LOS ANGELES (Nettwerk America) - Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Erin McKeown will release "We Will Become Like Birds" (Nettwerk), her highly anticipated follow up to 2003's critically acclaimed Nettwerk debut "Grand," this Tuesday, June 28.
Undefined by any genre, Erin moved away from her more character-driven and quirky songs for her sophomore release and pulled her focus inward, leading to a record that is a striking testament to the power of personal transcendence. Known for her instrument jumping abilities, Erin played every guitar on the record, along with some bass and keyboards.
In search of something more, she sought the talent of friends, including producer and engineer Tucker Martin (Modest Mouse), singer-songwriter Peter Mulvey, drummer Matt Chamberlain (Tori Amos, Fiona Apple, David Bowie), and bassist Sebastian Steinberg (Beth Orton, Soul Coughing). With their help, she formed a band that could convey that live, instinctive feel she delivers so well on stage.
The Virginia-born, Boston-based musician has garnered early critical praise for "We Will Become Like Birds." Dan Frazier of Paste writes, "These songs are perfect for Sunday brunch on the patio, sunny-day walks in the park or catching fireflies at dusk. She's furnished your summer soundtrack, all you have to do is whistle along." All Music Guide's MacKenzie Wilson says, "'We Will Become Like Birds' is excellent...McKeown has taken the opportunity to soar."
An acclaimed live performer, Erin hits the road the day after release for a two-month summer tour, including dates with Ani DiFranco.
Tour dates are as follows:
Wed 6/29 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club
Thu 6/30 Portland, ME Space Gallery
Fri 7/1 Chicago, IL The Metro
Fri 7/8 Burlington, VT Higher Ground
Sat 7/9 Northampton, MA Iron Horse Music Hall
Mon 7/11 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts
Tue 7/12 Asbury Park, NJ The Saint
Wed 7/13 New York, NY The Canal Room
Fri 7/15 Arlington, VA IOTA Club & Cafe
Mon 7/18 Grand Rapids, MI Meijer Gardens
Tue 7/19 Interlochen, MI Interlochen Center
*Wed 7/20 Rochester Hills, MI Meadow Brook Music Festival
*Fri 7/22 Reading, PA Sovereign Performing Arts Center
*Tue 7/26 Vienna, VA The Filene Center
*Wed 7/27 Wilmington, DE Grand Opera House
*Fri 7/29 Hyannis, MA Cape Cod melody
*Sat 7/30 Williamsport, PA Community Arts Center
Mon 8/1 Annapolis, MD Ramshead Tavern
Wed 8/3 Asheville, NC The Orange Peel
Thu 8/4 Carrboro, NC Cats Cradle
Fri 8/5 Greenville, SC The Handlebar
Sat 8/6 Atlanta, GA Smith's Olde Bar
* Opening for Ani DiFranco
For more information, check out www.erinmckeown.com.
