I’m always trying to shine a light on new talent. I came up through the U.K. independent post-punk scene of the early ’80s as a raw, experimental singer-songwriter myself; I know what it’s like to open for future stars, do demos in cheap studios, dream. My band with Tracey Thorn, Everything But the Girl, was lucky to see a lot of success, but when we hit the pause button in 2000, I left the mainstream and decided to launch and run two independent record labels for ten years that specialized in new music; I was a resident DJ on a flagship show on BBC Radio 6 Music for four years preparing and presenting shows of new music; and I now compile a regularly updated Spotify playlist of new music and new discoveries.
I am very aware how much talent languishes in the ever-lengthening long tail of the modern music business. Many artists will, as a result, never have a chance to give up their day job, but many — luckily for us — get a chance to be heard, due to low barriers to production and distribution. This results in a plethora of hidden gems and unsung greatness.
Starting on June 15 in Washington, DC, I begin a two-week coast-to-coast North American headline tour in support of my new solo album, Fever Dream — the second since my return to solo performing as a singer-songwriter in 2014. I have a great band in tow: friend and album collaborator Bernard Butler (ex-Suede) on lead guitar, and Cameron Ralston and Pinson Chanselle (Matthew E White’s rhythm section) from Spacebomb Studios in Richmond, Virginia, guesting on bass and drums respectively. But I have spent a lot of time trying to select great openers in every city, too. They’re all unsung or lesser-known artists who I knew already and admired, or ones who surfaced as I researched each local scene. All are artists I would want to watch myself.
So, in support of the opener, and in support of fresh talent, I urge you to check out this selection, all of whom deserve the limelight in their own right.
Zachary Cale
Gem Club
In Tall Buildings
Nyssa
Alan Sparhawk (from Low)
As the options shrank, I felt like we were two people awkwardly left on a date until I tentatively said, “You wouldn’t fancy doing something on your own, would you?” I was thrilled when he said yes. Low could fill any ballroom in town. Not only that, but Sparhawk is lending some vintage amps for the show, and this is a chance to see a great minimalist rock singer and writer solo and up close. We are playing the intimate Dakota Jazz Lounge, where Prince once had his own secret table. I told Alan to dust off some Sinatra and Lee Hazelwood covers. Let’s see what happens. Alan Sparhawk opens at the Dakota in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on June 22.
Matt Kivel
Karl Blau
In/Planes
FULL LIST
Ben Watt Band feat. Bernard Butler play:
Jun 15 DC, Rock n Roll Hotel, with Zachary Cale
Jun 16 Philadelphia, PA, World Cafe Live, no support
Jun 17 New York, NY, Mercury Lounge, with Zachary Cale
Jun 18 Boston, MA, Brighton Music Hall, with Gem Club
Jun 20 Toronto, ON, The Drake, with Nyssa
Jun 21 Chicago, IL, Lincoln Hall, with In Tall Buildings
Jun 22 Minneapolis, MN, Dakota, with Alan Sparhawk (Low)
Jun 23 San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall, with Matt Kivel
Jun 24 Seattle, WA, Columbia City Theater, with Karl Blau
Jun 25 Los Angeles, CA, Bootleg Theater, with Matt Kivel
Jun 26 Denver, CO, Daniels Hall (Solo), with in/PLANES
Jun 29 Indianapolis, IN, Luna Music (Solo), no support
