In the twenty-four years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamation of genres, moods, and tempos, effortlessly flowing from one feeling to the next throughout an album or concert—or sometimes within a singular song. But with time and repetition comes wisdom and maturity, both personally and musically, and in the case of the band’s new album Asking For A Friend, Umphrey’s McGee entered the recording studio with something to say and a wise, measured way to say it. The end result is an astoundingly cohesive fourteen-song album that feels like a fresh statement from a group of world-class musicians and friends reapproaching their craft with a new lens. But long-time fans will be happy to know that the Umphrey’s McGee they know and love is still very much present on Asking For A Friend, just more refined. More focused.
Fans can now stream or purchase Asking For A Friend in its entirety at this link and order vinyl and AFAF-centric merch right here. Umphrey’s tour continues on July 8th in Baldwinsville, New York, at the Bud Light Amphitheater at Paper Mill Island. A full list of tour dates can be found below or at umphreys.com/tour.
In conjunction with the release of Asking For A Friend, Umphrey’s have launched their first-ever NFT offering. The AFAF token grants access to download audio stems of the entire 14-song album. Fans can deep dive by accessing individual mixes of each instrument, isolating tracks, and playing along at will. Each stem-set includes a Garage Band file for easy import on any Apple device. To tie the collection together, each token is also a limited-edition piece of art, featuring a composite image built from 14 individual lyrically based pieces. Hidden amongst the 2,022 NFTs are one-of-a-kind easter eggs. Randomly selected holders will win copies of the vinyl test pressing, handwritten lyrics, studio-used song charts, free UM concert tickets, and more, bringing a taste of the band’s legendary “Golden Ticket” giveaways onto the Ethereum blockchain. Token holders are also entitled to future benefit unlocks. For more information please visit AFAF.io.
Asking For A Friend is also accompanied by a behind-the-scenes podcast through Osiris Media entitled Talking Circles. With episodes leading up to the album release and stretching through the summer, Talking Circles will tell the story of the writing and recording of this set of brand new songs utilizing demos, live recordings, alternate takes, mix stems, and interviews with all six band members. Five episodes are currently live right here.
Catch Umphrey’s McGee On Tour:
July 8 - Baldwinsville, NY - Bud Light Amphitheater at Paper Mill Island
July 9 - Marshfield, MA - Levitate Music & Arts Festival
July 10 - Selbyville, DE - Freeman Arts Pavilion
July 14 - Outer Banks, NC - Roanoke Island Festival Park
July 15 - Asbury Park, NJ - Stone Pony Summer Stage
July 16 - Thornville, OH - The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival
July 21-24 - North Plains, OR - Northwest String Summit
Aug. 5-7 - Kenai Peninsula, AK - Salmonfest
Aug. 18 - Indianapolis, IN - TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park $
Aug. 19 - Maryland Heights, MO - Saint Louis Music Park $
Aug. 20 - Pelham, TN - The Caverns Amphitheater $
Aug. 21 - Pelham, TN - The Caverns Amphitheater
Aug. 24 - Grand Rapids, MI - Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Aug. 26-28 - Bridgeview, IL - Sacred Rose Festival
Sept. 1 - San Diego, CA - The Observatory North Park
Sept. 2 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium
Sept. 3 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater
Sept. 4 - Reno, NV - Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Sept. 8 - Salt Lake City, UT - Red Butte Garden
Sept. 9 - Bozeman, MT - The ELM
Sept. 29 - Richmond, VA - Music at Maymont
Sept. 30 - Wilmington, NC - Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
Oct. 1 - Savannah, GA - Johnny Mercer Theatre
Oct. 2 - Birmingham, AL - Avondale Brewing Company
$ Co-bill with The Disco Biscuits
For a full list of shows, as well as ticket information, please visit umphreys.com/tour.
