Critically acclaimed songwriter John Moreland will release his fourth solo album Big Bad Luv on May 5th via 4AD. Big Bad Luv marks a change in Moreland’s sound and outlook on life. With lyrics that are as intense and unfiltered as on his earlier work, Moreland delves into finding peace within. He also branches out sonically on the new album, which is injected with a heavier dose of rock ‘n’ roll in comparison to the tone of his previous recordings.
“It’s been a while since American folk music has seen
the likes of a songwriter that is able to cut as deep
as John Moreland.” – Utne Reader
In early 2016, Moreland made his national television debut with an unprecedented booking on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Click HERE to watch Moreland’s compelling performance in which he received an enthusiastic and rare late-night standing ovation.
Moreland’s 2015 release High On Tulsa Heat was embraced by the press, receiving accolades from outlets including NPR Music, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone Country and American Songwriter who wrote “Lines like that ought to make even the surliest barflies put down their drinks and listen. And if they don’t feel it, it’s time to call a cab. Or rehab.” Moreland capped off his banner year with a nomination for Emerging Artist Of The Year from the Americana Music Association.
“Moreland sings heartwrenching lyrics in an earthy voice
that sounds worn in beyond his 29 years.” – Wall Street Journal
The beauty in John Moreland’s writing is his ability to make the listener feel, and according to Moreland, he’s used his songwriting as a way to exorcise negative feelings and move on. His therapy is the listeners gain, as Big Bad Luv has an uplifting yet still emotionally dark tone. “Ain’t We Gold” speaks to reveling in your own little piece of happiness despite what’s going on in the outside world, and the contemplative “It Don’t Suit Me (Like Before)” embodies Moreland’s change in attitude.
Big Bad Luv was recorded at Fellowship Hall Sound in Little Rock, AR (a step up from his parent’s house) produced by Moreland and mixed by Tchad Blake (The Black Keys, Tom Waits, Sheryl Crow). The brutal honesty of John Moreland’s singing and songwriting has touched listeners across the country. He silences rooms from dive bars to more recently the historic Ryman Auditorium stage. The simple and eloquent way that he’s able to speak about life rings as true as ever.
Moreland, who in the past has performed solo, will be touring with multi-instrumentalist John Calvin Abney.
Catch John Moreland on tour this spring.
See Upcoming 2017 tour dates below, or go to http://www.johnmoreland.net/tour
John Moreland 2017 North American Tour
June 1 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway *
June 3 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern *
June 4 – Washington, D.C. – Rock & Roll Hotel *
June 7 – New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom *
June 8 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair *
June 9 – Montreal, QC – Le Ritz *
June 10 – Toronto, ON – Velvet Underground *
June 13 – Ann Arbor, MI – The Ark *
June 14 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall *
June 16 – Minneapolis, MN – Turf Club *
June 17 – Maquoketa, IA – Barnstormers at Codfish Hollow *
July 18 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle
July 11 – Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge
July 12 – Memphis, TN – 1884 Lounge at Minglewood
July 19 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
July 22 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s
* Will Johnson (Centro-matic) opening
John Moreland 2017 European Tour
May 6 – Glasgow – Oran Mor (UK)
May 8 – London – Union Chapel (UK)
May 9 – London – Union Chapel (UK)
May 11 – Paris – Les Etoiles (FR)
May 13 – Hamburg – Kampnagel (DE)
May 14 – Berlin – Passionkirche (DE)
May 16 – Amsterdam – Paradiso (NL)
For press information about John Moreland, please contact
Donica Elliott donica@alleyesmedia.com
or Michelle Steele michelle@alleyesmedia.com
at All Eyes Media (615) 227-2770