Our Story
Ainsley Matic and the Broken Blues is a genre-bending original project, melding sounds of New Orleans blues, old school pop, classic country and good old fashioned rock and roll into something altogether new that audiences can’t get enough of. Ainsley draws in crowds with her powerful vocals inspired by Amy Winehouse, Koko Taylor, and Nina Simone, and is backed by a diverse band made up horns, keys, bass, and drums. The Broken Blues guide their listeners through the darkest blues, high energy love songs, heart-wrenching ballads, and funky epics, ensuring that even if you don’t know what’s coming next, you know it’s going to be worth taking a listen.
Although not a native of New Orleans, there was something about the sweet aroma of jasmine during a summer’s heavy heat, cloaking a city pulsing with music and food and life, that instantly drew in Ainsley’s spirit. Ainsley’s piano playing lit on fire when her classical and jazz chops fused with the improvisation and originality of New Orleans music. Soon, the Broken Blues were born, and Ainsley was blessed with the ensemble that is the truest representation of her sound. A strong and versatile rhythm section made up drums and upright bass are in constant conversation with Ainsley’s virtuosic improvisation. Trumpet, tenor sax, and trombone top off the band with a brazen sound that can be reigned in for introspection or let loose to shake the windows and tear the roof down.
The Broken Blues have been featured at many of New Orleans’ iconic venues, including Tipitina’s, Maison on Frenchmen, the Allways Lounge, Hi Ho Lounge, Carnaval, 30/90, Cafe Negril, Banks Street Bar, Gasa Gasa, and Carrollton Station. They have independently released two studio albums and are planning to release their latest EP in fall of 2022.
"Listen closely to the music of Ainsley Matich and the Broken Blues, and you’ll hear raw poetry along with Matich’s accomplished compositions."
- New Orleans Living Magazine
"[Ainsley's] passion started young and continues to grow in NOLA as the band plays local shows and builds their following
through original music described as 'rock ’n’ roll blues pop.'”
-Where Y'at Magazine