NEWSKI has announced the release their full-length album ‘Friend Rock’ via Nomad Union (order). The album follows Newski’s acclaimed album and book ‘It’s Hard to be a Person: defeating anxiety, surviving the world, and having more fun’
For ‘Friend Rock,’ NEWSKI enlisted a friend/musical influence to contribute to every track. From veterans like Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Brian Vander Ark (the Verve Pipe), Ryan Miller (Guster), Miles Nielsen, and Scott Terry (Red Wanting Blue) to overseas acts like H Burns (France), The Secret Beach (Canada) and The Shabs (South Africa), NEWSKI compiles an internationally collaborative album from his own tiny house in Wisconsin. On the album Glide Magazine says, “Through his music, podcast and books, NEWSKI manages to be both endearingly goofy at times, but also vulnerable and sincere, especially with last year’s album and book ‘It’s Hard to Be a Person: Defeating Anxiety, Surviving the World and Having More Fun’ where he discussed his own struggles with mental health. That trend carries on with Friend Rock, where the nine songs seem to vacillate from tough topics to lighter moments.” NEWSKI adds, “We are nothing without our friends.” Watch the video for Chemicals featuring Matthew Caws of Nada Surf via YouTube below.
“Most of my friends I started with in music have since retired, which makes me feel like the world has turned and left me here. Collaborating with fellow “musician lifers” on this album made me feel less lonely and insane,” explains NEWSKI. “It’s been neat to become pals with musical heroes from childhood.”
Some of the connections on ‘Friend Rock’ were made during NEWSKI’s podcast “Dirt from the Road,” where guest musicians would have a laugh about their worst moments on the road.
Social science research shows community and friendship are consistent common denominators in the happiest countries in the world. Belonging to the right tribe is a catalyst to health and longevity. ‘Friend Rock’ is an ode to the power of community.
A good friend is hard to find. So when you find those rare gems, you gotta keep them in your life.
‘Friend Rock’ track list
1. Freak Flag Fly (feat Magic Charles)
2. Chemicals (feat Matthew Caws of Nada Surf)
3. Nevermind, Not Nirvana
4. Only Macaulay Culkin Can Save Us Now (feat Scott Terry of Red Wanting Blue)
5. If We’re Gonna Breakup, Let’s Make it Take Forever (feat Miles Nielsen
6. Too Much Reality (feat H Burns)
7. Why Even Bother (feat Brian Vander Ark of The Verve Pipe
8. Airplane (feat Ryan Miller of Guster)
9. Flake Town FOMO is Crushing My Soul (feat the Shabs)
10. Nevermind, Not Nirvana (feat The Secret Beach)
Last month, the band performed an unlicensed show at a Milwaukee Chipotle and the durable three-piece is now on an extensive U.S. tour in support of ‘Friend Rock’. The band will hit European and South African highways later this year playing shows behind the new LP. Featuring Steve “Mr Bicep” Vorass on drums, Sean “Tubs” Andersonon 4-string & Brett Newski on guitars and vocals. All upcoming shows are listed below. Advance tickets are available here.
Over the years, NEWSKI has played with Pixies, Violent Femmes, Courtney Barnett, Gin Blossoms, Manchester Orchestra, Better than Ezra, Barenaked Ladies, & Nada Surf and has been featured in Rolling Stone, NPR, American Songwriter, SiriusXM, Boston Globe, NBC, Billboard and SPIN.
NEWSKI tour dates
04.12 – CHICAGO, IL @ Golden Dagger
04.13 – ST PAUL, MN @ Turf Club
04.14 – APPLETON, WI @ Appleton Beer Factory
04.21 – COLUMBUS, OH @ Rambling House Series
04.22 – YOUNGSTOWN, OH @ Westside Bowl
04.23 – PHILADELPHIA, PA @ Krobath series
04.26 – NEW YORK, NY @ Bowery Electric
04.27 – DEWEY BEACH, DE – Fort Ishu House Show
04.28 – WASHINGTON DC @ Pearl St Warehouse
04.30 – RICHMOND, VA @ Hardywood Brewing
05.02 – SAVANNAH, GA @ Sentient Bean
05.03 – ORLANDO, FL @ Will’s Pub
05.04 – ST AUGUSTINE @ Sarbez
05.05 – WEST DESTIN, FL @ Rock by the Sea Fest
05.06 – WEST DESTIN, FL @ Rock by the Sea Fest
05.07 – COLUMBUS, MS – Sunstroke House Music
05.20 – HAVANA, IL @ Havana Songwriters Fest (solo)
05.23 – SEATTLE, WA @ Fun House
05.24 – BEND, OR @ Old St Francis School
05.25 – PORTLAND, OR @ The White Eagle
05.26-27 – PORT ANGELES, WA @ JFFA Festival
06.02- MARSHFIELD, WI @ Hub City Days
06.17 – SHEBOYGAN, WI @ Three Sheeps
06.23 – CEDAR RAPIDS, IA @ Newbo City Market
06.30 – BARABOO, WI @ Tumbled Rock Brewing
07.01 – MADISON, WI @ Terrace at Memorial Union
07.15 – GRAND RAPIDS, MI @ Founders
07.16 – THREE OAKS, MI @ Acorn Theatre
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