DIMANCHE

In a city of brass, jazz, and the occasional blues, one might not think there's a place for an indie-synth outfit, but the Vettes have been producing groovy dance tunes since 2008.

The family band, with only one member not related to the rest, has found a niche in the New Orleans market, having been asked back at Voodoo every year since 2008. This year they will headline the Bingo Stage and get peoples' bodies moving.

"NOLA is known for jazz and horns. When people hear us they usually think we're from LA or the UK. You wouldn't immediately say, 'oh that's a band from New Orleans,' says lead singer Rachel Vette.

With a music scene dominated by the demands of the constant influx of tourists, it can sometimes be hard for bands outside the mainstream "NOLA sound" to book regular gigs and pick up a following. Better Than Ezra stands alone on a short list of local rock and roll acts that have achieved national fame. In 2008 The Vettes received radion airplay on Top 40 station B97 for their catchy tune "Give 'Em What They Want," and had their music licensed by MTV. However, since then they've had trouble getting over the hump.

"At times you feel like a musical outcast when you look at festival and event lineups and it's always horn and funk bands. But we knew what we were getting ourselves into."

Despite their uncongenial sound, The Vettes have been embraced by fans across the city. They've stuck true to their sound and the type of music they believe in. This year they will be playing at night, something they're excited bout. They're looking forward to playing some new songs and rehearsing old favorites. They've also recently debuted a new music video.

"Voodoo is my favorite place to play," Rachel says. "We have an awesome support group in Rehage Entertainment. For them to ask us back year after year, it really affirms what we're doing. We want to make everybody proud for supporting us."

You can support the local act by checking them out at 7:30 on Saturday at Le Carnival Stage.