Gemma Laurence, Camp Bedford Rescue Squad

Current New York City guidelines may restrict access to this event. Please visit our COVID-19 Information page for the most updated information regarding vaccine, testing, and mask requirements.

Gemma Laurence is a Brooklyn-based queer indie folk artist from the coast of Maine. Categorizing herself as “Sapphic folk,” Laurence takes inspiration from queer femme poets and songwriters from the past and present: Sappho, Adrienne Rich, Elizabeth Bishop, and Adrianne Lenker to name a few. Having grown up on the coast of Maine and the hills of Oxfordshire, Laurence’s time on both sides of the Atlantic influenced her unique sound: a fusion of foot-stomping Americana with a hint of English folk, now met with the gritty DIY edge of New York City. Weaving lush harmonies into acoustic guitar melodies, Laurence’s timeless tracks call her listeners home to the people and places left behind for new beginnings. The lilt of Laurence’s vocals and the poetic lyricism of her music has drawn comparisons to artists like Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling, Phoebe Bridgers, Tomberlin, and Courtney Marie Andrews. Her latest single "Adrienne" was premiered via Under the Radar in October and is now streaming everywhere.

The Camp Bedford Rescue Squad was formed in 2021 as a direct response to the attacks of the Beast of Camp Bedford. Combining their enticing three-part harmonies and captivating melodies, the pop-folk trio wards off the Beast by drowning out its signature summoning call with their infectious performances. The trio performs regularly in and around the NYC area, whenever a Beast Sighting is reported. Stay vigilant.