This fall, METZ will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of their massively acclaimed self-titled Sub Pop debut with a series of North American shows where they will play the album in its entirety. “The 10 Years Anniversary Tour” will span two legs, the first starting October 13th in Toronto at The Opera House with stops in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Birmingham, Atlanta, and Denton, and the second beginning December 7th in Phoenix and taking them through Los Angeles, Oakland, Seattle, Portland, St. Paul, and Chicago. Tickets for these shows go on sale Friday, July 22nd at 10 am (local).
Thu.Oct. 13 Toronto, ON - The Opera House Thu. Oct. 20 Pittsburgh, PA - Spirit Pittsburgh Fri. Oct. 21 Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage Sat. Oct. 22 Brooklyn, NY - Warsaw Mon. Oct. 24 Philadelphia, PA - Underground Arts Wed. Oct. 26 Birmingham, AL - Saturn Thu. Oct. 27 Atlanta, GA - The Earl Fri. Oct. 29 Denton, TX - Rubber Gloves (No Coast Fest) Wed. Dec. 07 Phoenix, AZ - Valley Bar Thu. Dec. 08 Los Angeles, CA - Teragram Ballroom Fri. Dec. 09 Oakland, CA - The New Parish Sun. Dec. 11 Seattle, WA - Neumos Mon. Dec. 12 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge Thu. Dec. 15 St. Paul, MN - Turf Club Fri. Dec. 16 Chicago, IL - Metro
Upon the release of METZ’s self-titled debut in October 2012, the album was met with a flurry of praise from the likes of Pitchfork (“29 minutes of pure but artfully rendered chaos.” / “Best New Music)” and TheNew Yorker (“rude, severe, and excellent. They make rock music, all of it loud, most of it precise without feeling checked.”)
Later that month, METZ appeared at that year’s CMJ Festival in New York, earning even more raves for their cacophonous live show from New York Times (“a three-man band from Canada, steamrollered through the festival, blasting brawny punk and metal guitar riffs that generated the festival’s most enthusiastic buzz.”) and Stereogum (“What METZ managed this year deserves salute: The Sub Pop trio dialed into the spirit and muscular thrust of post-hardcore’s heyday so completely as to make a familiar sound feel fresh, sheerly by virtue of so perfectly recreating it. METZ’s sets were brutal and sharp, their movements about stage kinetic and crisp, their commitment to their moment so complete to be undeniable.”).
METZ remained on the road well into 2013 when they took SXSW by storm and then made stops at major European festivals such as Roskilde, Primavera, Oya, and OFF. Over the last decade METZ have come to be known for their high energy live shows and you can expect the anniversary dates to be as bombastic as ever.
Kiwi Jr. play ping-pong in the new lyric video for “The Extra Sees The Film,” a new highlight from Chopper, the group’s forthcoming new album.
Jeremy Gaudet says of the new single, “This song is quite literally a change of pace for us. It’s more chill and a bit darker than previous Kiwi Jr. recordings. It’s a song about whether or not you’re the hero of your own story, or a smaller part of something bigger. It’s bragging that you’re in a movie and inviting all your friends and family, but when it screens, you’re barely an extra in it. A lot of our songs deal with reckoning, this one in particular. It’s what happens after you’ve told your story and the truth comes out later, and everything unravels.”
On August 12th, 2022, Kiwi Jr. will release Chopper, their 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 was recorded and produced in Toronto by Sub Pop labelmate Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade, Handsome Furs, Operators).
Chopper’s pre-release singles “Night Vision,” and “Unspeakable Things,” have earned Kiwi Jr. early praise for their new direction in sound.
Stereogum says “‘Unspeakable Things’ is a jaunty and synth-happy song, and it takes me right back to the mid-’00s blog-rock days,” and CLASH called it a “blaster” that’s “a dose of all-out fun.” Meanwhile, Brooklyn Vegan calls “Night Vision” “a slashing slice of post-punk…it finds them taking a darker turn that may put those annoying Pavement comparisons to rest for good.”
Kiwi Jr. resumes touring in support of Chopper this Friday, July 22nd, with a show in Montreal at Bar Le Ritz PDB. The live dates currently run through Sunday, September 25th in Amsterdam, Netherlands at Paradiso. Sub Pop labelmates Weird Nightmare will also co-headline Kiwi Jr.’s North American shows (through Sunday, July 31st, select dates). Additional live dates to be announced soon.
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 - Songbyrd Music House * Sun. Jul. 31 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s * Fri. Sep. 16 - Paris, FR - La Boule Noire Sat. Sep. 17 - Orleans, FR - Hop Pop Hop Festival Sun. Sep. 18 - Lille, FR - L’ Aeronef Mon. Sep. 19 - London, UK - Victoria Dalston [SOLD OUT] Tue. Sep. 20 - London, UK - 100 Club Wed. Sep. 21 - Brussels, BE - Witloofbar Botanique Thu. Sep. 22 - Nijmegen, NL - Merelyyn Fri. Sep 23 - Hamburg, DE - Reeperbahn Festival Sat. Sep. 24 - Eindhoven, NL - Stoomhuisje Sun. Sep. 25 - Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso * w/ Weird Nightmare
Chopper is available for preorder from Sub Pop. LP preorders from megamart.subpop.com and 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. 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
On Friday, September 23rd, 2022, Damien Jurado’s Waters Ave S, his beloved debut, will be available on vinyl for the first time in years from Sub Pop. To celebrate today’s news, Damien has scheduled an interview and performance with 90.3 KEXP today, which airs at 4:30 pm PT / 7:30 pm ET.
2022 promises to be a banner year for Damien Jurado. Not only does the year mark the songwriter’s 50th birthday, but it also sees the summer release of his 18th studio album, the impressionistic and tuneful Reggae Film Star. And hang on, there’s more: on September 23rd, 2022 Sub Pop Records reissues Jurado’s debut full-length, 1997’s Waters Ave S. The work of a young artist driven by complex inner visions, the LP offers a fresh chance to examine how far Jurado has come in the 25 years since its release—but also demonstrates how much of his point of view and vivid scenecraft was firmly in place from the very start.
A veteran of the DIY punk and hardcore scenes, Jurado had begun taking steps into the world of lo-fi home recording. But with renowned indie rock producer Steve Fisk acting as producer, Waters Ave S introduced Jurado to the independent music world, presenting a set of 13 songs that encompass odes to remote desert outposts, late night conversations with Elvis, a purple anteater, and the great beyond. Though new to the studio, Jurado’s storytelling lens is well honed; these compositions are filled with characters wandering the psychic wilderness, flawed but nonetheless certain of themselves, or at least certain enough.
Those only familiar with Jurado’s ambient-tinged folk or AM gold psychedelia will find the album more punky than expected, replete with post-punk basslines, electric guitars, and a youthful tenor to Jurado’s voice. But what’s most striking about the record is how fully formed his world is, especially on songs like the lilting, drum looped “Angel of May,” the sci-fi “Space Age Mom,” and mournful simplicity of the title track. Jurado was just getting started, but the path he’d follow seems laid out by Waters Ave S. 25 years later, it’s clear that the creative spirit that fuels this idiosyncratic and exuberant record is one that still propels Jurado to this day.
Tracklisting 1. Wedding Cake 2. Angel of May 3. Treasures of Gold 4. Yuma, AZ 5. The Joke Is Over 6. Space Age Mom 7. Circus, Circus, Circus 8. Hell or Highwater 9. Independent 10. Purple Anteater 11. Sarah 12. Halo Friendly 13. Waters Ave S.
In 2021, CHAI made their Sub Pop debut with WINK, securing their position as “a professional purveyor of whimsy” (The New York Times). Tonight, Friday, July 8th (at 8 pm PT/ 11 pm ET) they are sharing the animated, 16-bit official video for “HERO JOURNEY,” their new single and collaboration with Domino Recording Company act Superorganism.
CHAI says of the Superorganism collaboration, “We held a mutual liking and love for one another’s music and eventually were invited to open for them on their UK and Europe Tour. From recording while on the tour bus to even joining in as guests at their shows in Japan! So many memories we share! Having played around with music together in the past makes this collaboration that much more special.
“This song is all about Hero’s coming in all forms! and how amazing that is! Superorganism has reached all nationalities and ages, recognizing those differences and embracing them. The perfect fit for this song. As a post-WINK release and at a time where a new CHAI is brewing, this song is nothing but perfect. It screams Summer! So stay tuned! More CHAI to come!”
YUUKI adds, “Is the job of a “justice-seeking” HERO only to defeat “evil”? Perhaps the opposite of “justice” isn’t “evil”, but rather “another form of justice”?! Me and mine, you and yours…what each of us calls “justice”, should be able to dance amongst one other! That HERO you all see, is who CHAI wants to be. Gather all your friends you love cus’ we’re going to fly again today! It’s that type of song!”
Superorganism’s Orono offers this, “Category is drag queen superhero realness… and you bet we served it on a big, fat platter for this one. Sugary explosion of nothing but pure and refined girl bossery! Anyway so stoked that we finally got to collab with our friends… more to come 🐸”
CHAI has added new headlining dates to their international tour schedule in continued support of WINK, which now spans Thursday, September 15th through Sunday, November 18th, 2022. The new dates will include Southern California shows in Anaheim (Sep. 15th) and San Diego (Sep. 17th), as well stops in Chicago (Sep. 22nd), and in New York (Sep. 26th). The group will also support Hippo Campus’s fall tour (Oct. 3rd-30th). Additionally, the band has added an appearance at Corona Capital in Mexico City (Nov. 18th), and 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.
Thu. Sep. 15 - Anaheim, CA - The Parish at House of Blues Sat. Sep. 17 - San Diego, CA - Voodoo Room at House of Blues Sun. Sep. 18 - Los Angeles, CA - Primavera Sound LA Thu. Sep. 22 - Chicago, IL - Garfield Park Observatory Sun. Sep. 25 - Dover, DE - Firefly Music Festival Mon. Sep. 26 - New York, NY - Le Poisson Rouge Mon. Oct. 03 - Ann Arbor, MI - Michigan Theater * Tue. Oct. 04 - Grand Rapids, MI - 20 Monroe Live * Thu. Oct. 06 - Milwaukee, WI - The Riverside Theater * Sat. Oct. 08 - Omaha, NE - The Admiral * Mon. Oct. 10 - Louisville, KY - Old Forester’s 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 Thu. Nov. 10 - Santiago, CL - Mentronomonn (Primavera Sound Chile Side Show) Sat. Nov. 12 - Santiago, CL - Primavera Sound Santiago Chile Sun. Nov. 13 - Buenos Aires, AR - Primavera Sound Buenos Aires Argentina Fri. Nov. 18 - Mexico City, MX - Corona Capital * with Hippo Campus
Watch the “make it Heat but starring Vorhees” official video for Kiwi Jr.’s “Unspeakable Things,” directed by Morgan Waters, and a new single and highlight from Chopper, the group’s forthcoming new album.
Jeremy Gaudet says of the video, “People are always trying to sign into my email. What do they think they’re gonna find? The public appetite for dirty laundry is wild. Having moved the world online has not helped. Dan Boeckner had the idea to use the Moog sound for the hook, which was originally on guitar, and that sound brings the song into a sort of new-wave territory that was fun and different for us. We kept referencing the vibe of Michael Mann movies when recording the album, and then Morgan heard this and came up with the idea of making the video look like the movie Heat. Somehow TSN’s Jay Onrait, Jonah from Fucked Up, and comedians Tom Henry and Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll were convinced to cameo in it. We also were wearing these hockey masks filming all day next to a busy road getting a lot of car honks and didn’t realize until much later that we filmed on an actual Friday the 13th.”
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 aforementioned “Unspeakable Things,” the previously released “Night Vision,” along with “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).
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 resumes Saturday, June 25th in Toronto, Ontario at Horseshoe Tavern, 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 (July 25th-July 31st, select dates). Additional live dates to be announced soon.
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, FR - La Boule Noire Sat. Sep. 17 - Orleans, FR - Hop Pop Hop Festival Sun. Sep. 18 - Lille, FR - L’ Aeronef Mon. Sep. 19 - London, UK - Victoria Dalston [SOLD OUT] Tue. Sep. 20 - London, UK - 100 Club Wed. Sep. 21 - Brussels, BE - Witloofbar Botanique Thu. Sep. 22 - Nijmegen, NL - Merleyn Sat. Sep. 24 - Eindhoven, NL - Stoomhuisje Sun. Sep. 25 - Amsterdam, NL - 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
