On July 12th, Chris Cohen will release Paint a Room, his fourth full-length and debut effort for Hardly Art. Sublime and sunlit, this collection of 10 songs considers dreamy new ways out of old predicaments, clearly stating the problem and dancing and singing their way somewhere new.
Following the subversively melodious opener and lead single, “Damage,” comes the illuminating new song, “Sunever.” Cohen wrote “Sunever” for a transgender child in his life while considering the difficulties that hard-and-fast categories can create. This song reminds us that we are “always in between” and that transitions are just a part of life. With the hook, he sweetly sings his vow: “You’re gonna find a way.” Cohen is tender and vulnerable in the lead, his voice cracking with feeling as the tune presses forward toward a better future. Directed by Guggenheim fellowship recipient Lilli Carré, you can watch this beautifully animated official video here.
Additionally, Chris Cohen has announced live shows in support of his forthcoming album. The first set of dates runs July 25-July 28th in California, with additional shows in September, October, and November. See below for a complete list of dates.
Thu. Jul. 25 - San Francisco, CA - The Chapel
Fri. Jul. 26 - Santa Cruz, CA - Moe’s Alley
Sat. Jul. 27 - Los Angeles, CA - 2220 Arts
Sun. Jul. 28 - Pioneertown, CA - Pappy and Harriets
Fri. Sep. 20 - Arcata, CA - Richard’s Goat
Sun. Sep. 22 - Seattle, WA - Madame Lou’s
Mon. Sep. 23 - Portland, OR - Polaris Hall
Tue. Oct. 22 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
Wed. Oct. 23 - Brooklyn, NY - Baby’s Alright
Thu. Oct. 24 - Providence, RI - AS220
Fri. Oct. 25 - Burlington, VT - Monkey House
Sat. Oct. 26 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz
Mon. Oct. 28 - Toronto, ON - The Garrison
Tue. Oct 29 - Grand Rapids, MI - Pyramid Scheme
Wed. Oct. 30 - Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
Thu. Oct. 31 - Columbus, OH - Ace of Cups
Fri. Nov. 01 - Allentown, PA - National Sokol's
Sun. Nov. 03 - Hudson Valley, NY - The Falcon
Paint a Room is now available to preorder on CD/LP/DSPs from Hardly Art. LP preorders from the Hardly Art Minimart, Mega Mart 2 (the new, UK-based sibling site to the world-famous Sub Pop Mega Mart), and select independent retailers in North America and the UK/EU will receive the album on Red vinyl.
Chris Cohen
Paint a Room
Track Listing:
1. Damage
2. Paint a Room
3. Sunever
4. Cobb Estate
5. Laughing
6. Wishing Well
7. Dog’s Face
8. Night or Day
9. Physical Address
10. Randy’s Chimes