Singer-songwriter, producer, and dedicated activist Erin McKeown returns with a new album, MANIFESTRA, which brings together her political and musical selves. Funded by her enthusiastic fan-base in a mere six days via PledgeMusic, MANIFESTRA will be released today, January 15th on McKeown's own TVP Records.
MANIFESTRA finds McKeown accompanied by many musical friends, who add a simple but lush foundation to her songs. Track "Baghdad To The Bayou," co-written via text message with longtime friend Rachel Maddow, is a simmering New Orleans cut that addresses injustice from the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Mexico. "The Jailer" is an upbeat, percussive number whose bright horns and melodic vocals belie the serious Undercurrent of border politics while title track "Manifestra" features a mantra of strength and gratitude set to McKeown's minimal electric guitar line.
"Proof" is a soft, sweet ballad straight from an opening heart. Soon to be accompanied by the first-ever music video of McKeown's career, check out the "Proof" (Payoff Mix) MP3 where it premiered with MTV Hive today. Click HERE to listen!
Having a passion for Social Justice and a strong interest in public policy, McKeown treats her music as a multi-dimensional way to convey messages, connect with fans, and become a better person. "At this point in my career," she explains, "I am most concerned with cultivating relationships that are mutually fulfilling. I want to give my fans the best possible music and experience."
Erin McKeown on Tour:
1/17: Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
1/18: New York, NY @ (Le) Poisson Rouge
1/19: Brooklyn, NY @ Littlefield
1/20: Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's
1/21: Arlington, VA @ Iota
1/23: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
1/24: Cleveland, OH @ Beachand Tavern
1/25: Chicago, IL @ The Hideout
1/26: Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
2/07: Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
2/08: Ames, IA @ Iowa State University [The Maintenance Shop]
2/09: Indianapolis, IN @ The Irving Theater
2/10: Ann Arbor, MI @ The Ark
2/12: Grand Rapids, MI @ The Pyramid Scheme
2/13: Louisville, KY @ Uncle Slayton's
2/14: Barnesville, OH @ Albert S. George Youth Center @ Barnesville Memorial Park
3/03: Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
3/04: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
3/06: Berkeley, CA @ Freight & Salvage
3/08: Los Angeles CA @ McCabe's Guitar Shop
Photo Credit: Merri Cyr
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