It started with one idea. And, like many other ideas before it, the goal seemed simple: Play and write music that you believe in, and others will come to believe in it as well. Don't inflate it with smoke and mirrors, and don't water it down in search of conventional success. Play what speaks to your heart, and it will speak to theirs too. With truth, comes authenticity.

If you know of The Belleville Outfit already, then you know this idea to be true. With an unwavering dedication to their craft, the undeniable raw talent, and an energy and charm that inspires nothing short of a celebration, this young band of early twenty-somethings is firmly weaving their signature blend of pop, gypsy jazz, big band swing, and American roots music into the hearts of listeners across the country. In less than three years, with two highly successful, independently released records now under their belt, and a relentless tour schedule to match, the band, with a maturity unheard of in musicians of their age, is playing at it's best ever.

Looking back, Original members Rob Teter (Guitar, Vocals), Connor Forsyth (Piano, B3 Organ, Vocals), and Jonathan Konya (Drums) began playing together in college in New Orleans, LA, and named the band The Belleville Outfit. "Belleville," meaning "beautiful city," is a nod to the then hurricane Katrina-ravaged city, and "Outfit" is a American wild-west term referring to a group of people that don't necessarily fit "in." After a debut at Merlefest 2007, a huge acoustic music festival in North Carolina, the line-up was solidified to include Austin, Texas darling, Phoebe Hunt (violin, vocals), and Marshall Hood (Guitar, Vocals) and Jeff Brown (Bass) - Teter's high school band mates from Spartanburg, SC. Since then, the band has been based out of Austin, Texas.

The next two years brought a whirlwind of touring for the band, always known for their electrifying live shows. Between appearances at major festivals around the country including Bonnaroo, Austin City Limits, Merlefest, Floydfest, and the Strawberry Music Festival, the band has made fans out of heroes like Lyle Lovett (who, when asked recently on MSNBC to name his favorite new, young acts, responded, "The Belleville Outfit") had two albums chart in the top ten at Americana radio, and picked up an 2009 Americana Music Association award nomination for Best New/Emerging act - all while uniquely managing their own career, the true embodiment of an "indie" band. 

Looking forward, 2010 brings the familiar heavy rotation of festival and club appearances for the band. In the meantime, they're wrapping up the writing and pre-production for their third album (due for release Spring 2011). The yet-to-be-titled album is being produced by Los Angeles based producer and musician, Matt Rollings. (Mark Knopfler, Lyle Lovett, Keith Urban). The band is also excited to welcome bassist, Nigel Frye, after Jeff Brown departed in late 2009 to pursue other interests.

And so, with keen eyes and ears on all that has come before them, and a passionate drive to see just what they're capable of, the train rolls on. Always authentic, never marred by false convictions, and with a enough spirit to light up crowds of thousands, this is the train you have been looking to jump on, and you'd better get on before it rolls by.

The Belleville Outfit is:

Rob Teter (Guitar, Vocals)
Phoebe Hunt (Violin, Vocals)
Connor Forsyth (Piano, B3 organ, Wurlitzer, Vocals)
Marshall Hood (Guitar, Vocals)
Jonathan Konya (Drums)
Nigel Frye (Bass)