Strand of Oaks, the internationally critically acclaimed musical project of Tim Showalter, has released a new single, “Party at Monster Lake” today. The song welcomes his fellow misfits and outcasts, exalting the bond of chosen family and the rejuvenating force of community. Seamlessly blending folk influences with rich, psychedelic synths, the song takes listeners on a transcendent journey, where every note resonates with the vibrant spirit of unity and acceptance.
The song is off Strand of Oaks’ eighth studio album, Miracle Focus, out June 7th via Western Vinyl. The album marks a bold departure from Showalter’s previous introspective and deeply cathartic works that tapped into his own traumas. The songs on Miracle Focus celebrate bliss and connection, and were written following Showalter’s transformative embrace of meditation. Influences like Ram Dass, yoga, Freddie Mercury, Alice Coltrane, and the Beastie Boys weave through the deeply fun album, creating a joyful soundscape rich with synth layers and mantra-like lyrics.
The new single is paired with a semi-surreal, intimate slice of life music video filmed in Nijmegen, Netherlands. Director Ruud Gielen says of it, “When Tim asks to embody having the best time of your life on video. There is only one way to go, do it while making memories with loved ones. “Party at Monster Lake” feels like how we want to relive our memories. Golden sunsets, the best weather, no clock ticking and smiles for days.”
To celebrate Miracle Focus, Showalter has announced special US live dates including two shows in NYC plus Los Angeles and more. This will mark the first-ever Strand of Oaks tour performed as a duo, with Showalter joined by Miracle Focus co-producer Kevin Ratterman (Ray LaMontagne, Heartless Bastards, Joan Shelley) on drums. Full routing below.
2024 Strand of Oaks Tour Dates:
6/21 – Austin, TX – Parish
6/29 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge – Early show
6/29 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge – Late show
7/13 – Los Angeles, CA – Zebulon
7/18 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th St. Entry
7/19 – Chicago, IL – The Empty Bottle
7/20 – Indianapolis, IN – The Hi Fi
7/21 – Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club
9/13 – Enschede, NL – Metropool
9/15 – Amsterdam, NL – Bitterzoet
9/19 – Berlin, DE – Kantine am Berghain
9/22 – London, UK – Omeara
9/24 – Brussels, BE – Ancienne Belgique