On April 7, NEWSKI will release his latest full-length album Friend Rock (pre-order). The album follows Newski's acclaimed album and book It's Hard to be a Person: defeating anxiety, surviving the world, and having more fun.
A revival of 90’s alternative, Wisconsin's off-kilter rock outfit Newski enlists a friend/musical influence on every track for their forthcoming LP. From veterans like Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Brian Vander Ark (the Verve Pipe), Ryan Miller (Guster), Miles Nielsen, and Scott Terry (Red Wanting Blue) to overseas acts like H Burns (France), The Secret Beach (Canada) and The Shabs (South Africa), NEWSKI compiles an internationally collaborative album from his own tiny house in Wisconsin.
The durable three-piece will hit American, European and South African highways for a 100 date touring year behind the new LP. Featuring Steve "Mr Bicep" Vorass on drums, Sean "Tubs" Anderson on 4-string & Brett Newski on guitars and vocals. All upcoming shows are listed below.
NEWSKI shared "Chemicals," the first single to be released from Friend Rock. The track and its accompanying video debuted at Flood Magazine and the song is on all streaming platforms.
NEWSKI says, "This song enlists one of my biggest musical influences, Matthew Caws of Nada Surf for call-and-answer lead vocals. 'Chemicals' is a hard-driving indie-pop smasher that illuminates how love can be the strongest vice."
The VHS style video directed by Ben Spatol shows the band time-travels us into the past, punching Hitler, partying at Woodstock, join the band Queen, and getting tracked by the CIA in the JFK debacle.
NEWSKIi says, "We are nothing without our friends."
“Most of my friends I started with in music have since retired, which makes me feel like the world has turned and left me here. Collaborating with fellow “musician lifers” on this album made me feel less lonely and insane,” explains NEWSKI. “It’s been neat to become pals with musical heroes from childhood.”
Some of the connections on Friend Rock were made during Newski's podcast "Dirt from the Road," where guest musicians would have a laugh about their worst moments on the road.
Social science research shows community and friendship are consistent common denominators in the happiest countries in the world. Belonging to the right tribe is a catalyst to health and longevity. Friend Rock is an ode to the power of community.
A good friend is hard to find. So when you find those rare gems, you gotta keep them in your life.
NEWSKI has played with Pixies, Violent Femmes, Courtney Barnett, Gin Blossoms, Manchester Orchestra, Better than Ezra, Barenaked Ladies, & Nada Surf and has been featured in Rolling Stone, NPR, American Songwriter, SiriusXM, Boston Globe, NBC, Billboard and SPIN.