If any of you reading Chinese Gucci wondered about Akira’s favorite band, Leeches of Lore, and if they were real, the answer is yes, and unfortunately they’ve lost their terrific and talented keyboardist, Noah Wolters. One of the reasons their amazing concert, Leeches of Lorechestra, was featured in the book was, frankly, people needed to hear and see it. It was a special show and a special time for me, and, if you’re interested, you can check it out below.

I believe that people who struggle and strive to make art in an unblinking, uncompromising, and professional way — especially when plowing through day-jobs and navigating the steppes of the undiscovered or under-appreciated are a human glue that binds not only influences to future art, but us to each other in the joy of shared experience. Leeches, for me, is a truly mighty band…one I wish everyone could know. Their blend of professional musician-ship, dirty grit and whimsy, and down-right fucking rocking is a model for art made the way they wanted to make it. And this recent loss stings…even for a late-comer like me. The handful of times I met Noah, he was this blend of cool, chill, funny, and warm — with that rock-and-roll edge that the band as a whole has. A great guy, and another incalculable loss to Albuquerque’s music scene.

If you can, and if you’re moved to, his family could use the support. You can CHIP IN HERE.

Now, strap in and enjoy the ride. I hope to catch Noah again on the next go round.