In the hallowed halls of rock and punk, Laura Jane Grace stands as an icon, a force of nature whose musical journey has spanned decades and continues to resonate with fans old and new. With her upcoming album, "Hole In My Head," slated for release on February 16, 2024, Grace unveils another layer of her introspective and unapologetic songwriting prowess.
The latest single, "Cuffing Season," takes a departure from the power-pop vibes of "Hole In My Head" and the fan-favorite "Dysphoria Hoodie." Instead, it presents an acoustic reflection on the trials of age, hardship, and the resilient spirit needed to move forward in the face of despair. Directed by Margherita Ballarin, the accompanying music video delves into the profound themes woven into the song, providing a visual narrative that complements Grace's evocative storytelling.
In a recent interview, Grace shared her thoughts on the evolving nature of vulnerability as one traverses the landscape of life's hurts and heartbreaks. She remarked, "I think as you get older and go through life's hurts and heartbreaks, it gets harder and harder to let yourself be open and vulnerable. But when you do, it can be so worth it even if you just end up hurt and heartbroken again. In the end, I don't think you regret those kinds of losses. I think you regret not trying."
The album, recorded at Native Sound in St. Louis, MO, and mixed by Matt Allison, promises a sonic journey with warm '50s rock-influenced guitar riffs, poignant lyrics, and reflections on a punk life well-lived. Grace's commanding vocals take center stage, accompanied by her skilled performances on guitar and drums. Drive-By Truckers bassist Matt Patton contributes, enhancing the full-band sound on over half the album.
From the scrappy anthem "Dysphoria Hoodie" to the Jonathan Richman-inspired "I'm Not A Cop" and the reflective "Punk Rock in Basements," the album explores the diverse tapestry of Grace's experiences. The tracks delve into themes of self-discovery, environmentalism, and candid observations, creating a musical landscape that captures the nuanced essence of the human experience.
As Grace embarks on a Midwest headline tour on New Year's Eve with support from Mya Byrne, and sets her sights on international appearances in Greece during January, her influence as one of Billboard Magazine's "50 Greatest Rock Lead Singers Of All Time" continues to reverberate. "Hole In My Head" stands as a testament to Grace's unwavering commitment to musical exploration and a celebration of life's tumultuous journey. In the ever-evolving landscape of punk rock, Laura Jane Grace remains a guiding light, unafraid to bare her soul through each resonant chord and poignant lyric.
DECEMBER
16 — Memphis, TN — Minglewood Hall #
28 — St. Louis, MO — Off Broadway *
29 — Lawrence, KS — Granada Theatre *
31 — Denver, CO — The Marquis *
JANUARY 2024
02 — Omaha, NE — Slowdown *
03 — Minneapolis, MN — Cloudland * [SOLD OUT]
06 — Madison, WI — Joey’s Song Benefit
13 — Athens, Greece — Onassis Stegi Exhibition Hall -1
15 — Thessaloniki, Greece — Mylos Club
MARCH 2024
02 — Indianapolis, IN — The Vogue ^
03 — Columbus, OH — A&R Music Bar ^
05 — Pittsburgh, PA — Spirit Hall ^
06 — Philadelphia, PA — Underground Arts ^
08 — Hamden, CT — Space Ballroom ^
09 — New York, NY — Racket ^
10 — Somerville, MA — Crystal Ballroom at Somerville Theatre ^
12 — Washington, DC — Howard Theatre ^
13 — Virginia Beach, VA —Elevation 27 ^
15 — Durham, NC — Motorco Music Hall ^
16 — Knoxville, TN — Bijou Theatre ^
17 — Nashville, TN — City Winery ^
19 — New Orleans, LA — Tipitina’s ^
20 — Birmingham, AL — Saturn ^
22 — San Antonio, TX — Paper Tiger ^
23 — Houston, TX — Warehouse Live Midtown ^
24 — Fort Worth, TX — Tulips +
# — supporting Lucero
* — Mya Byrne supporting
^ — Thelma and the Sleaze & Dikembe supporting
+ — Dikembe supporting
