Kendall Street Company, which has its origins at UVA, where the alt-rock band formed in 2013, will be releasing its eighth studio album, “Yodeling Astroman,” on Friday, Oct. 23, with an album release show at The Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville.
“Yodeling Astroman” was recorded, mixed, and co-produced by long-time band collaborator Scott Gordon (Ringo Starr, Alanis Morissette) in Virginia Beach and Charlottesville.
The first single, “Don’t Wanna Be Gone,” started as a dive into the complexities of life as a touring musician, and then became a wider examination around the idea of “being gone” mentally or physically in many different contexts of life.
“It’s a song about wanting to stay in the present moment despite everything happening all the time,” said the band’s frontman and songwriter, Louis Smith.
The song came together in pieces over time. Smith drew inspiration from videos of the Asheville floods and California wildfires, “Mad Max: Fury Road,” Paul Simon, and the ups and downs of life on the road.
What emerged is a song that touches on touring, lost love, climate change, substance abuse, displacement, mindfulness, anxiety, and existence.
“It’s a song I had to wrestle with for a while, but I’m happy where it landed,” Smith said.
The band is currently on the road in support of the new album, bringing the “Yodeling Astroman” tour through the end of the year. For news and all up to date information, visit kendallstreetcompany.com.
Virginia tour dates
- 23: The Jefferson Theater, Charlottesville
- 30: Parkway Brewing, Salem
- 20: The Broadberry, Richmond
- 25: The Bunker, Virginia Beach
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Chris Graham
