Louisa Solomon

Louisa Rachel Solomon is the lead singer of The Shondes, an indie punk band from Brooklyn, NY. Solomon, a rabbi-in-training from Queens,^[1] is known for being a Jewish musician who is outspoken about opposing the occupation of Palestine.^[2][3][4][5]

Performing at the Stone Pony on tour with Against Me! in 2014

Early life and education

Solomon grew up in a Jewish home in upstate New York.^[6] She attended the Eugene Lang College of Liberal Arts at The New School in New York City, graduating in 2005.^[7][8] Following the September 11 attacks, she was involved in activism against Islamophobia.^[7]

As of 2024, Solomon is studying to become a rabbi at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College and expects to be ordained when she completes her degree in 2025.^[8][9] For a brief time in 2023, she has served as the student rabbi at The New School. Soon after October 7, Solomon was observed holding a sign on campus that expressed support for an "intifada" against Israel and participated in a rally in Brooklyn where a ceasefire was called for and Israel was accused of genocide. In June 2024 it was announced that Solomon was no longer employed by The New School.^[10]

Career

Vocalist and bassist Solomon formed the band The Shondes with violinist Elijah Oberman in 2006.^[6][11][7]

In 2014, Solomon's rejection of Zionism led to cancellation of The Shondes' scheduled performance at a DCJCC event.^[12][7] The JCC revoked its sponsorship due to her visit to the West Bank and public support for the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement.^[13]

Reviews

AfterEllen compared Solomon's vocals to Corin Tucker of Sleater-Kinney.^[14] Depth of Field Magazine called her voice "nothing short of breathtaking...giving the impression that she's speaking directly to each and every individual listener."^[15] Performer Magazine's review of The Red Sea praised Solomon's vigorous vocals on the first half of the album, but criticized their monotony as the album progressed.^[16]

Personal life

Solomon self-identifies as queer.^[17] She has a tattoo of a Hebrew letter on her wrist,^[6][12] and has described herself as "a proud Jew, a committed Jew".^[12] She has two children, whom she brought along to an October 2023 rally organized by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, calling for the U.S. government to push for a cease-fire in the Gaza war.^[1]