unique, having variety, the ability to put on a good show, and their connection as a band all factor in assisting them to be successful in the Hard Rock Rising Competition. To help them make it to London, vote by going to Hard Rock Rising's Facebook page and download their song "Stop." It's quick and you get a free song! - The New Hampshire

Local student band Gretchen and the Pickpockets are putting the finishing touches on its second album (debut album, “Stop”), eponymously titled and scheduled for release on June 6.
You’ve probably heard them playing at various events around campus, and different venues across the Seacoast music scene. Despite adamant appeal to being classified as an indie band, if you only had a minute to describe them, they’re an indie-band with smart, jazz influences, and are reminiscent of smoky jazz bar female crooners from the movies.
What is truly indie-grass-roots is that a large part of the new album was funded entirely through Kickstarter. The new album, according to bass player Mike Klempa, would not have been possible if it weren’t for generous donors; without which, the world would have been deprived of, to use Klempa’s adjectives, the “swanky trumpets” and “super jazzy” guitars that encompass Gretchen and the Pickpockets.
Like any real artist, though profusely appreciative, Klempa did not want to talk about the money, just the music.
“Oh, you’re an indie band,” Klempa said of the stigma attached to the title, “so you suck.” That basically sums up what people think today, which is kind of fair; not because all indie bands suck obviously, but because music is a winner-take-all-market. You’re either Queen Bey’ or Queen Bey’s limo driver: a man who keeps the radio turned suspiciously low and sings along, quiet enough to not seem prying, but loud enough so the Queen can hear him, and start to think of things to say if he ever did – and god forbid, the thought literally gives him anxiety – ask if she’d listen to his demo. Such are the unconventional, tangential and, if nothing else, authentic musings of Gretchen and the Pickpockets.
What somebody looks for in an artist is authenticity. The element of variety was stressed the most talking to Klempa of his band’s new album. Now variety is a tricky thing to purvey as a musician because it can mean two things: either, one, you have no direction as a band and supposed you’d cast the widest net and hope something sticks, or two, you’re brave enough to believe in your Band’s identity and to hell with the music industry’s direction in retrofitting all art into a “Happy” single. I think Gretchen and the Pickpockets are the latter.
“Who wouldn’t want to be rich and famous,” Klempa responded when asked where he wanted to see his band go in the future, “but that’s not why we’re doing it [making music].”
Some musicians just want the fame, and others will say they don’t want the fame in an interview, but they want the fame. Klempa, and the band as a whole, is really about selling a product that hasn’t been tempered – that Whole Foods, straight from the Earth, so pure the immigrants are required to wear gloves stuff. In other words, it’s the good stuff.
“For this album, there is no particular theme,” lead singer Gretchen Klempa said in an email. “If anything, the theme is just a bunch of different life happenings bunched into one.”
If it seems like I’m attempting to position Gretchen and the Pickpockets as some vanguard counter-culture fighting against the establishment through their singular-ness, I’ve done them a disservice. Mike Klempa was explicit in the fact that the band is not consciously making a point for or against anything in particular, saying, “If you can’t define yourself that’s a good thing.”
Because Gretchen and The Pickpockets dabble in blues, rock, indie, jazz and more, there’s a little something for everyone – at least on their first and only album so far, “Stop.” “Stop” has a very indie-blues, very Gaslight sound, mostly focused on relationships and heartbreak.
The new album, according to Mike Klempa, is “completely different,” and Gretchen Klempa seemed to confirm as much. The palette of songs ranges from dissatisfaction in relationships to suicide and “being stuck”, to just plain dance music.
The eponymous album for any band is a big moment. The name on the work is not just a signature associated with the concept the album dabbles in; rather, the name is the concept itself. By description, the upcoming album seems textured, eccentric and sprawling. It is absolutely fitting that it’s titled “Gretchen and the Pickpockets.”

Patrick McGoldrick - The New Hampshire

By Christopher Hislop
April 11, 2013 2:00 AM
Sultry blues-tinged rock from one of the Seacoast's freshest, and vivacious young bands (led by one of the Seacoast's freshest and vivacious young voices — Gretchen Klempa). It's likely that the band won't literally pick the few Washingtons you have hanging out in your pocket, but they will pick at your core, challenge your soul, and tempt your musical palate, prompting you to unsheathe those few Washingtons and invest in a copy their new EP, "Stop." Listen. Dig. Dig? Local band Gretchen and the Pickpockets (Nominated for a Spotlight Award for Song of the Year) play the Thirsty Moose on Wednesday, April 17. Shown is their new release "Stop."

— Christopher Hislop, music reviewer - SeacoastOnline

Tossing the van keys in the trash at a truck stop in the middle of nowhere is just one of the notches in the "first national tour" belt of Gretchen and the Pickpockets. While it may not be the typical tour debauchery of bygone days, it's just one anecdote this band is collecting along the way.

The Jazz Estate will host the up and coming group on Thursday, July 3 at 9:30 p.m. The band was chosen as New England's no. 1 best new band by the Hard Rock Café's Battle of the Bands. Its unique blend of rock, pop, jazz and Motown will provide a Summerfest alternative for those looking for a musical option outside of the Big Gig.

Wallet chains can safely be removed. Vocalist Gretchen Klempa and her bassist brother, Mike, hail from Pick Pocket Woods, N.H., hence the group's name. They both attended the University of New Hampshire where they met and formed the rest of the group two years ago.

The sibling element doesn't necessarily make for a Partridge Family experience on the road. Guitarist Richie Smith had a messy run in with some dog waste departing from his house to the tour van, but the band sees these sorts of little mishaps as "a good omen."

According to Matt Turner, manager of The Jazz Estate, audiences can expect to be wowed by the show, which is in support of the Pickpockets' recently released self-titled debut LP, out now.

Turner continues, "We are excited to be adding to the music in Milwaukee during Summerfest time! It's also our weekly "Jazz In The Dark" Thursdays, partnering with Lakefront Brewery, so the first 15 paid get a free Riverwest Stein."

The band has become accustomed to packed houses in venues both big and small but they are especially looking forward to the intimate environment The Jazz Estate offers because, "engaging and connecting with the crowd lets us give a unique, energetic and memorable performance every time we play."

The tour will be the band's premiere beyond the borders of New England. Mike Klempa says they are especially excited to delve into Milwaukee's notorious beer and cheese scene.

"If there is such a thing as overdosing on cheese, I think it will happen to us." - OnMilwaukee

It's creeping up on two years since Seacoast soul-infused rockers Gretchen & the Pickpockets released their debut EP, "Stop" — an EP that had people talking.
The sound. The talent. The promise. We've been waiting ever since with bated breath for the release of the follow-up.
That wait is no longer. A universal sigh of relief has been executed to the tune of a brand-spanking-new, full-length, self-titled recording (engineered and produced by Jon Nolan and Tyler Geis), which is set to be released at The Press Room on Friday, June 13.
Spotlight caught up with the band to talk about its existence and its excitement about the process of moving forward.
SPOTLIGHT: Let's talk about the new record. Your debut full-length! What were the goals behind this record? What lessons (if any) did you take from the making of your introductory EP — 2012's "Stop"?
SMITH (guitar): For us, we wanted a record that stayed as true to ourselves as possible. We've got a very organic sound that doesn't really call for a lot of post-production sheen or effects, so we actually tracked the entire thing live save for a few overdubs. We wanted to capture that spontaneity and communication that we have as a group rather than tracking everything individually.
MIKE KLEMPA (bass, vocalist Gretchen Klempa's brother: I think every band's goal is to "make the best record ever." Our goal was to come out of the studio with smiles on our faces and be proud of our work. I think the biggest difference between our EP and full-length is the amount of Slush Puppies consumed in the making of each album. It got to a point where the lady behind the counter told us she was selling an awful lot of them all of a sudden. I may invest in Slush Puppie stock the next time we hit the studio
SPOTLIGHT: Let's trace the roots for a minute. How'd Gretchen & the Pickpockets come to be? What got you guys interested in trying your hand at this thing called music?
GRETCHEN KLEMPA (vocals): I met my brother when I came out of my mom's womb 21 years ago. But then I met Ryan O'Connell — through a mutual friend — and he brought in Richie. And we eventually found Jim (McGuiness — drums) about a year after becoming a band, and the rest is history. We've really become a family over the past year
SPOTLIGHT: Seacoast, New Hampshire. How receptive has the local scene been to G&P's tunes? What are the advantages of living in such an artistically rich area? Are there disadvantages?
SMITH: There's so much support for the music scene here, bands are always looking to help each other out and just share our music and passions with each other, and I just love that supportive vibe. I love encountering bands and people who aren't just about bragging or talking themselves up either, when people are just genuine and let the music speak for themselves, that's when I really love the scene. And the audience responds to that genuineness so much too, this is just such a fantastic area to be.
MIKE KLEMPA: The Seacoast is great for the arts. Not only do the venues rock, but so do the people. We try to go to as many (University of New Hampshire) music mentor nights (organized and orchestrated by Nate Hastings, coordinator of Student Organizations and Leadership) and soak it all in like a sponge. One night Richie goes in and walks up to Bruce (Pingree) of Press Room fame and chats for a little bit, and then all of a sudden we had our first big show at The Press Room. For us at the time, that was 'Oceans 11' level stuff. No one at music mentors needs to be there, or is forced to participate, they all just go and want to help out the 'smaller' artists who want to grow. It's awesome.
SPOTLIGHT: What are you hoping folks take with them when they experience your music?
GRETCHEN KLEMPA: I just want people to hear the music, and use it how they see fit. For them to take it in however they need to take it in. It doesn't matter what the song means to me specifically, because it means something completely different to someone else. And I hope it helps someone, and that they're able to put themselves in the position of the story to help cope with things or just even to feel happy or wanna groove.
SPOTLIGHT: What are you hoping to take from the experience of creating this music?
SMITH: I hope we get to progress and improve as musicians even more. I never wanna get comfortable and stay in one place. I wanna push past what we already know and figure out new progressions, invent new techniques, just constantly create while still having fun with the whole thing. It's really important to remember that music is fun. Some people don't!
MIKE KLEMPA: I'd like to walk away with a Grammy (Award) but a, 'Hey man, you guys are awesome' from someone I don't know at a show is just as cool.
SPOTLIGHT: What excites you about the upcoming release of the record? How does it fit into your scheme of world domination, if such a scheme exists as a working part of the band's plans?
SMITH: This is the first thing I've ever recorded where I'll listen to it by myself and not feel embarrassed to hear myself, but to think that I'm in a studio having fun with my friends, living out my dream, and being completely absorbed in this passion. It's a testament to that experience, and to me that's a beautiful thing. Also, Tyler Geis is an absolute boss at producing, the thing sounds ridiculous. Jon Nolan is a gentleman, a scholar, and a fellow falafel enthusiast, and he is the perfect studio engineer to have with us as well.
RYAN O'CONNELL (trumpet, guitar and vocals): We're banking on selling about a million copies in the first two weeks, so we'll probably be super rich and famous pretty soon, no big deal.
SPOTLIGHT: What can you tell us about the release party at The Press Room? What can fans expect?
MIKE KLEMPA: Since it is a release show, and a bigger affair than the usual gig, we brought in two awesome bands who also happen to be old friends of ours: Red Light Radio and The Kenny Brothers, who are going to warm up the booties so they are ready to shake when we go on. We also have a couple surprises up our sleeve, I guess you'll just have to go to find out
SPOTLIGHT: Who is the best pickpocket in the band?
SMITH: Ooooh, good question. One interview we did at UNH, the only quote they got from me was, 'We steal people's things,' when I jokingly responded to being asked about the origins of the name of the band. So pro-tip: no sarcasm in interviews. Not even once.
REST OF THE BAND: Tyler Geis.
- See more at: http://www.seacoastonline.com/article/20140612/ENTERTAIN/406120312#sthash.nt2UqkvD.dpuf - Seacoast Online

Gretchen and the Pickpockets – "Gretchen and the Pickpockets"

I loved Gretchen and the Pickpockets debut EP, "Stop," which was released in 2013. Loved it. I'm so happy they didn't stop there. Why? Because I LOVE their debut self-titled full-length. This is one of the most promising young bands on the Seacoast, and (I seem to say this a lot – which is testament to the quality that exists here … ) one of the most promising young bands in existence today. Anywhere. Big on rock, big on soul, big on fun. Those are the keys to an excellent band, and an excellent record. - Chris Hislop