New Orleans-based musician and Chicago punk rock veteran Kate Fagan is back with her new single, “2 Good 2 B True,” set to drop on Friday, November 8. Known for her eclectic blend of styles and unyielding creative spirit, Fagan is dipping into the ’60s with this release, serving up a rich baroque pop vibe that’s equal parts nostalgia and fresh innovation. Co-written with fellow musician Jeremy Joyce, “2 Good 2 B True” is poised to transport listeners with lush melodies and a retro flair that only someone of Fagan’s caliber could authentically pull off.
This single marks Fagan’s latest offering since the reissue of her cult classic, “I Don’t Wanna Be Too Cool.” Originally self-released in the early ’80s, this punk anthem has become the stuff of Chicago legend, reigning as the best-selling single by a local artist at the iconic Wax Trax record store. When Fagan reissued the track in 2016—and again as an expanded edition in 2023—she rekindled the fire of her early work, introducing a new generation to her rebellious sound.
But that’s just one chapter in Fagan’s sprawling musical history. In the early ’80s, she led the Chicago ska band Heavy Manners, whose daring sound and electrifying performances opened doors to high-profile gigs with the likes of The Clash, Grace Jones, The English Beat, and The Ramones. They played some of Chicago’s most storied venues, from Park West to the Aragon Ballroom, solidifying Fagan as a trailblazer in the Midwest music scene.
As she steps into 2023 with “2 Good 2 B True,” Fagan’s knack for reinvention remains strong. Following her recent releases—2021’s “Ho Ho Ho Holiday Party” and the 2023 single “Say It” B/W “Cover it Up”—she’s proving that age and genre boundaries have no place in her ever-evolving musical journey. This new single is a testament to her roots in punk and ska, her love of retro pop, and her enduring ability to make every era sound like it’s her own.
