Indie phenomenon John Craigie announces his newest album Asterisk the Universe, out June 12th via Thirty Tigers. Known for his wry wit, articulate lyrics and unmatched sense of humor, the charismatic singer/songwriter employs the captivating storytelling skills he has honed through years on the road. Political but not preachy, Asterisk the Universe features Craigie’s observant, character-driven lyrics alongside an earthy mix of soul, folk and rock. The result is his most inspired work to date.
Craigie has been steadily gaining fans telling those road tales since 2009, sharing candid stories, vibrant jokes and life musings, turning each show into a collective experience. He captured this unique feel in his 2016 live album Capricorn in Retrograde…Just Kidding…Live in Portland. Venerated artists from Jack Johnson to Todd Snider have taken notice of Craigie’s work and added him to their tours. Many more jumped on the Craigie train after the release of 2017’s No Rain, No Rose, which garnered millions of Spotify streams and led to several Summer 2017 dates opening for Jack Johnson.
The first single on Asterisk the Universe is “Part Wolf,” an ironic take on current American culture, seen through Craigie’s eyes while in the UK. The song starts with “I got that American meanness,” reminding voters to utilize their fighting spirit to stand up and vote in November. Watch the fun, communal recording of the “Part Wolf” video HERE, shot during the 2019 recording of the album in Northern California. Listen to “Part Wolf” HERE, and also check out the digital B-Side, a cover of The Flaming Lips’ “Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell.”
Album opener “Hustlin’” sets the stage for Asterisk the Universe, offering Craigie’s trademark cleverness surrounded by instrumentation that feels like a live show in an intimate club. “Don’t Ask” shines with a vocal arrangement inspired by old Motown tracks. Craigie’s smooth take on JJ Cale’s “Crazy Mama” brings the slow, sexy classic to new audiences, while “Don’t Deny” is perhaps the most jubilant song on the album, with a big piano sound rooted in harmony. “Nomads” recalls Craigie’s Catholic school days with an ode to St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. And “Vallecito” finds Craigie ruminating on being at the crossroads and why folks choose the decisions they do.
To record Asterisk the Universe, Craigie holed up in coastal California at the home of The Rainbow Girls and added a host of musician friends including Matt Goff [drums, Marty O’Reilly], Ben Berry [bass, Old Soul Orchestra], Jamie Coffis [keys, The Coffis Brothers], Lorenzo Loera [organ, The California Honeydrops] and Niko Daoussis [guitar, Shook Twins]. Craigie notes, “My roots are always coastal California. It was great to be so close to the ocean when recording and surrounded by such amazing local talent.”
The prolific journeyman remains on the road, with US dates booked through May. A headlining tour to support Asterisk the Universe will also be announced shortly. For a full list, see below and go to johncraigiemusic.com.
John Craigie 2020 Tour Dates
March 6 – Petaluma, CA – Mystic Theatre [sold out]
March 7 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre [sold out]
March 11 – Tacoma, WA – McMenamins Elks Temple*
March 12 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall*
March 13 – Eugene, OR – Sessions Music Hall*
March 14 – Grants Pass, OR – Rogue Theatre*
March 15 – Bend, OR – Domino Room*
March 26 – Park City, UT – O.P. Rockwell
March 27 – Hailey, ID – The Mint
March 28 – Boise, ID – Treefort Music Festival
March 31 – Spokane, WA – Lucky You Lounge
April 2 – Sandpoint, ID – The Heartwood Center
April 3 – Bozeman, MT – The Filling Station [two shows]
April 5 – Rapid City, SD – Hay Camp Brewing Company
April 16 – Asheville, NC – Ambrose West
April 17 – Charlotte, NC – The Evening Muse
April 18 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
April 19 – Vienna, VA – Jammin Java
April 23 – South Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Showcase Lounge
April 24 – Portland, ME – One Longfellow Square
April 25 – Northampton, MA – The Heartwood Center
April 26 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Caffe Lena
April 27 – Buffalo, NY – The 9th Ward at Babeville
April 28 – Toronto, ON – The Dakota Tavern
April 29 – Toronto, ON – The Dakota Tavern
May 23 – Grass Valley, CA – Strawberry Music Festival
May 24 – Port Angeles, WA – Juan de Fuca Music Festival
July 16-19 – North Plains, OR – Northwest String Summit
*Opening for Anders Osborne & Hayes Carll
