"Celtic/Gallic/medieval-inspired tunes graced by the Siouxsie-esque French-language vocals of percussionist Samantha Stephenson." Roll Magazine, Peter Aaron 2008
"[They] have been touring diligently and sharing their live-performance energy with their ever increasing fan-base, and if you haven't seen them perform, you really should. Their mood is high-octane and exciting and their music perfectly complements that energy"
Faerie Magazine, 2008
"Few Bands have grabbed my attention like The Gypsy Nomads..."
Raven Digitalis, Author, DJ, New Witch Magazine 2008
"Helland captures a mood that evokes a bonfire on a dark night, undulating and pulsating with life..." Faerie Magazine 2007
"It didn't take long for Stephenson's enchanting lyrics, sung in french, to melt away any preconceptions and expectations. She's an evocative songstress, an amalgamation of late-night cabaret singer and mystical troubadour. And her phrasing works very well against Helland's guitar lines." Weekend Papar 2008
"Helland continues his energetic exploration of medieval themes and modes...his sense of fun and balance shine through and for this recording, he allows his punk rock instincts to play a larger part in the sonic scheme." Kate Goldsmith, Taconic Nightlife Oct 2006
"Helland is yet another accomplished ex-punk from the early ..80's who has made the striking transition to atmospheric soundtracks."
Jack Rabid, BigTakeOver Mag
"Scott Helland is a commanding acoustic guitarist, creating stimulating, passionate instrumentals that may cause little flowers to bloom in your heart." Sharon Nichols, Chronogram Arts Magazine 2007
"Scott creates a warm brew of magic in which any audiophile will want to submerge." If Journal May 2005
"Helland displays wit, taste, vision and craftsmanship in memorable melodies and colorfully constructed arrangements...an inspired take on, medieval, goth and pop" Chronogram Magagzine 2004
Click on the CDs to order earlier Scott Helland Solo CDs
The Gypsy Nomads tour year-round across the U.S. at festivals, clubs, cafes, galleries, instores and house concerts. Their CDs are available online at cdbaby.com or thegypsynomads.com as well as live shows.
The Gypsy Nomads play a hybridized version of the gypsy sound laced with a cabaret, celtic and neo-medieval flavor rooted in punk, folk and the vineyards of southern France.
The Gypsy Nomads features French-born British artist/dancer Samantha Stephenson on vocals, percussion and drums and songwriter, artist and veteran of the punk scene Scott Helland on guitar, drums, and loops. Together Samantha and Scott create a compelling onstage chemistry and their show is a lively and animated tribute to the free spirit lifestyle. Described as "high octane and exciting" and a must see, their sound is stark yet powerful, sweet yet cheeky and fiery.
Upbeat and driving guitar/percussion instrumentals, evocative ballads sung in french and english and exhilarating drum jams characterize this dynamic New York duo. Blazing a trail with their trademark gypsy/celtic/folk rock blend, these spirited troubadours tour the US year round playing at festivals, clubs, theaters, conventions, galleries, cafes and house concerts.
In the eighties and nineties, Helland played bass guitar with the bombastic Western MA hardcore punk bands Deep Wound, (which included Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis and Lou Barlow,) and Outpatients. He began performing solo in '95 until the formation of TGN in '05.
Samantha Stephenson, Gypsy Nomads singer and percussionist, studied art at The National Academy of Design and Art Students League in New York City. She began her dance training at the Royal School of Dance in England and performed in dance troupes in Boston and New York and studied and played piano throughout her teens. She now pounds on various percussion and croons in several languages as a Gypsy Nomad.
The Gypsy Nomads' new CD, At The Carnival Eclectique, released May 2008 features their eclectic mix of all-drum instrumentals and gypsy celtic inspired songs both in English and French. To hear more samples visit: GypsySamantha
