Tune-Yards, the dynamic duo of Merrill Garbus and Nate Brenner, have released their new single “How Big Is The Rainbow” – the final offering prior to the release of their upcoming album, Better Dreaming, out May 16. The track is accompanied by a music video featuring comedian and actress, Star Amerasu, and directed by Dominic Mercurio.
+ Listen to ‘How Big Is The Rainbow’ on all platforms now +
+ Watch the music video here +
On the new track, Merrill shares “The title lyric came out in a flash, and felt more sincere than I’ve ever been lyrically, maybe. But in this day and age, there is no room for subtlety when it comes to advocating for every single human being, for our trans family especially. And SHIT, how big IS the fucking rainbow?! It feels like the time to prove it to each other, to show each other how big it can be.” “How Big Is The Rainbow” follows pre-release singles “Limelight” and “Heartbreak.”’ The duo recently performed on CBS Saturday Morning. Record stores across America and Mexico will be celebrating the release of their new album this week with listening parties both at hi-fi listening bars and indie retail, and they will also be doing an in-store and signing at Amoeba Records in San Francisco on May 17th! For the hi-fi listening parties, you can RSVP here and the full list of additional album listening events can be seen here.
Tune-Yards have announced a full U.S. headline tour this fall, with newly added September dates kicking off in Boston on September 19 at Paradise Rock Club. The tour follows a handful of shows supporting Ani DiFranco, and includes stops at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC, Nashville’s Exit/In, Fine Line in Minneapolis, and wraps at New York City’s Bowery Ballroom. Today’s announcement follows the kickoff to their U.S. tour last week, featuring intimate shows in major cities in celebration of their upcoming album release. The band also recently announced a June West Coast run, with dates at The Bellwether in Los Angeles and a hometown show at Berkeley’s UC Theatre. These newly announced fall shows will mark the final leg of their U.S touring before heading overseas for a UK and European headline tour in November, including a performance at the Royal Festival Hall in London on November 22.
Based in Oakland, California, Tune-Yards shot to fame with their 2011 4AD label debut
W H O K I L L, which topped numerous critics year end lists. The album was preceded by their self-released cassette BiRd-BrAiNs and followed by three phenomenal records for the label – Nikki Nack, I can feel you creep into my private life and 2021’s sketchy. Garbus and Brenner are also known for their film score and composition work including the Boots Riley film Sorry To Bother You and TV series I’m A Virgo. They continue that collaboration with Riley on the upcoming NEON feature, I Love Boosters starring Keke Palmer, LaKeith Standfield and Demi Moore.
+ Pre-order Better Dreaming on standard black LP and CD +
+ Pre-order Better Dreaming on clear blue wave vinyl (indie retail exclusive) +
+ Pre-save on all digital platforms +
TUNE-YARDS TOUR DATES
May
7th – Johnny Brenda’s, Philadelphia, PA – SOLD OUT
9th – Assembly, Kingston, NY
10th – Space 538, Portland, ME
12th – The Stone Church, Brattleboro, VT
13th – Iron Horse Music Hall
15th – 101 Club, New York, NY – SOLD OUT
June
9th – Ventura Music Hall, Ventura, CA
11th – The Bellwether, Los Angeles, CA
13th – UC Theatre, Berkeley, CA
14th – Felton Music Hall, Felton, CA
15th – The Guild, Menlo Park, CA
17th – WOW Hall, Eugene, OR
18th – Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
September
9th – New Belgium Brewery, Fort Collins, CO*
10th – Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO*
11th – Chautauqua Auditorium, Boulder, CO*
14th – Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, San Diego, CA*
20th – XPoNential Music Festival, Camden, NJ
22nd – Howard Theatre, Washington, DC
24th – Cat’s Cradle, Carrboro, NC
25th – Terminal West, Atlanta GA
26th – Exit/In, Nashville, TN
27th – Off Broadway, St Louis, MO
29th – Hi-Fi, Indianapolis, IN
30th – Vivarium, Milkwaukee, WI
October
1st – Fine Line, Minneapolis, MN
2nd – The Majestic, Madison, WI
4th – Bell’s Back Room, Kalamazoo, MI
5th – El Club, Detroit, MI
6th – Skullys, Columbus, OH
8th – Mr. Smalls Theatre, Pittsburgh, PA
9th – Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY
November
15th – Festsaal Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany
17th – Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam, Netherlands
18th – Wintercirus, Gent, Belgium
19th – La Bellevilloise, Paris, France
21st – Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, Brighton, UK
22nd – EFG London Jazz Festival, London, UK
23rd – Aviva Studios, Manchester, UK
25th – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds, UK
26th – St Luke’s, Glasgow, UK
27th – The Fire Station, Sunderland, UK
29th – Whelan’s, Dublin, Ireland
* Supporting Ani DiFranco