Mating Ritual has unveiled the stunning single “Thief” today. The track is from Mating Ritual’s forthcoming debut album, How You Gonna Stop It?, which will be released on June 9 via Ryan Lawhon’s own label Smooth Jaws. Listen to the song now below!
How You Gonna Stop It? is about transition. The transition from child to adult; from dependent to independent; from unemployed to employed; from committed to single. After having two different bands that were signed to major labels, Ryan was frustrated with the process and was inspired to carve out his own path with Mating Ritual, ultimately creating his own label Smooth Jaws to release the music.
To celebrate the album release, Mating Ritual decided to do away with the traditional release party, and instead curated a benefit concert, No Matter What, on June 24 at The Hi Hat in LA. The day-long party will consist of performances by a group of LA-based musicians and benefit Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley. The event is presented by Vinyl Moon/Burning Ear and Smooth Jaws, and lineup includes performances by Mating Ritual, Beginners, DYAN, La Bouquet, Oddnesse, Inspired and the Sleep, The Openers, and DJ sets from Sir Sly, DJ L0L0 (From Pr0files) and Bad Wave. More information is available HERE.