New York postpunk duo Frenchy and the Punk have released a new video for their powerful single ‘War on War’ via Pittsburgh-based label Distortion Productions — arriving at a particularly heavy moment for the band, just ahead of what was meant to be an extensive Spring 2026 tour across the Midwest, East Coast, and the UK. Those plans have now been put on hold due to unexpected and serious circumstances.
The duo has been forced to cancel the remainder of their spring tour dates, as well as their summer dates, including their UK run. The decision follows singer Samantha Stephenson’s recent Stage 2 breast cancer diagnosis, discovered after a routine check-up just before they were set to hit the road, but didn’t come to light until the band was already out on tour. As full-time independent artists playing roughly 100 shows per year, Samantha and guitarist Scott Helland rely on touring as a primary source of income, making this sudden halt especially challenging.
While a timeline for returning to live performances remains uncertain, they hope to focus on Samantha’s recovery and continue creating new music during this time. In response, Scott has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover living expenses as they navigate treatment and recovery. The band has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans and community.
Torchbearers of a new era in post-punk, Frenchy and the Punk was formed in 2005 by vocalist, percussionist, keyboardist and lyricist Samantha Stephenson and guitarist-composer Scott Helland, co-founder of Deep Wound (with Dinosaur Jr. icons J Mascis and Lou Barlow) and Outpatients, and also known for his exceptional solo music project Guitarmy of One. Listed in the ‘Top 25 US duos’ by Yahoo! Music, their distinct sound blends in a touch of new wave by way of electro-acoustic hybrid guitars, loop pedals, fiery live acoustic and electronic percussion, synth and rich commanding vocals.
The powerful video for ‘War on War’ was filmed and edited by Samantha Stephenson in New York State. The single itself was mixed and mastered by William Faith (The Bellwether Syndicate, Faith and the Muse) at William Faith Music Production, with vocal recording and production at Kale Shelter Studios by Hillary Johnson, known for her work with Jeff Buckley, The Misfits, Rufus Wainwright, The Ramones, Nile Rodgers, Vernon Reid and more.
Following ‘Not Under Your Spell’, released at the end of 2025, this is the band’s second release through Distortion Productions, having signed to the label after label-head Jim Semonik saw their performance at Dark Force Fest, in New Jersey last summer.
Samantha shares, “This song is not only about war but also the deterioration of truth and destruction of progress. It’s the belief that the majority of people in this country and the world do not want to go backwards and do not want to see bloodshed. It is the frustration that the few, fueled by greed and lust for power, who manipulate for their and their cronies’ advantage, cause such grief and destruction for the many. It is a call to voice opposition to the chaos and insanity. It is a call for unity beyond borders.”
A veteran of the US hardcore punk scene, Scott Helland has spent years honing a dynamic, high-impact performance style that now drives Frenchy and the Punk’s electrifying live presence and genre-blurring sound. Over the course of his music career, he has shared the stage with Black Flag, Husker Du, GBH, C.O.C, Agnostic Front and CroMags, in addition to performing with Dinosaur Jr. on occasion.
Samantha’s artistic expression came from a completely different place, having started in dance, piano and the visual arts. These two worlds collided forming a musical incarnation that moves effortlessly from bombastic and driving songs to atmospheric and almost transcendent soundscapes.
Their latest albums ‘Midnight Garden’ (2024) and ‘Zen Ghost’ (2022) both earned critical acclaim. Fiercely DIY, they have earned a wide and loyal following, winning audiences with their music but their engaging live shows, evidence of their palpable connection and dedication to the creative life they lead.
‘War On War’ is out everywhere digitally, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp, where supporters can also acquire their full back catalogue. Those who wish to contribute or share the GoFundMe campaign are encouraged to do so here ~ https://gofund.me/24f28df11
CREDITS
Written by Samantha Stephenson & Scott Helland
Samantha Stephenson – vox, keys & percussion
Scott Helland – guitar, bass & percussion
Music mixed & mastered by William Faith at William Faith Music Production
Vocal recording & production by Hillary Johnson at Kale Shelter Studios
Video filmed & edited by Samantha Stephenson
Released by Distortion Productions
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
