“The Start of a New Beginning”: Disco Biscuits Share 30-Minute Spice Sessions with New Drummer Marlon B. Lewis

Earlier this week, the Disco Biscuits confirmed rumors that they had ended their tenure with longtime drummer Allen Aucoin. In a post shared to social media, the band informed their followers, “After much consideration, we’ve decided to part ways with Allen.” Now, the trance-fusion ensemble has officially filled the open seat, inviting Marlon B. Lewis (Star Kitchen, Keshi, French Montana, Ms. Lauryn Hill) to join their crew. In a video shared on the band’s official YouTube channel, the group showcases their sound and reflects on the nine-year lead-up to this lineup. 

After demonstrating what their fused instrumental discourse sounds like, the music fades, and Lewis directs his attention to the camera, introducing himself: “My name is Marlon Lewis, drummer from Philadelphia. It’s been great energy since day one. I started working with Marc, I think, in 2016 with Star Kitchen. We did that band for a few years before the Biscuits got up and rolling — like, busy, busy again. And he didn’t have much time for Star Kitchen, which is fine, because now, I’m here!”

The YouTube video’s format allows Lewis to move through the members and return to their musical overlap. For Jon Barber, Lewis says, “I got a chance to meet Barber and Magner. I did a side project with Barber as well, it was like this very moon project, like a musical. Really, really cool,” referencing the 2023 endeavor. 

“We also did another project at Ardmore Music Hall called Barber Live. Super, super cool. Had a few of my friends come and play with us. So that started building a bond between me and Barber. Then, anytime he had anything at home, he wanted to try some stuff out. Drums or anything, he would kind of call me and see if I was available. So then, I would go hang out, and we just kept building from there.”

Talking about Aron Magner, Lewis adds, “We were just like in passing the entire time, when we did our [Star] Kitchen dates, he had Spaga. So we would be on the same bill. We got to hang out a few times — I actually got to write a few songs with the guys. I want to say it was ‘Freeze,’ but we wrote a couple songs in Marc’s basement, which was awesome. So that was another chance to hang out with all of the guys at once. And that was kind of the start of a new beginning, I just didn’t realize it yet.”

Reflecting on the current state of their relationship and their nearly 10-year history, Lewis says, “I look at it more like building with the guys, hanging with the guys over the years, side projects. But to actually get the call to be with them regularly… Kind of mind-blowing. I would say, kinda mind-blowing. I was very surprised. It was like, these guys really love me. Let’s do it. Let’s tour the world together and have a great time.” 

In addition to comments from the other band members, the video, titled “I think I see the future” and shot at Spice House Sound in Philadelphia, exhibits the sound and energy the revived lineup is bringing. Watch the complete video below. 

The Disco Biscuits will debut their new lineup tonight, October 31, during their Hulaween appearance. For tickets and additional information, visit discobiscuits.com/shows.