DS Interview: Nicole Laurenne on The Darts’ upcoming “Halloween Love Songs,” her journey to becoming a punk rock judge, her limitless musical passion and much more

Photo of Nicole Laurenne by Jessica Calvo

2026 is shaping up to be quite a busy year for Nicole Laurenne. By some metrics, it might be her busiest one yet. Laurenne’s primary band, the campy, gothy garage-punk four-piece The Darts, are due to put out their latest record, Halloween Love Songs, on March 3rd. It marks the band’s seventh studio full-length in less than ten years (to go along with a few EPs as well…and yes, plans for number eight are already well underway). Meanwhile, Laurenne’s jazzy...