Acclaimed Philadelphia-raised singer-songwriter Dave Hause has announced his brand new studio album, titled Kick (pre-order). Out on Friday, April 12 via Rise Records, Kick is Hause’s fourth solo outing that finds him carrying on in the voice and tradition of classic American songwriters, tackling topics of hope, depression, global warming, a crumbling democracy, and growing old. These complex notions weave together with a joyous sing-along cadence that creates a soundtrack for the broken American dream.
“The Ditch,” the lead single from Kick, finds Hause, along with his brother and “musical soulmate” Tim Hause, facing mental health issues head-on, marking the first time in their respective careers that they’ve openly discussed their own struggles with depression. Listen to the song now below.
In addition to the album announcement, Hause has announced a run of shows this spring in support of Kick. Making appearances in Los Angeles, CA, San Francisco, CA, Philadelphia, PA, Boston, MA, Minneapolis, MN, Chicago, IL, Toronto, ON and Brooklyn, NY through parts of March and April, the tour has already sold out a number of nights upon their announce. A full listing of dates can be found below with tickets available on Hause’s official website HERE.
“Life is a struggle. Even when things go our way, it’s a constant swim against the tide,
kicking against the current in the hope we’ll eventually find the shore.”
That’s the premise behind Dave Hause’s new album titled Kick that will be released on Friday, April 12 through Rise Records. Kicking was the first thing he saw his newborn twins do and it’s something he himself has been doing all his life. His career as a musician has spanned two decades, and his songs have always been a quest for personal survival – about pushing through against the odds – but his perspective shifted dramatically after the November 2016 election. Like many Americans, Hause believed the 2016 election divided people to create an “Us Vs. Them” mentality, but if you look closer, it’s just really people trying to survive. He felt it was important to write about the things that were happening to the people “who have to get up and go to work everyday.” That, Hause says, is when he and his brother and bandmate Tim Hause, really dug in.
Conflicting internal feelings sparked some deep, soul-searching conversations between Hause and Tim over numerous FaceTime sessions, voice notes and countless phone calls, which led to a cross-country songwriting relationship that would eventually lead to the album’s purpose and focus. There is a sense of hope and defiance that permeates this record from beginning to end. “Saboteurs” takes issue with the systems in place that value profits over well-being, while “Warpaint” serves as both a tribute to the women in Hause’s life as well as a moody call-to-arms.
Additionally, the tragic passing of friend and musical inspiration Scott Hutchison of Frightened Rabbit prompted the brothers to write about finding – and coming back to – a sense of meaning and purpose again after going through their own battles. Understandably, the album’s themes of finding the will to stick it out and make the best of where you are quickly became a major keystone of the new LP.
“I think those ideas show up in almost every song in some capacity. Beyond the personal lyrics,
the concept of ‘If I can’t make it out of this ditch, I better make a home of it’ can be
applied universally.”
Kick doesn’t sugarcoat either the personal problems or the global challenges at its center. At the core of this record there remains a vivid humanity and a hope that things can – and will – get better, even if it seems like the odds are stacked against us. When the only alternative is to drown, the first step towards survival is to kick. “There is comfort in desperation when you know that other people experience it too, and together you can both sing it and sing through it,“ Hause continues. ”As I listen back, I hope the album offers more comfort than desperation. I hope we got that balance right.”
Dave Hause will be making the following appearances this March and April. Dates below with more to be announced soon.
MARCH
29 – Los Angeles, CA – The Redwood
30 – San Francisco, CA – Thee Parkside
APRIL
03 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle (Sold Out)
04 – Philadelphia, PA – Boot & Saddle (Sold Out)
05 – Boston, MA – Great Scott
11 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
12 – Chicago, IL – GMan Tavern (Sold Out)
13 – Chicago, IL – GMan Tavern
14 – Toronto, ON – The Dakota Tavern
15 – Toronto, ON – The Dakota Tavern (Sold Out)
24 – Brooklyn, NY – Rough Trade