POLYVINYL PRESS UPDATE
August 2020
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Hey Everyone!
It would be an understatement to say it's been a busy few months here at Polyvinyl.
In terms of new music [deep breath], Mike Kinsella released what may be the finest Owen album to date, Volcano, I'm Still Excited!! re-issued their debut Carbon Copy EP, the pop troubadours from Shy Boys shared a fantastic and proggy new single , Yumi Zouma's "Cool For A Second" received the remix treatment from Japanese Wallpaper, Squirrel Flower released a double A-side featuring a cathartic take on a Caroline Polachek pop masterpiece, and we surprise dropped a career defining album by Jeff Rosenstock.
We also rolled out our new LONG LIVE MEDIA MAIL tee to support the USPS, kicked off a summer singles series from Anamanaguchi, and thoroughly enjoyed new music videos from Jeff Rosenstock, Squirrel Flower, Hazel English, and Yumi Zouma.
Did I mention Julia Jacklin also won the 2020 Libera Award for Best Folk / Bluegrass album?! Because that also happened. Congrats Julia!
If you haven't done so yet, PLEASE take a moment to contact your elected US officials and urge them to join organizations like NIVA and NITO in their fight to save our stages. Head to www.nivassoc.org and www.nitolive.org for more info and ways you can help preserve your favorite music venues as we continue to battle the lasting effects of COVID-19 on the live and touring music industry.
-Polyvinyl
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ANAMANAGUCHI - "Kei" (Out Now)
"Full of giddy excitement and infectious energy, it's hard not to leave "Kei" without a great big smile on your face." –PAPER
The follow up to "Styla," the inaugural June offering in Amanaguchi's 2020 summer singles series, comes "Kai." With origins dating back to 2015, the band revisited (and perfected) their vision for this electro J-pop inspired bop, with the help of artist/harajuku model, POCHI. The band also recently sat down with PAPER for a catch-up Q&A to coincide with the new single premiere. Check it out and look for more new music from Anamanaguchi in the weeks to come! |
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JEFF ROSENSTOCK - NO DREAM (Out Now)
"Like a stealthy D.I.Y. superhero, Jeff Rosenstock has a way of suddenly appearing when he’s most direly needed. “It’s not a dream, it’s not a dream!” Rosenstock hollers, a refrain that becomes more prescient by the day." –The New York Times
It feels like Jeff Rosenstock always shows up when we need him most. NO DREAM is the fourth full-length from the New York by way of LA artist, and his follow up to POST- (2018). It's Rosenstock at his most energetic, unrestrained, and insightful – both of himself, and the world around him. It's a brilliant work of art, and it's available everywhere digitally. You can check out more on Jeff and NO DREAM via Reddit Indieheads, Brooklyn Vegan, Pitchfork, Paste, KEXP, The Alternative, Grammy, Exclaim!, The New York Times, AV Club, MTV, Stereogum, Under The Radar, Consequence of Sound, The FADER, SPIN, and elsewhere!
Be sure to check out the brand new music video for "Scram!" directed by mastermind artist, Teenage Stepdad. |
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OWEN - The Avalanche (Out Now)
"Mike Kinsella’s latest is his most relentlessly morose and objectively gorgeous work as Owen to date." –Pitchfork
Even with his long list of contributions to course-setting bands (Cap'n Jazz, American Football, etc), Mike Kinsella never reveals more of his internal world than he does with the softly drawn songs of his long running solo project Owen. Easily the most intense Owen album to date, The Avalanche is also the most beautifully crafted, and has garnered praise from NPR Music, Pitchfork, AV Club, The Line of Best Fit, Gold Flake Paint, Upset, and Under The Radar, who call it "his most direct, refined, and one of the best (if not the best) album in the wide Owen discography."
Be sure to watch Kinsella's literally breathtaking performance of "A New Muse" from atop Chicago's legendary skydeck... just don't look down!
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SHY BOYS - "Trash" (Out Now)
"No matter where they direct their attention, Shy Boys come across as both introspective and benevolent." –Pitchfork
This past month ushered in a new era for the beloved Kansas City quintet, Shy Boys. Sharing their newest single, and first in over a year, "Trash" is an indie prog-pop nugget that shimmers with beautiful harmonies and pulsating synths. But beneath the surface is a deeply compelling meditation on the damaging socio-environmental effects of American greed and consumerism.
It's quite poignant, and a sign of incredible things to come from one of our favorite artists.
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SQUIRREL FLOWER - Take It or Leave It / So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings (Out Now)
"Squirrel Flower’s rendition shows that ["So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings"] can also work as a languid indie rock song." –Stereogum
After touring throughout the US and Europe in 2019, Squirrel Flower's debut album, I Was Born Swimming, was released in January of 2020. The album showcased the intimacy and strength of Ella O’Connor Williams' songwriting while introducing fans to a blossoming new voice in indie rock. As a follow-up to I Was Born Swimming, Williams recently released a new digital single, Take It or Leave It / So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings, which includes a new Squirrel Flower original as well as an explosive cover of Caroline Polachek's pop masterpiece.
Be sure to also check out her new video for "I Was Born Swimming" – the title track from her debut full-length, which was just released.
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VOLCANO, I'M STILL EXCITED!! - Carbon Copy Deluxe Edition (Out Now)
"If we consider Carbon Copy as the animating force behind [Duplass's] vast body of work, up to and including the mainstreaming of mumblecore, it’s probably one of the most influential pieces of indie rock of the past century." –Stereogum
It's the long awaited return of Volcano, I'm Still Excited!! – well, kind of. In May, we announced the deluxe reissue of the Austin by way of New York trio's debut EP. Written and performed by Mark Duplass (vocals/keys), Byron Westbrook (guitar), and John Thomas Robinette III (drums), the touring VISE!! did behind Carbon Copy is what ultimately led them to signing with Polyvinyl, and features earlier versions of such fan-favorites as "2nd Gun," "New Brad," and "Truck of My Car." To mark the occasion, the band has also shared several 2003 performance clips (filmed by Jay Duplass) from the original Emo's in Austin, TX.
Stereogum shared an exclusive interview with singer, Mark Duplass, reflecting on his time with the band. You can check the feature out HERE. |
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POSTPONED / RESCHEDULED TOUR DATES
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As expected, much of the Polyvinyl roster has had their touring plans disrupted by COVID-19, and as a result, their booking agents are carefully working with venues and promoters to reschedule and plan new tours to happen as soon and safely as possible. Thank you for your patience!
In the meantime, Polyvinyl urges you to take a few minutes out of your day to check out both the National Independent Venue Association and the National Independent Talent Organization – both of whom are working diligently to get the attention of US lawmakers to deliver financial aide to our venues.
Every voice counts!
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