After opening single ‘Violet Light’ was deemed by Rolling Stone as “built to preach the gospel of rock n’ roll,” it’s clear that The Artisanals are in good stead ahead of the release of their second studio album. Nine tracks of carefully crafted stadium-sized acoustic rock, the South Carolina four piece are ready to unveil ‘Zia’ on the 3rd September.
Featuring ‘Violet Light,’ ‘Plant The Seed’ and ‘Way Up,’ three equally euphoric singles that have paved the way perfectly for the remainder of the album. Each demonstrates the musicianship and song-writing from a group that have won over the ears and hearts of fans all over the US and beyond. Since forming in 2016, they’ve released a critically acclaimed debut album, Eps, multiple singles and shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the business. Now is time for a new era.
Johnny Delware, Clay Houle, Eric Mixon and Eric Klin have created a collection of songs that stand for everything the band represent – heartfelt, acoustic-fuelled rock and roll. From the delicate album opener ‘Fear To Fail,’ to the perfect driving tones of ‘Always Taken Care Of,’ to the brilliantly atmospheric ‘Drifting,’ to the soothing closer ‘She’s Looking For An Answer,’ this is a versatile record that demonstrates the infectious and inimitable sound of The Artisanals. On their new album, they added:
“Zia emerges, but has shifted its geographical location to the scarred, yet hopeful landscapes of the United States Southwest. Here in the desert, we are introduced to a more mature and exposed band, with a stripped-down production where the acoustic guitar blossoms into the forefront of the songs, and Clay Houle's electrics add canyon-like ambience. Like a simulation, we are transported to a small southwest city, questioning the human spirit and fate: are we in control of our desires or not? “Fear To Fail” opens the record and reveals this ethos, particularly how much fear plays a role in roadblocking what we are born to do. While other existential songs ask heavier questions, like the true story of "She's Looking for the Answer" - a song written for a woman who died of overdose, whom lead singer Johnny Delaware was asked to bring home instead of the hospital while working at a pizza shop.”
Inspired by the likes of Tom Petty, George Harrison and Bruce Springsteen, it’s easy to hear why their blend of 70s heartland rock and alt-Americana has resulted in them playing alongside Band of Horses, Car Seat Headrest, Shovels and Rope, Dylan Leblanc, Roadkill Ghost Choir and many more. Plus, they’ve already received a whole host of high-profile press support from the likes of Rolling Stone, Pop Matters, Glide and heavy early radio support from KCMP, The Current Minneapolis and WNCW Asheville.
The Artisanals are back.
Zia is:
Fear To Fail
Heading Somewhere
Always Taken Care Of
Way Up
Driftwood
Plant The Seed
The Road
Violet Light
She’s Looking For An Answer
