New York, NY (Top40 Charts) The Nashville-based indie/folk group Birdtalker released their emphatic new single "Taking Control." The song is the latest peak at their forthcoming self-titled sophomore album (out October 8th via AntiFragile Music) and follow-up to their 2018 critically acclaimed debut One. With "Taking Control," Birdtalker kindly commandeer their instincts and shed their self-consciousness with driving bass, acoustic rhythms, and playful synth flourishes.
"It's a silly lil tune about codependence - moving from a place of caring more about how I am perceived to a place where I can rediscover what motivates me and what my instincts are," the band told The Boot, who featured the track. "I love how the chorus peeks out of the co-dependent headspace by starting with 'I hope you don't mind,' but finishes with 'I'm taking control of the skin I'm swimming in.' The bridge plays with timing and it feels like it reveals a bit of hesitation behind the lyrics."
"Taking Control" follows the release of the breezy duet "
Tides" and "Old Sob Story," a rollicking song full of bravado and sass that Rolling Stone called "at times evoking the dramatic flair of the Decemberists' Colin Meloy, at others the bravado (and glammy tones of Marc Bolan." Lead single "
Better Days" is also out now, a tranquil yet stirring song that finds the quintet reawakening and optimistically looking forward.
With their new album, Birdtalker find solid ground and step into their own with their most confident and unrestrained set of songs to date. Fronted by Zack and Dani, along with Brian Seligman (guitar),
Jesse Baker (bass), and newcomer Chris Wilson (drums/percussion), Birdtalker explore how to navigate the unknown, embrace uncertainty, and learn to let go. With the unexpected success of their 2017 breakout single "
Heavy" (now over 80 million streams), the band had to write, record, and release their first album with a sense of urgency. The whirlwind debut (which garnered acclaim from Rolling Stone, NPR Music, Billboard, World Cafe, American Songwriter, and Relix among others) led to non-stop touring, festival appearances, and even their debut performance on the world famous Grand Ole Opry.
This time around, the group found themselves much more comfortable in their own skin with no deadlines, zero restrictions, and a crystal-clear vision. It allowed them the time and space to be more explorative and curious, which can be heard in the expanded sonic palette across the album and the creative confident songwriting. The band recently spoke with Ditty TV and stated, "This new record was made from a place where urgency and timeline were non-issues. It was strangely aligned for us to hole up, write, and get into the studio to make these songs. The freedom that space provided contributed to a lot of exploration and collaboration with the whole band in a way we had not yet experienced. I think the arrangements are cleverer, the lyrics feel more lived in, and the energy in the performances reflects the joy it was to create."
This fall, Birdtalker will hit the road on an extensive 30+ date nationwide tour in support of their new album. Watch their official tour announce video HERE. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, please visit www.birdtalkermusic.com/tour.
Track Listing:
1) Right On Time
2) I Know
3) Better Days
4) Clear Water
5) Old Sob Story
6) The Dream
7) Taking Control
8) Tides
9) Nothing Ever Stays
10) Dawn
11) Alright
12) Apes In A Daydream
Tour Dates:
10/01 - Greenville, SC @
Radio Room
10/02 - Charlotte, NC @ Tuck Fest
10/03 - Carrboro, NC @ Cat's Cradle Back Room
10/05 - Richmond, VA @ The Camel
10/06 - Vienna, VA @ Jammin Java
10/07 - Philadelphia, PA @ Milkboy
10/08 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
10/09 - Cambridge, MA @
Middle East Upstairs
10/22 - Aspen, CO @ Wheeler Opera House
10/23 - Denver, CO @
Globe Hall
10/24 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre
10/26 - Salt Lake City, UT @ The
State Room
10/28 - Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
10/29 - Vancouver, BC, Canada @ The Fox Cabaret
10/30 - Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
11/02 - Sacramento, CA @ Goldfield Trading Post
11/03 - Petaluma, CA @ Mystic Theatre
11/04 - Berkeley, CA @ Cornerstone Berkley
11/05 - Felton, CA @ Felton
Music Hall
11/09 - Anaheim, CA @ The Parish at House of Blues Anaheim
11/10 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
11/11 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah
11/12 - Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
11/13 - Tucson, AZ @ 191 Toole
11/16 - Waco, TX @
Common Grounds
11/17 - Austin, TX @ Antone's
11/18 - San Antonio, TX @ Sam's Burger Joint
11/19 - Houston, TX @ White Oak
Music Hall Upstairs
11/20 - Fort Worth, TX @ Tulips
11/21 - Oklahoma City, OK @ Ponyboy.
