Ottoman Turks’ frontman and songwriter Nathan Mongol Wells will release his debut solo album, From A Dark Corner, on August 18 via State Fair Records (PRE-SAVE HERE). Premiered by Twangville, Wells is launching a third and final single previewing the upcoming album release, a regret-filled ballad “Taken For A Ride,” featuring pedal steel player Hank Early from Turnpike Troubadours. Listen HERE.
“‘Taken for a Ride’ is a really important, personal song for me,” Wells said. “It was written at a time and place when life was coming at me from all sides, and I was taking a real hard look at my choices and the consequences they had for my relationships. It's a cliche, but it's true – you always seem to hurt the ones you care most about, most.”
Previously, Wells launched singles for “Beulah Land” and “In Years.”
Recorded, mixed, and produced by John Pedigo and co-produced by Turks’ member and emerging artist Joshua Ray Walker, From A Dark Corner expands Wells’ worldview of outsider Americana into a well-rounded set, incorporating moments of sonic variety and semi-autobiography: self-reflection, homegrown tradition, and fuck-it-all impulsivity. “First Day It’s Warm” is a celebration of winter’s end in Texas, supplied with references of adolescence (“freeze tag, dirty mags, Six Flags, and ice cream”), all crafted around Wells’ tenor vocals and a plucked acoustic guitar. Similarly upbeat, “Juarez” is a country ripper about going to Mexico with nothing to lose (“Gonna fill my hat with whiskey”) and features Turks’ Billy Law on bass. Wells airs grievances in “Rather Go to Hell,” a modern Southern rock take on Johnny Paycheck’s anti-work anthem “Take This Job and Shove It,” with background vocals from Walker and Pedigo on theremin and mandolin.
In addition to the new single and impending album release, Wells is readying tour plans for 2023 and announced a handful of support dates with Old 97’s Rhett Miller on the east coast. His record release show will be held in Dallas on August 18 at Reveler's Hall and is slated as an evening of collaboration, showcasing the diversity of the local scene, including performers Davey, Ceci Ceci, Billy Law, Frankie Leonie, Ottoman Turks, Baba Yaga Orkestar, John Pedigo and Wells. Find all tour dates here or below, with more to be added soon.
7/20 – Dallas, TX – Sundown at Granada
7/21 – Buffalo, NY – 9th Ward w/ Rhett Miller and Tonemah
7/22 – Hummelstown, PA – The Englewood w/ Rhett Miller
7/23 – New Haven, CT – Club Nine
7/26 – Boston, MA – City Winery w/ Rhett Miller
8/18 – Dallas, TX – Reveler's Hall / Dark Corner Cabaret & Record Release
