Electric Blues

The song "Electric Blues" by The Rumours, featured on their 2020 album Suck It, is a gritty, high-energy track that embodies the band’s raw rock ‘n’ roll spirit. According to a 2020 interview on American Blues Scene, lead vocalist Brandi Renee described the song as a “love letter to the dive bars and late nights” that shaped their sound. She shared that the track was inspired by a particularly wild night in their hometown of Waterloo, Iowa, where the band played an impromptu set at a local bar, fueled by cheap whiskey and a rowdy crowd. The song’s driving rhythm and sassy lyrics, like “you can’t tame this fire,” capture that chaotic energy. On their Instagram, The Rumours posted a behind-the-scenes clip of the recording process, revealing that the iconic guitar riff was nearly cut but saved after a heated band debate, with drummer Nikki Lathan insisting it was the “heart of the song.” Fans on the The Rumours Fan Zone Facebook group often cite “Electric Blues” as a live show highlight, with one member recalling a 2021 gig where Brandi jumped into the crowd during the chorus, sparking a sing-along that shook the venue.

The Rumours formed in Waterloo, Iowa, in 2015, born out of a shared love for rock, punk, and blues. According to their bio on their official website, the band started when Brandi Renee, a former solo acoustic performer, met guitarist Cody Lathrop at a local open mic night. Their chemistry was instant, and they recruited drummer Nikki Lathan and bassist Sarah McClurg to complete the lineup. The bio notes that Brandi’s early influences included Joan Jett and Janis Joplin, which pushed her to ditch her acoustic roots for a fiercer, electric sound. A 2019 post on their Facebook page recounts their first gig at a dive bar called Spicoli’s, where they played to a crowd of 12 but won them all over by the end. That hustle defined their early years, playing small venues and building a loyal fanbase, the self-dubbed “Zoo Freaks,” through relentless touring and raw performances.

You can keep up with The Rumours on their official website for tour dates and merch. They’re active on Facebook, where they share live videos and interact with fans, and on Instagram, posting gritty photos from the road. Their X account is a mix of tour updates and cheeky banter with followers. Fans also gather in the The Rumours Fan Zone Facebook group, a lively community sharing concert photos and bootleg recordings. While no official fan websites exist, the band’s Bandcamp page is a hub for supporters to grab digital downloads and limited-edition vinyl.