King Mixer’s ‘Hang On’ album has found a launching site at Martyrs in Chicago on June 18. It’s about guitars and harmonies, wild behavior, birthdays and brethren, a live horn section and various surprise musical guests, coming and going together in celebration of a project which began exactly two years ago, this month.  I’m excited to to launch this music into the world like the screaming newborn spastic it is, as we raise the roof as one, like proud drunk parents.

Also on the bill: The Phil Angotti band.  Phil Angotti is my doppelganger, my compadre, the musical yin to my yang. When Martyrs asked if I had an opening act in mind, I immediately said “Phil.”  The man has the dual-vocal capability of a solemn angel like Elliot Smith, or the razor-cut grit of a McCartney “Helter Skelter”, which Phil conjures at will, repeatedly, without fail. The bastard. I still don’t know how it does it.  We’ve traveled together to Liverpool, England, and back, in the name of vintage guitars, scouse accents and actualizing the dream. Many can testify to the joy and energy Phil puts into his musicianship, along with his band, but for those who don’t know, June 18th is my chance to convert you.  Lord knows me and Phil shall cross paths on stage more than once on this night.

Also confirmed:  King Mixer will be graced with the presence of power pop royalty during our set, with an appearance by the legendary Cliff Johnson of Off Broadway.

The first 50 people in the door will receive a free copy of  ‘Hang On’, the new LP from King Mixer (preview the full album here).   It’s all part of the King Mixer launch party and we aim to mix it up!  So ring your sitters, bring your sisters and drag your most skeptical pals to this party.  They’ll be thanking you for weeks afterwards, or your money back. See you ’round the clubs!

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