In 2021, CHAI made their Sub Pop debut with WINK, securing their position as “a professional purveyor of whimsy” (The New York Times). Today, they are sharing the official video for “SURPRISE,” the band’s new single.
CHAI says of “SURPRISE,” “We all have that precious “something” that we can’t express in words. But sometimes those things happen to make it out as words, and we want to feel and love that “surprise”. Those become the surprises of our lives, and I become a brand new me♡. That’s what we had in mind when we wrote “SURPRISE”. Check it out♡”
As for the song’s official video, CHAI offers this, “When our trailer was stolen during our North American tour, we were able to continue our shows because of the overwhelming support and love from all of you. We never forget how much we appreciate you, and we want to continue to give back to our fans through music, forever and ever. This music video was shot under the blue skies of Los Angeles, with gratitude. Check it out♡.”
This weekend, CHAI will also be one of the artists featured in YouTube Japan’s streaming event “YouTube Music Weekend Vol. 5”, where they will premiere footage from their sold out Brooklyn show that took place on February 15th as part of their WINK TOGETHER NORTH AMERICA TOUR. The livestream will take place on May 7th 1:40 pm JST / May 6th 9:40 pm PDT, on CHAI’s official YouTube channel. Check out the livestream here (Available on archive until May 15th - 1:40 pm JST/May 14th - 9:40 pm PT).
CHAI’s international tour schedule in continued support of WINK spans Friday, June10th through Sunday, November 13th, 2022. In June, the band will visit Australia for a short tour, which includes stops at Vivid Sydney at Carriageworks (Jun. 10th) and Rising 2022 at Forum Melbourne (Jun. 11th). CHAI will then return to the US and Canada in September for appearances at Primavera Sound LA (Sep 18th) and Dover, DE’s Firefly Music Festival (Sep. 25th), and a direct support slot opening for Hippo Campus (Oct. 3rd-30th). Finally, in November CHAI will head to South America for appearances at Primavera Sound’s Sao Paolo, Brazil (Nov. 6th), Santiago, Chile (Nov. 12th) and Buenos Aries, Argentina (Nov. 13th). Please find a full list of tour dates below.
Fri. Jun. 10 - Sydney, AU - Vivid Sydney at Carriageworks Sat. Jun. 11 - Melbourne, AU - Rising 2022 at Forum Melbourne Sun. Sep. 18 - Los Angeles, CA - Primavera Sound LA Sun. Sep. 25 - Dover, DE - Firefly Music Festival Mon. Oct. 03 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater * Tue. Oct. 04 - Grand Rapids, MI - 20 Monroe * Thu. Oct. 06 - Milwaukee, WI - The Riverside Theater * Sat. Oct. 08 - Omaha, NE - The Admiral * Mon. Oct. 10 - Louisville, KY - Paristown Hall * Tue. Oct. 11 - Cleveland, OH - Agora Theater* Thu. Oct. 13 - Toronto, ON - Queen Elizabeth Theatre * Fri. Oct. 14 - Montreal, QC - Le National * Sat. Oct. 15 - Portland, ME - State Theater * Mon. Oct. 17 - Providence, RI - The Strand * Tue. Oct. 18 - New Haven, CT - College Street Music Hall * Fri. Oct. 21 - Raleigh, NC - The Ritz * Sat. Oct. 22 - Charlotte, NC - The Filmore* Tue. Oct. 25 - Miami, FL - North Beach Bandshell * Wed. Oct. 26 - Orlando, FL - House of Blues * Fri. Oct. 28 - St.Pertersburg, FL - Jannus Live * Sat. Oct. 29 - Mobile, AL - Soul Kitchen * Sun. Oct. 30 - Birmingham, AL - Iron City * Sun. Nov. 06 - Sao Paolo, BR - Primavera Sound Sao Paulo Brazil Sat. Nov. 12 - Santiago, CL - Primavera Sound Santiago Chile Sun. Nov. 13 - Buenos Aires, AR - Primavera Sound Buenos Aires Argentina * with Hippo Campus
Today you can watch the “courtroom drama” official video for Σtella’s “The Truth Is,” a new highlight from Up and Away, the Greek artist’s mesmerizing Sub Pop debut. The song transports its listeners forward to acceptance (“alright, but still I miss you every night.”) capturing the conflicting emotions of love as it lives on in ways beyond our understanding or control. Its bittersweet and whimsical video is based on a concept by Σtella (who also stars as the “stenographer”) and directed by Gregoris Rentis.
Up and Away features the aforementioned “The Truth Is” along with “Charmed” and the title track, and will be out June 17h worldwide on Sub Pop.
Gorilla Vs. Bear says, “As on super dreamy recent single “Charmed”, Σtella hooks up again with London producer Redinho here to conjure an elegant and sophisticated union of vintage Greek music and sleek modern pop. But while “Charmed” was all balmy, laid back groove, [“Up and Away” is] a decidedly more rousing affair.” Meanwhile, Brooklyn Vegan calls the track “joyous, effervescent…”, and High Clouds says of “Up and Away,” “This vintage vibe is definitely palpable in the title track, a tale of consuming romance driven by blistering blasts of bouzouki.” Of “Charmed”, Impose offers this, “The beauty is that such songs have evolving and powerful lives that match the times. Σtella…succeeds in this modified pop crafting with her latest track.”
What people have said about Σtella: “Σtella’s honey-rich vocals overlie a crisp, no-frills backing that has echoes of classic ’60s pop” - Line of Best Fit
“Bold, streamlined pop” - PASTE
“…Infectious disco-infused art-pop.” - I-D
Up and Away Σtella
Track Listing: 1. Up and Away 2. Nomad 3. Manéros 4. Charmed 5. Another Nation 6. Black and White 7. Titanic 8. The Truth Is 9. Who Cares 10. Is It Over
Smash cut to Kiwi Jr.’s third album, Chopper, overseen by trusted pilot Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs) on storied Sub Pop Records. Turning nocturnal with necks mock turtle, our Local Kiwi Jr. takes neon flight off the digital cliff - like The Monkees starring in Blade Runner; like Michael Mann directs Encino Man. Ten songs with synth shimmer, zen gongs with yard strimmer. The signs along the highway read “LESS BAR, MORE NOIR AHEAD.” Ah, those late summer, Joe Strummer, Home on the Range Rover Blues.
There’s a melancholy to all forms of flight, and the view out the Chopper is as hazy as it gets: mission-oriented, both stealth and self-realized. This album is decidedly (yet almost secretly) anti-patio-sunscreen-Beach Boys bachelor cruise sing-a-long. Sure, these songs let a little light through the blinds, but they sting insomnia, corrupt mayors, Kennedy Curses, sex tapes, and deer rifles. Chopper is the bird’s eye view of the big event - a real nighttime character of oil stain, film grain, search light, night flight. It is muscular and fragile; loud yet quiet: both an observer and somehow the observed spectacle itself.
What was slack in the slacker phase, got tauter, with lacquer glaze. Slick gloss, rightened wrongs; murdered boss, promoted pawns. With Boeckner transmitting high-voltage shocks upon every reach for a familiar instrument, Kiwi Jr. expands the palette with string machine song, synthesizered oblong, and Dentyne Classic Menthol vocals from area soprano Dorothea Paas (US Girls, Badge Epoch Ensemble) like the missing piece all along.
Kiwi Jr. brings the Chopper to a new space, demilitarizing the technology just like flasks, aviators, and cargo shorts. Graceful in the air above, but when the Chopper lands, there’s chaos on the ground. Kiwi Jr. shout, “Look Out!” When it gets close, it’ll blow the hat right off of your head.
Hold onto your hats, Babies.
KIWI JR. is Jeremy Gaudet vocals and guitar, Brian Murphy guitar, Mike Walker bass, Brohan Moore drums, and everybody played a little bit of keyboard.
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On August 12th, 2022, KIWI JR. will release Chopper, the group’s third album, worldwide on CD/LP/CS/DSPs through Sub Pop, with the exception of Canada through the band’s Kiwi Club imprint. The album, which features the lead single “Night Vision” along with highlights “Unspeakable Things,” “The Sound of Music” and “The Extra Sees the Film,” was recorded and produced in Toronto by Sub Pop labelmate Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs, Operators).
The “Night Vision” video was helmed by returning director Laura-Lynn Petrick (Kiwi Jr.’s “Waiting In Line,” also directed videos by Weyes Blood and Jessica Pratt).
Singer/guitarist Jeremy Gaudet offers this, “Before ‘Night Vision’ was 100% written, just the basic idea of it existing as a Kiwi Jr. song inspired us and set the tone for the record. A lot of the images in the lyrics are of teenagers driving around, trying to make plans, sharing the aux, putting their parents’ car in the ditch, etc. But the idea at the center of the song is that of working up the nerve to make a big decision. Like a boxer getting pumped up before a fight.”
Chopper is available for preorder from Sub Pop. LP preorders from megamart.subpop.com, select independent retailers in North America will receive the limited Loser edition on crystal clear vinyl (while supplies last). Meanwhile, preorders through select independent retailers in the UK and EU will receive the limited Loser edition on clear vinyl (while supplies last).
Kiwi Jr.’s tour schedule for 2022 in support of Chopper currently spans Saturday, May 28th in Hamilton, Ontario at Mills Hardware and runs through Sunday, September 25th in Amsterdam, Netherlands at Paradiso. Sub Pop labelmates Weird Nightmare will also co-headline Kiwi Jr.’s North American shows (May 28th-July 31st, select dates). Additional live dates to be announced soon.
Sat. May 28 - Hamilton, ON - Mills Hardware * Fri. Jun. 17 - Detroit, MI - Third Man Records * Sat. Jun. 18 - Chicago, IL - Schubas * Sat. Jun. 25 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern Fri. Jul. 22 - Montreal, QC - Bar le Ritz PDB * Sat. Jul. 23 - Ottawa, ON - SAW Gallery * Thu. Jul. 28 - Brooklyn, NY - Baby’s All Right * Fri. Jul. 29 - Rehoboth Beach, DE - Dogfish Head Brewing * Sat. Jul. 30 - Washington, DC - Songbird Music House * Sun. Jul. 31 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s * Fri. Sep. 16 - Paris, France - La Boule Noire Sun. Sep. 18 - Lille, France - L’ Aeronef Mon. Sep. 19 - London, England - Victoria Dalston [SOLD OUT] Tue. Sep. 20 - London, England - 100 Club Wed. Sep. 21 - Brussels, Belgium - Witloofbar Botanique Thu. Sep. 22 - Nijmegen, Netherlands - Merleyn Sat. Sep. 24 - Eindhoven, Netherlands - Stoomhuisje Sun. Sep. 25 - Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso * w/ Weird Nightmare
What people said about Kiwi Jr.’s 2021 release, Cooler Returns: “Sustaining momentum near-flawlessly across 13 songs… Kiwi Jr. have the skills to match their smarts.” ★★★★ 4 stars - MOJO
“Sardonic storytelling and mocking asides…an impatient, slacker-rock imagining of a folk album....some chords ring out with George Harrison glossiness while others are as shaggy and impetuous as The Clean —rarely do hi-fi and lo-fi splendors coexist so harmoniously.” - Pitchfork
“Cooler Returns is all hits, a baker’s dozen of ridiculously catchy three-minute pop nuggets that deliver massive sing-along-choruses.” - Brooklyn Vegan
“Canadian absurdists’ return is a lyrical delight” - Uncut
“This one may have been released in literally the very first week of 2021, but it never strayed far from rotation. A truly jubilant sound echoing The Clean and Orange Juice but with the punch of contemporary indie, and wry and winking vocals that remind what the ‘90s had to offer underground.” [2021 Year In Review] - Aquarium Drunkard
“Kiwi Jr. take the jangliest of guitars and dribble enigmatic observations all over them. Light-hearted and exhilarating enough to make you stop caring and too catchy for its own good.” [15 Best Indie Pop Records of 2021] - PopMatters
“Kiwi Jr. hypnotize with their sophomore record. There is incredible efficiency in the brief slices of the Toronto foursome’s peppy pop songcraft–more than half clock in under three minutes–with enticing hooks and odd references.”[40 Best Albums of 2021] - Rock & Roll Globe
“Kiwi Jr’s world is the perfect anecdote to the real world in 2020/21.” [2021 Albums of The Year]- Louder Than War
“L’année 2021 ne pouvait mieux commencer qu’avec cet excellent disque a l’entrain communicatif, d’une inspiration jubilatoire, veritable rayon de soleil au cour de l’hiver” [4/5] - Rock & Folk
“Les quatre musiciens de Toronto ne changent pas leur formule gagnante et livrent une guitare jangly élégante et efficace.” - Les Inrocks
“Ook de referenties zijn dik in orde: the Chills, The Strokes, The Kinks… en de vroege R.E.M. ‘Fonkelende gitaarplaat die refereert aan heden en verleden.”, Best Albums of the Month - Oor
Kiwi Jr. Chopper
Tracklisting: 1. Unspeakable Things 2. Parasite II 3. Clerical Sleep 4. Night Vision 5. The Extra Sees the Film 6. Contract Killers 7. The Sound of Music 8. Downtown Area Blues 9. Kennedy Curse 10. The Masked Singer
Hey, guess what? Starting today, you can listen to the excellent self-titled debut from Weird Nightmare in its entirety. Weird Nightmare is, of course, the electrifying new project from METZ guitarist and singer Alex Edkins. This new album features the standout singles, “Lusitania,” “Searching for You”, “Wrecked (feat. Bully), and now “Darkroom”.” You can listen to the full album here.
Weird Nightmare has a clutch of North American shows, including a hometown album release show on May 21st in Toronto, ON at The Baby G. The band will also hit the road on a 7-date co-headlining tour with labelmates Kiwi Jr. Click here for a full list of shows.
What people have been saying about Weird Nightmare:
“…an enjoyable authentic collection of alt. pop emotions that are performed with passion and feeling rather than technical perfection. Weird Nightmare will bring a little noisy sunshine to your day.” - Narc
“‘Wrecked,’ Weird Nightmare’s third and latest single is a driving and ardent guitar pop anthem centered around big hooks, enormous power chords and sweetly, lived-in lyricism.” - [“Wrecked”] Joy of Violent Movement
“…the track comes packed with gritty guitars and dreamy melodies.” - [“Wrecked”] Indie 88
“As the guitars blister and the rhythms explode within this boisterous piece of ’90s-inflicted college-radio rock, the two emphatically tell their friends and loved ones that they won’t leave their sides again, not after what we’ve experienced the past two-plus years.” - [“Wrecked”] The Revue
“All chiming chords and smart harmonies, Wrecked is a boisterous ode to ’90s indie-rock and everything that followed.” - [“Wrecked”] Guitar World
Sub Pop is currently accepting resumes from energetic, responsible, detail-oriented, and dependable candidates for a part-time/weekend/evening/Seasonal Summer Help Sales Clerk position at our terribly impressive store at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This guy.
Responsibilities include:
• Greeting and assisting customers in a friendly manner. • Full compliance with Sea-Tac operation rules and strict TSA regulations and restrictions. • Efficient handling of cash and credit card transactions. • Ability to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. • Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays. • Assisting in organizing and restocking the store. • Maintaining the general appearance of the store. • Contributing to the team retail effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed.
Qualified candidates will have:
• Previous experience in the retail environment. • Knowledge of the Sub Pop catalog, Pacific Northwest music, the Seattle music community, and the City of Seattle. • A friendly and enthusiastic disposition with customers and staff. • Strong and clear communication skills. • A general understanding of retail Point of Sale systems. • Flexibility in schedule and willingness to work early or late hours.
The Sub Pop Airport Store at Sea-Tac is open from 7am-7pm, 365 days a year.
Σtella directs and stars in the official video for “Nomad,” a new offering from Up and Away. Filmed overnight on a traditional Greek fishing boat sailing the Aegean Sea, the “Nomad” video finds Σtella singing in the shadows, with the visual perfectly capturing the longing and heartbreak in the song.
Up and Away will be available this Friday, June 17th on Sub Pop. The Athens-based painter, visual artist, and performer presents a vintage-flecked pop paean to the pangs and raptures of love. Exploring growth, change, and Σtella’s personal and musical journey so far, it proves Heraclitus was right; you never step in the same river twice.
MOJO says Up and Away “is warmer and grittier than its ’80s-polished predecessors, infused with the ’50s/’60s trad folk and hybrid pop records her grandparents and parents spun for her. UK producer Tom ‘Redinho’ Calvert, meanwhile, brings knowledge of ’60s soul traditions, creating myriad twists on two seemingly opposing strands, starting with the title track’s bouzouki/(zinger-style) kanun laced with a Motown beat. The album’s spiritual/lyrical core is ‘Manéros,’ Greece’s traditional love-struck ballad, ironically the title of the LP’s sole instrumental, and the only moment of pure Balkan, just as ‘The Truth Is’ aims for shimmering soul – a sound fit for Dusty - but then Up and Away overall feels something like Σtella In Memphis (★★★★).” Uncut had this to say, “Athens-based songwriter and painter Σtella combines traditional Greek instruments - the bouzouki and kanun are both present - with ‘70s/’80s-inspired disco; pop feel, creating a Eurovision-like mood that you probably wouldn’t expect to find on a Sub Pop release. The lack of top-line sheen, though, ensures this album retains a rough edge without sacrificing any intrinsic appeal. The poppy title track ensures the album gets off to a memorable start, and Σtella soon finds an intoxicating groove on ‘Maneros’ before bringing some indie jangle to ‘Another Nation.’ The highlight is the catchy summer charmer ‘Titanic,’ which floats on an effortless whistling. Meanwhile, DJ Mag raves, “Future-retro pop perfection… impossibly catchy and effortlessly intoxicating.”
Gorilla Vs. Bear says, “As on super dreamy recent single “Charmed”, Σtella hooks up again with London producer Redinho here to conjure an elegant and sophisticated union of vintage Greek music and sleek modern pop. But while “Charmed” was all balmy, laid back groove, [“Up and Away” is] a decidedly more rousing affair.” Meanwhile, Brooklyn Vegan calls the track “joyous, effervescent…”, and High Clouds says of “Up and Away,” “This vintage vibe is definitely palpable in the title track, a tale of consuming romance driven by blistering blasts of bouzouki.” Of “Charmed”, Impose offers this, “The beauty is that such songs have evolving and powerful lives that match the times. Σtella…succeeds in this modified pop crafting with her latest track.”
Tracklisting: 1. Up and Away 2. Nomad 3. Manéros 4. Charmed 5. Another Nation 6. Black and White 7. Titanic 8. The Truth Is 9. Who Cares 10. Is It Over
