“Gritty, raw, passionate and heartfelt….adjectives you use to describe the music of upstart Philly rockers Soraia….”” — Loudwire
“As Mansour belts out the title track, her voice crows with an immediate and defiant pulse which is nothing short of pulverizing….(Soraia) merely check vintage classic rock riffs and find a way to swathe them into an intoxicating and enthralling package.” – Anthony Kuzminski, ‘The Screen Door’
Philadelphia-based rockers Soraia have reissued the band’s 2008 album ‘Shed The Skin’ via Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records, to coincide with the LP’s 15th anniversary. Available digitally and on both blue and gold vinyl, the record’s 10 tracks have been newly remixed and remastered by the band’s own Travis Smith and Grammy-nominated engineer Joe Lambert, respectively, and feature guest appearances from the likes of Richie Sambora, Lorenza Ponce, Bobby Bandiera, John Shanks and Jeff Kazee.
Frontwoman ZouZou Mansour says, “‘Shed The Skin’ was our first attempt at not only a more crafted and collaborative songwriting, but also a journey to finding what we had to say and if we could say it. We were in a different time in life, and very green, which has brought up both a joy recalling that time and also an admiration for how far we’ve come. One thing is true: Soraia keeps going. And that is the greatest thing that these songs have gifted to us. We hope you enjoy hearing them live when we perform them on tour this fall. We are having the best time bringing them back into our set!”
With every release, Soraia continues to gain experience, momentum, and strength. They have garnered the attention of many soulful rock legends in the music business, including Jon Bon Jovi, Steven Van Zandt, and Joan Jett. The core band features ZouZou Mansour (lead vocals), Travis Smith (bass), and Brianna Sig (drums). Together, they have unmatched chemistry and passion for the music they play.
The band recently returned from Sweden where they were hard at work on new music for release in 2025. In the meantime, Soraia will be supporting the re-release of ‘Shed The Skin’ with a fall tour that kicks off this week. See dates below.
‘Shed The Skin’ Track Listing:
1 Not The Woman (Remix)
2 Shed The Skin (Remix)
3 Long Time (Remix)
4 Still Cryin’ (Remix)
5 Little Cat (Remix)
6 Had Enough (Remix)
7 Need (Remix)
8 Jolene (Remix)
9 Damn Dirty Woman (Remix)
10 Sweet Lady (Remix)
About Soraia:
As a spiritual descendent of iconic women in rock such as Patti Smith and Joan Jett, ZouZou’s Philadelphia-based band Soraia also embodies elements of kindred spirits of the ’90s and beyond – like PJ Harvey and The Kills, with more than a sprinkling of ’60s Garage Rock and Soul. Their primal sonic attack spreads a message of perseverance through trials of love, loss and letting go.
Bassist Travis Smith continues to be a crucial root of the Soraia tree, co-writing most of Soraia’s songs.
Further nourishing their roots is the continued support of Wicked Cool’s Stevie Van Zandt. The label head has been an advocate ever since naming their breakout track “Love Like Voodoo” the Coolest Song in the World on his syndicated radio show and SiriusXM channel Little Steven’s Underground Garage in 2013. In January 2021, the band’s single “Tight-Lipped” became the thirteenth ‘Coolest Song’ they’ve earned.
“I’m all about playing a fun song and throwing myself around, that’s Rock ’n’ Roll at its heart,” ZouZou remarks. “But I’m also about telling the stories of resurrection and life and hope and darkness.”
Tour Dates:
*9/12 Mechanicsburg, PA @ Metropolis Collective **
*9/13 Akron, OH @ Buzzbin **
*9/14 Maple Grove, OH @ Maple Grove Tavern
*9/15 Hamtramck, MI @ Small’s Bar
*9/19 Dayton, OH @Blind Bob’s
*9/20 Chicago, IL @ Liar’s Club
*9/21 Indianapolis, IN @ Melody Inn (Indy Punk Rock Night)
*9/24 Nashville, TN @ The Basement
*9/25 Newport, KY @ Southgate House Revival
*9/26 Columbus, OH @ SpaceBar
*9/28 Williamsville, NY @ Hi Fi Hits Record Store (All Ages)
*10/25 Hamden, CT @ Cellar On Treadwell
*10/26 Denville, NJ @ Sweet Vinyl Cafe (All Ages)
*10/30 Providence, RI @ Myrtle
*11/1 Southbridge, MA @ Starlite Gallery
*11/2 Windsor, CT @ 25 Central Street
*11/3 Somerville, MA @ The Jungle
*11/8 New York City, NY @ Berlin Under A
*11/29 Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy (Shed The Skin Release Event)
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