Nashville-based "Cumberland Funk" band, LUTHI, are excited to announce Episode One, the first in a series of twin-single releases for 2019. Harkening back to the days of 45 records, Episode One-and its undisclosed number of counterparts-is an outlet for the band's constantly-creating attitude they've pledged to bring to the table in 2019; an evolving collection of A and B sides to be released as the music is written and recorded. Available on March 29, Episode One features "Sleepwalkin", a brand new song, and "Out Of This World", a studio version of the previously unreleased LUTHI live show staple.
"Sleepwalkin", the first track on Episode One, was premiered today by Consequence of Sound. "Sleepwalkin" is a song that fans will quickly recognize as a genuine LUTHI dance party. Sine-wave synth doubling a sweet and catchy vocal melody sits perfectly atop the band's disco meets late-era Motown rhythm section. "'Sleepwalkin' speaks to everyone's subconscious muse," says the group's frontman and namesake, Christian Luthi. "It all started with a dirty bassline and then the first line, 'I've been waking up all hungry like,' hit. It made me smirk, and from that point, we just ran with that sneaky, sexy vibe."
Heading to SXSW? The band will perform 6 times in Austin this week with notable performances at the Historic Scoot Inn on 3/15 (Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion, RSVPhere) and at Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt on 3/16 with tourmates, Moon Taxi. The band's complete SXSW schedule is below:
3/14 - 3:20 pm - The Jackelope - Unofficial AF
3/14 - 7:00 pm - Do512 Lounge Sessions
3/15 - 1:00 pm - Historic Scoot Inn - Brooklyn Bowl Family Reunion
3/15 - 7:00 pm - Capitol Cruise Riverboat - New Nashville Live
3/16 - 4:00 pm - Icenhauers - Icenhauers Unofficial Showcase presented by Sound Dessert
3/16 - 8:00 pm - Kimpton Hotel Van Zandt - Kimpton Off the Record w/ Moon Taxi
Episode One comes on the heels of an insanely productive 2018 which brought 80+ shows-including appearances at Hangout Music Festival, Electric Forest, Bonnaroo, and Sweetwater 420 fest-and the release of the band's first full-length record, Stranger. Released on May 11, 2018, the record was praised by fans and critics alike-Relix Magazine noting that the release successfully "translated the band's infection live show energy into the studio setting." Blue Ridge Outdoors hailed the release as "sonic gumbo", American Songwriter Magazine deemed it "funky," and The Bitter Southerner praised the band for "giving us the feel-good music we need."
What's next for LUTHI aside from releasing Episode One? Post-SXSW, the band heads to New Orleans to play Hogs For The Cause (with Trampled by Turtles, Galactic, Lukas Nelson, and more) before continuing on for dates throughout the Southeast in April, linking up again with 2018 tourmates, Moon Taxi, for a handful of shows. Tour dates through May are listed below and summer tour dates will be announced soon. For more information, please visit http://www.luthimusic.com/. Stream the band's 2018 releaseStranger here.
Catch LUTHI on tour:
March 13 - Dallas, TX - Deep Ellum Art Co.
March 14 - 16 - Austin, TX - SXSW
March 29 - New Orleans, LA - Hogs For The Cause
April 17 - Columbia, SC - The Senate^
April 18 - Wilmington, NC - Greenfield Lake Amphitheater^
April 20 - Chattanooga, TN - Wanderlinger Brewing Company
April 26 - Knoxville, TN - Dogwood Arts Festival
May 11 - Tupelo, MS - Gumtree Festival
May 16 - Chicago, IL - Tonic Room
May 17 - La Crosse, WI - Midwest Music Fest
May 18 - La Crosse, WI - Midwest Music Fest
May 25 - Denver, CO - Denver Day Of Rock
^Supporting Moon Taxi
Videos