Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 197
November 13, 2024
TICKETS FOR DAFT PUNK 'INTERSTELLA 5555' ON SALE NOW
TICKETS FOR DAFT PUNK & LEIJI MATSUMOTO’S INTERSTELLA 5555: THE 5TORY OF THE 5ECRET 5TAR 5YSTEM ON SALE NOW
WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER
ONE-NIGHT-ONLY EVENT AT OVER 800 CINEMAS WORLDWIDE ON DECEMBER 12 FEATURING ANIME MASTERPIECE REMASTERED IN 4K, PLUS SIX ICONIC DAFT PUNK VIDEOS
Tickets are available now at interstella5555film.com for Daft Punk’s Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem, a one-night-only event that brings the celebrated anime to the big screen at over 800 cinemas across the globe on December 12th, remastered in stunning 4K, plus six of Daft Punk's most iconic music videos. Additionally, the event’s official trailer debuted today (view it HERE).
Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem is a spectacular journey through Daft Punk's album Discovery, which is certified Gold in the US, Platinum in Japan, 2x Platinum in the UK, and 3x Platinum in France. Originally conceived during the creation of their iconic sophomore album, featuring timeless anthems like “One More Time” and “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger,” the film offers a deeper narrative to the music. This sonic and visual odyssey follows the story of the Crescendolls, an abducted alien band, as they fight against an evil human with a dark plan.
Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem was created by the legendary French electronic music duo, Daft Punk (Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter) and Cédric Hervet in collaboration with Leiji Matsumoto and Toei Animation and directed by Kazuhisa Takenouchi. The event also features music videos directed by Spike Jonze, Michel Gondry, Seb Janiak, Roman Coppola, and Warren Fu. The global event is presented by Trafalgar Releasing.
Interstella 5555: The 5tory of the 5ecret 5tar 5ystem will be screened in more than 800 cinemas in approximately 40 countries and territories. For a list of local cinemas, visit interstella5555film.com.
The Discovery: Interstella 5555 Edition is available in limited quantities on vinyl and CD, and a special line of Interstella 5555 Collection merchandise is available at daftpunk.com
Fly Anakin shares new Quelle Chris-produced single "YOUGOTME!!"
FLY ANAKIN SHARES NEW SINGLE “YOUGOTME!!"
Fly Anakin by Will Pippin
“YOUGOTME!!”
WATCH: https://youtu.be/uMJM9z2G-os?si=-toz80DmT5xm9buq
LISTEN: http://flyanakin.lnk.to/YOUGOTME
“tongue-twisting verses seem effortless”
The FADER
“bulletproof with something for the rap purists, underground aficionados and casual listeners alike”
HipHopDX
"one of underground hip-hop’s greatest talents"
HotNewHipHop
"a star in his own right"
SPIN
(November 13, 2024) - Richmond, Virginia’s own Fly Anakin shares new song “YOUGOTME!!” today. The track, produced by Quelle Chris, is a relentless return to solo work for Anakin, with Frank’s razor-sharp delivery from its opening notes to the final piano key. Just last month, Anakin ushered in the official debut full-length for the Richmond musical collective Mutant Academy that he co-founded alongside Henny L.O. with Keep Holly Alive, a 18-track masterclass in technical ability and familial chemistry from a group looking to stamp its place in the tapestry of hip-hop groups.
Having spent the majority of the past decade honing his craft with consistent Mutant Academy releases as well as a prolific run of solo projects, Anakin broke new ground in 2020 with his widely-lauded joint album with Pink Siifu, FlySiifu’s, and the accompanying $mokebreak EP a year later. That project opened up a new sound and community for Anakin who has seized on that project’s success to cement himself as a leader in rap’s underground renaissance with his critically-acclaimed studio debut album Frank in 2022, which landed on best of the year lists at Bandcamp, HipHopDX, OkayPlayer, Uproxx and more. His subsequent dual-sided mixtape series with Foisey, Skinemaxxx, demonstrated that he could be versatile and adapt to more experimental and boisterous production, leading to Pitchfork describing him as "the single best pure rapper in the scene."
Listen to “YOUGOTME!!” above and stay tuned for more new music from Fly Anakin next solo project coming soon.
"YOUGOTME!!!" single artwork
Connect with Fly Anakin:
Gina Birch (The Raincoats) Releases Yoko Ono Cover for the Holidays
GINA BIRCH RELEASES CHRISTMAS SINGLE,
“LISTEN, THE SNOW IS FALLING” (YOKO ONO COVER):
https://orcd.co/listenthesnowisfalling
Artwork is an original painting by Gina Birch
Gina Birch - legendary artist, filmmaker, and a founding member of post-punk group The Raincoats - has released a cover of Yoko Ono’s “Listen, the Snow is Falling” on Third Man Records. The track, written by Ono and recorded with the Plastic Ono Band, was originally released as the b-side of John Lennon’s 1971 single “Happy Xmas (War is Over)”.
LISTEN TO "LISTEN, THE SNOW IS FALLING"
Of the release, Birch explains:
“In 2023 I played a gig at Tate Britain when the brilliant Yoko Ono show was on at Tate Modern. I thought it would be great to play one of Yoko’s songs at our performance…so even though it was August, Marie Merlet, Jenny Green and I played 'Listen, the Snow is Falling.' I had been asked to write something for the Tate magazine about Yoko Ono, as well as having recently painted a full-length portrait of her for my exhibition featuring Goddesses and Inspirations at Gallery 46. As a result, I was feeling particularly connected with her in my head. We chose the song because it is haunting and beautiful and it was released as a B-side. Who doesn’t love a B-side? My bandmate Marie Merlet had the idea that we could make a recording of the song as a Christmas single. In all my time, I’ve never made a Christmas single and it seemed so appropriate. We recorded it in my basement with all three of us coming up with ideas. It was mixed by Marie and then mastered by Warren Defever at Third Man Mastering in Detroit.
"We are also releasing two very special limited editions of 10 clear vinyl discs and 30 clear plastic flexi discs made on a 1960s lathe by two artists, Nick and Dom, whom I met in Nottingham at Backlit Gallery where my 'Three Screams 1977-1997-2017' film is showing. They have a label called Pearl Home Records and have cut tracks onto flexible material usually used for making doll's house windows. I have then made special covers for each disc. The rest of you can listen on Spotify or the whoo-hoos of your choice.”
The track is Birch’s first release since her long-awaited debut solo album I Play My Bass Loud in 2023. The record drew significant praise, including lengthy features in The Quietus and the New York Times, which stated that “Birch sings, writes and plays bass like someone who cannot help but be herself, and her distinct, sometimes contradictory personality oozes out of every track.” The adulation hardly stopped there – MOJO called the album “a shining example of the music geek’s revenge” in their review.
“Birch doesn’t just belong in music, she helped build the foundations for the riot grrrl and grunge
generation that followed her own, inspiring many young women to make music along the way.”
– The Quietus
“Take cover! Raincoats bassist on gale-force form.”
– Record Collector 5/5
“Birch might just be entering her next great creative phase.”
– Uncut 8/10
"The debut solo album from the Raincoats bassist is adventurous and collaborative and vibrant and furious."
– Pitchfork
Beyond a UK headlining tour, the release saw Birch support Yo La Tengo, Sleater Kinney and This is The Kit, and play festivals including Green Man. In addition, she was a part of Tate Britain’s much-publicized exhibition Women in Revolt - celebrating 20 years of feminist art and activism – for which her piece 3 Minute Scream (1977) was also used as the poster image.
Birch is currently in the studio working on her second solo album, which will be released on Third Man Records in 2025 (watch this space for further details).
Instagram links
@gina.birch
@iko_cherie
@jennifer_misanthropez
# # #
Matt Champion enlists Deb Never for new song + 'Slint's Favorite' out now + playing Camp Flog Gnaw in LA this weekend
MATT CHAMPION SHARES NEW SONG
“ASH” FEATURING DEB NEVER
COLLECTION OF NEW SONGS SLINT’S FAVORITE
OUT NOW VIA RCA RECORDS
Matt Champion and Deb Never by Mary Nevezhyna & Ganna Bogdan
Slint’s Favorite
https://mattchampion.lnk.to/SlintsFavorite
“SPJ”
WATCH: https://youtu.be/bQgqvAmObNg?feature=shared
(November 13, 2024) - Today, Matt Champion shares new song “Ash” featuring Deb Never. The song concludes Slint’s Favorite, the series of songs that Matt has released over the past four weeks as an extension of the world Matt first introduced with his acclaimed solo debut Mika’s Laundry, which was released earlier this year. The collection of songs includes “Faye,” “Hacker,” “SPJ," which Matt released a new Ganna Bogdan-directed visual for earlier this week, and the newly-released “Ash.”
Slint’s Favorite journeys deeper into the world of Mika’s Laundry, which Matt conceived of and illustrated through a series of visuals that he created alongside director Anna Pollack. The album’s sound marks a pointed shift in Matt’s solo work, which UPROXX described as demonstrating Matt’s “range and dynamism as a creator.” Matt worked closely to develop the album’s sonic world alongside Dijon, Henry Kwapis and also includes collaborations with JENNIE, Dijon & Dora Jar.
Listen to Slint’s Favorite in full above and catch Matt Champion at the Camp Flog Gnaw festival at Dodger Stadium in LA this weekend.
Slint's Favorite artwork
Matt Champion
Slint’s Favorite
November 13, 2024
RCA Records
1. Faye
2. Hacker
3. SPJ
4. Ash (featuring Deb Never)
Connect with Matt Champion
Vacations Release Spotify Singles Featuring "Midwest" and a Cover of Kylie Minogue's "Love At First Sight"
2X PLATINUM INDIE ROCK BAND
VACATIONS
RELEASE THEIR INAUGURAL SPOTIFY SINGLES
FEATURING A COVER OF KYLIE MINOGUE’S “LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT” AND A COUNTRY RENDITION OF “MIDWEST”
LISTEN HERE
MATES FESTIVAL THIS SATURDAY AT LOS ANGELES’ THE BELLWETHER FEATURING PUMA BLUE, CLAUD, YOT CLUB, IAN SWEET, KACY HILL + MORE
“RELAX” CERTIFIED GOLD IN THE US
November 13, 2024 – Today, Australian indie rock band Vacations share their Spotify Singles recordings: a cover of the Kylie Minogue hit, “Love at First Sight,” and a country-inspired remake of their own track, “Midwest.” Listen HERE.
While recording at Spotify Studio LA, guitarist Nate Delizzotti explained the choice of the iconic Kylie track, calling it simply “one of the best songs in the world. We’re trying to pay homage to the cover but it's inevitably going to be different because of our respective playing styles, our own influences.”
“Midwest” is the latest single from their 2024 LP, No Place Like Home, and is a favorite of fans and has been a staple on Sirius ALT Nation and XMU over the past year.
Today’s Spotify Singles coincides with the announcement of Vacations’ 2017 hit “Relax” being certified Gold in the United States. It also comes ahead of Vacations’ inaugural stateside MATES FESTIVAL, a festival curated by Vacations to bring together and build community amongst artist from Australia and the US, taking place this Saturday, November 16th, at The Bellwether in Los Angeles. The lineup will feature Vacations, Puma Blue, Claud, Yot Club, Ian Sweet, Kacy Hill, Jaguar Jonze, and Waax. It will utilize the venue’s numerous stages and rooms to create an indoor festival experience over the course of one evening.
The festival is curated to create community across continents, highlighting other artists that the band admires. MATES was first launched by the band in July 2022 in Australia as a way to reunite their local music scene after the pandemic with a strong focus on community and inclusivity. The ethos remains the same in 2024, with the location inspired by lead singer Campbell Burn’s partial relocation to Los Angeles (the rest of the band remain based in Newcastle).
ABOUT VACATIONS:
A DIY affair from the get-go, the band Vacations formed in 2016 primarily as a songwriting vehicle for Campbell Burns, Burns later adding band members Jake Johnson, Nate Delizzotti, and Joseph Van Lier. Their song “Relax” is certified Gold in the U.S., “Young” is certified Gold in Canada, Australia, and Poland, and is certified Platinum in the U.S., and their single “Telephones” is also certified Platinum in the US as of December 2023. The band has racked up over 2.5 billion streams worldwide, an average of 80 million streams/month, including over 835 million streams within the last year and over 2.5m Shazam’s. They have performed at Austin City Limits, All Things Go Festival, Thing Festival, London Calling, The Great Escape, All Points East, and The Sounds Project in Indonesia. Their 2024 album, No Place Like Home, debuted at #6 on the Spotify US Album Chart and #2 on the NACC (North American College & Community Radio Chart), and is a mainstay on Sirius XMU and AltNation. So far in 2024, they have performed on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Show With Stephen Colbert's #Lateshowmemusic series, and on CBS Saturday Morning. The record received praise from Spin, Rolling Stone, Uproxx, Flood, Grammy.com, Esquire, and the band was nominated for Rolling Stone Australia's Global Award (the only AU award selected by the international Rolling Stone team). Earlier this year, the band covered Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” for Triple J's Like A Version.
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https://www.instagram.com/vacationsband_/
https://www.facebook.com/vacationsbandofficial
https://twitter.com/vacationsband_
November 12, 2024
Noise Pop Festival 2025 Phase 1 Lineup Announced 💥
Noise Pop Festival Phase 1 Lineup
Introducing the Phase 1 Lineup for the 2025 Noise Pop Festival! 💥 Featuring 2-Nights of midwest emo legends American Football performing their iconic LP1 at Great American Music Hall, Bedroom pop queen Soccer Mommy at the Fillmore, acclaimed songwriter Nick Lowe & Los Straightjackets at Great American Music Hall, & much more!
Grab your Phase 1 GA and Super Fan badges today for exclusive access to every festival show, happy hours, festival parties, merch discounts, and more!
GET TICKETSDiscover the Lineup!
Discover the lineup for Noise Pop Festival 2025 and get familiar with the artists by exploring our official Spotify playlist!
NOISE POP FESTIVAL LINEUP
Turn your wardrobe up to 11 with Noise Pop Merch!
CRSSD Announces Justice, JUNGLE (DJ Set), FISHER, Kavinsky, Claptone, Klangphonics, SG Lewis, LP Giobbi + More for 10th Anniversary Spring Edition
CRSSD Festival Announces 10th Anniversary Lineup for Spring 2025 Edition
Featuring ARTBAT, Ben UFO, Bon Entendeur, Busy P B2B Braxe + Falcon, Chris Lorenzo, Cinthie, Claptone, DJ EZ, FISHER, Fleur Shore, Flight Facilities, Folamour, Hannah Laing, Hayden James, JOY (Anonymous), JUNGLE (DJ Set), Justice, Kavinsky, Klangphonics, LP Giobbi, Maceo Plex, Monolink, Nicole Moudaber B2B Anfisa Letyago, Rene Wise B2B Rødhåd, Sasha & John Digweed, SG Lewis, Special Request + More
March 1-2, 2025
Waterfront Park in San Diego
Alumni Presale Begins Tuesday November 19th at 12PM PT
SMS Presale Sale Begins Wednesday November 20th at 12PM PT
General On Sale Begins Wednesday November 20th at 2PM PT
https://www.crssdfest.com/
Today, CRSSD Festival has announced its Spring 2025 lineup, marking the start of its ten year anniversary celebration in return to San Diego’s Waterfront Park on March 1-2, 2025.
A decade since inception, CRSSD remains one of North America’s most celebrated strongholds for credible electronic music. The success of the brand stands in its ability to deliver genre-leading lineups that balance superstars of the moment with genre pioneers, spanning the gamut of electronic music’s global identity. The result is a boutique experience that prioritizes curation, convenience, and comfort at its idyllic bayfront venue just steps away from a city center that comes alive with full slates of After Dark programming year after year.
CRSSD’s dedicated fan base can recount the countless moments that have substantiated its storied reputation. From foundational inaugural sessions like Jamie Jones and Seth Troxler back-to-back at sunset on The Palms and The Flaming Lips live with planes landing in the distance at Ocean View in its debut year, to left-field triumphs like Four Tet and Objekt B2B Cal Super, and peak performances from international techno royalty like Paula Temple, FJAAK, and 999999999, CRSSD has and will continue to set the bar in North America.
In celebration of its tenth year, the festival has announced another forward-looking lineup that embodies its commitment to championing the best and brightest names in live electronic, house, and techno. Pioneering French duo Justice, coming off of their widely renowned Hyperdrama LP and tour, and sensational British soul and funk band JUNGLE (DJ Set), lead the charge with their groundbreaking performances. Additional highlights include modern electronic luminaries and CRSSD veterans Sasha & John Digweed, innovative German trio Klangphonics, Parisian trailblazers Busy P B2B Braxe + Falcon, and techno phenoms Nicole Moudaber B2B Anfisa Letyago.
Crossover highlights include the synth drenched sounds of Kavinsky, crossover super producer SG Lewis, FHUO label head Folamour, German multi-instrumentalist Monolink, multi-genre producer and piano house favorite LP Giobbi, and French nu-disco trio Bon Entendeur. Billing continues with nu-disco meets indie-dance duo Poolside, Aussie exports Flight Facilities and Hayden James, and the euphoria of London duo JOY (Anonymous).
House enthusiasts can look forward to performances from high energy crowd favorite FISHER, Ellum Audio boss Maceo Plex, Ukrainian duo ARTBAT, the legendary Cassius, masked maestro Claptone, and bass house icon Chris Lorenzo. Added grooves come courtesy of house heavyweight Sam Divine, garage icon DJ EZ, Scottish maven Hannah Laing, and tech-house risers Riordan and SOSA.
CRSSD’s 10th anniversary celebration wouldn’t be complete without an impressive roster of underground champions, featuring Berlin minimalists Rene Wise B2B Rødhåd, UK house and breakbeat specialist Special Request, French DJ and producer LB aka LABAT, 803 Crystal Grooves label head Cinthie, and Hessle Audio founder Ben UFO.
Set along the picturesque San Diego Bay, Waterfront Park offers a one of a kind open-air oasis for music lovers, surrounded by stunning city views, lush greenery, and a serene coastal backdrop. With its three distinct stages – Ocean View, City Steps, and The Palms – fans can look to get lost in the unique atmosphere and soundscape that each environment provides.
CRSSD enhances the festival experience beyond the music, offering curated food vendors, immersive decor, and interactive programming at CRSSD Lab, where music and technology converge. Fans and artists alike can also browse through the expansive vinyl market at CRSSD Lab, uncovering hidden gems and their next favorite record to take home among the selections.
Following each day of sun-soaked performances, CRSSD’s After Dark afterparty series invites fans to dive into San Diego’s vibrant nightlife across a variety of clubs, venues, and converted spaces throughout the city. Featuring artists from the festival lineup and beyond, CRSSD After Dark presents an extended musical journey into the night. CRSSD After Dark programming will be announced closer to the show.
CRSSD’s alumni on sale begins 11/19 at 12PM PT and will be available to Weekend Pass purchases of the inaugural CRSSD Spring ’15, CRSSD Spring '24, CRSSD Fall '24, Proper NYE/NYD 23/24, and Proper NYE/NYD 24/25.
SMS presale begins 11/20 at 12PM PT and fans can opt in by joining the CRSSD SMS community at this link or by texting keyword “CRSSD10” to (855) 912-1457.
The general on sale begins 11/20 at 2PM PT via CRSSD Festival’s official website.
CRSSD is a 21+ festival.
CRSSD Spring 2025 Lineup (A-Z)
&friends
1tbsp
49th & Main
ARTBAT
Ben UFO
Bon Entendeur
Busy P B2B Braxe + Falcon
Cassius
Chris Lorenzo
Cinthie
Claptone
DJ EZ
EMBRZ
FISHER
Fleur Shore
Flight Facilities
Folamour
Franck
Hannah Laing
Hayden James
Innellea
Jasper Tygner
JOY (Anonymous)
JUNGLE (DJ Set)
Justice
Kavinsky
Kita Alexander
Klangphonics
LB aka LABAT
LP Giobbi
Maceo Plex
Marsh
Monolink
Nicole Moudaber B2B Anfisa Letyago
Notre Dame
Poolside
Rene Wise B2B Rødhåd
Riordan
Sam Divine
Sasha & John Digweed
Schak
SG Lewis
Slenderbodies
SOSA
Special Request
Tommy Holohan
Des Demonas Sophomore Album Out November 29th / Share Video / First Ever West Coast Tour Begins This Week
Photo: ¡Ya Basta! DC Washington, DC’s DES DEMONAS have been hailed as a favorite of Henry Rollins (KCRW FM/Black Flag), Marc Riley (BBC6 Music/The Fall), and Iggy Pop (BBC6 Music/The Stooges) since the release of their debut LP on In The Red Records and their subsequent singles and EP. Their much-anticipated follow-up album, “APOCALYPTIC BOOM! BOOM!” is out November 29th and the band play their first ever West Coast dates beginning November 13th. The group is made up of some familiar names from the DC punk, garage, and indie scenes. Kenyan punk-poet-politique Jacky “Cougar” Abok (Foul Swoops, Thee Lolitas) is on vocals and percussion, Mark Cisneros (Hammered Hulls, Kid Congo and the Pink Monkey Birds, The Make-Up) is on guitar, Paul Vivari (Benjy Ferree, DJ Soul Call Paul) is on Farfisa organ and bass machine, and Matt Gatwood (Two Inch Astronaut) is on drums. Des Demonas’ music is a melding of disparate sounds and influences, hitting with a driving pulse and fiery intent. “The sonic fuel of the band is a blend of post punk, punk, funk, blues, psych rock, Afro beat, even bubble gum but the noise you hear is pure Des Demonas.”- Kim Salmon / The Scientists “Dig the Des Demonas. Play it loud. Twist your wig.” - Kid Congo Powers
Tracklisting:ObsessionThe Duke Ellington BridgeConduit (Televised Crimewave)Fascist DiscothequeRestructuringApocalyptic Boom BoomAngolaElvis and NixonMiles Davis Headwound BluesBackwards ManArthur Lee Bomb SquadPsychic BlocDes Demonas Against Fascism West Coast dates:Nov 13 Long Beach, CA Alex’s BarNov 14 San Diego, CA WhistlestopNov 15 Los Angeles, CA Permanent RoadhouseNov 16 San Francisco, CA KilowattNov 17 Portland, OR Polaris HallNov 20 Everett, WA Lucky DimeNov 21 Seattle, WA Sunset TavernNov 30 Washington, D.C. Black Cat (Record Release Show) Instagram / Facebook / X In The Red Records
Interpol announces 'Live at Third Man Records' LP, shares "Say Hello To The Angels"
INTERPOL ANNOUNCES
LIVE AT THIRD MAN RECORDS LP
RECORDED DIRECT-TO-ACETATE
AT THIRD MAN RECORDS NASHVILLE’s BLUE ROOM VENUE
DUE TO BE RELEASED
ON DIGITAL AND PHYSICAL FORMATS ON
DECEMBER 6, 2024 VIA THIRD MAN RECORDS
Interpol has announced a live LP, recorded direct-to-acetate at Third Man Records Nashville’s Blue Room venue on June 13, 2024. The album will be available both digitally and physically on December 6, 2024. Pre-orders are available now, and the live version of “Say Hello To The Angels” is now available to stream HERE.
Formed in New York City, Interpol quickly rose to prominence with their unique blend of post-punk, shoegaze, and dark wave influences. Their debut album, Turn on the Bright Lights, became a critical and commercial success, establishing the band as a major force in alternative music. Over the course of their career, Interpol have released seven critically acclaimed studio albums including The Other Side of Make-Believe in July 2022.
LISTEN TO “SAY HELLO TO THE ANGELS” (LIVE AT THIRD MAN RECORDS)
PRE-ORDER INTERPOL - LIVE AT THIRD MAN RECORDS
Third Man Records’ live direct-to-acetate recordings take place in the Blue Room in Nashville, TN and are cut exclusively on a 1955 Scully lathe that originally came from King Records in Cincinnati. Recorded live in one-shot, with no overdubs, no redo's, no starting-and-stopping, the process is truly of another time, rendered obsolete by the late 1950's and only available nowadays in TMR's locations in Detroit and Nashville. Interpol was recorded live direct to acetate on June 13, 2024.
###
INTERPOL
LIVE AT THIRD MAN RECORDS
(Third Man Records)
Release Date: Friday, December 6, 2024
TRACKLIST
Side A
1. Pioneer To The Falls
2. Say Hello To The Angels
3. Narc
4. My Desire
Side B
1. All The Rage Back Home
2. Lights
3. NYC
4. Not Even Jail
# # #Neal Francis Returns With Dance-Ready New Single
NEAL FRANCIS RETURNS WITH “BACK IT UP”
ACCLAIMED CHICAGO SINGER-SONGWRITER-PIANIST
UNVEILS DANCE-READY NEW SINGLE – LISTEN
“BACK IT UP” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO STREAMING NOW - WATCH
BUSY LIVE SCHEDULE INCLUDES HEADLINE SHOWS,
FESTIVAL APPEARANCES, AND MORE
“BACK IT UP” AVAILABLE NOW VIA ATO RECORDS
(Photo Credit: Jack Karnatz)
Acclaimed singer-songwriter-pianist Neal Francis returns today with his dance-ready new single, “Back It Up,” available now via ATO Records. An official music video premieres today on YouTube.
Francis’ first new music in almost two years, “Back It Up” sees the Chicago-based singer, songwriter, and prodigious pianist effortlessly gliding along on glossy synth lines and a playfully swaggering riff, imbuing a carefree spirit into the deliberately over-the-top confession of romantic desperation. “That song went through a few different phases before we got to the final iteration,” Francis says. “It took me a while to accept that it’s okay to have fun with the lyrics, instead of making everything so serious all the time.”
LISTEN TO “BACK IT UP”
WATCH “BACK IT UP” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Hailed by SPIN as “a mesmerizing performer,” Francis will celebrate “Back It Up” – and more new music to come – with a series of upcoming headline dates set through an eagerly awaited two-night homecoming stand at Chicago, IL’s historic Thalia Hall on December 13-14. 2025 will then see Francis traveling to Riviera Cancun, Mexico for Bobby Weir’s annual Dead Ahead (January 9-13) followed by a trip Down Under to Byron Bay, Australia for the famed Byron Bay Bluesfest (April 17-20). Additional dates will be announced. For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.nealfrancis.com/tour.
# # #
NEAL FRANCIS – TOUR 2024-2025
NOVEMBER
15 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line †
16 – Madison, WI – Majestic Theatre †
22 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation @ The Intersection ^
23 – Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall ^
DECEMBER
13 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall ^
14 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall + (SOLD OUT)
JANUARY 2025
9-13 – Riviera Cancun, Mexico – Dead Ahead *
APRIL 2025
17-20 – Byron Bay, Australia – Byron Bay Bluesfest *
† w/ Special Guest Wyatt Waddell
^ w/ Special Guest Smushie
+ w/ Special Guest Liam Kazar
* Festival Appearance
# # #
ABOUT NEAL FRANCIS:
Neal Francis’s music is an intoxicating blend of funk, soul, and rock that evokes the glory days of the late 60s and 70s but is undeniably fresh. Francis has been making music at the piano since the age of four, sitting in with countless Chicago bands as a teenager before setting out on his own solo career. His 2019 debut album, Changes, swiftly drew lavish applause, hailed as “the reincarnation of Allen Toussaint” by BBC Radio 6 and lauded by KCRW which raved, “What do Dr. John, Leon Russell and boogie woogie piano have in common? Neal Francis is the answer.”
Francis’s acclaimed second LP, In Plain Sight, followed in 2021, once again earning international praise from such publications as Rolling Stone, which declared the album “a must hear,” and MOJO, which wrote, “Francis digs deep on guileless rock and soul with bold flourishes, ala Lowell George or Randy Newman.”
An equally gifted live performer, Francis has sold out headline shows across the globe, shared the stage with Wilco and members of The Meters, supported the likes of My Morning Jacket, Marcus King, and Black Pumas, appeared at major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Fuji Rock, and Lollapalooza, and even performed at historic venues like Carnegie Hall. The dazzling power of Francis’s energetic live performances was recently captured for posterity with 2023’ double live album and concert film, Francis Comes Alive. which GRAMMY.com noted “could've been cut in 1973 or 2023 — as if The Band, The Meters, Wings and Dr. John had become unstuck in time.”
CONNECT WITH NEAL FRANCIS:
NEALFRANCIS.COM | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE
