Billy Howerdel’s What Normal Was Available Now; North American Tour Kicked Off June 12th
Out of all the words in the dictionary, the word “normal” is one that can spark a huge discussion among peers. That’s because “normal” is very much a beholder type of thing. It’s a very loose ended type of a deal, which heavily leans on personal standards or ones created by a certain group of people.
As history would show us time and time again, there are individuals who stand out. Wherein every expectation and standard are shattered, all while blowing our minds in a constant basis. Just like Billy Howerdel, who fits this bill to a tee circa 1999 via the band “A Perfect Circle”.
While still part of the group, he has since ventured into solo projects such as “Eat The Elephant”, “aMOTION”, “Emotive” to name a few. Continuing down that path, he now has a new EP called “What Normal Was” which was released last June 10th under Alchemy Recordings/ BMG. A ten-track album that delves deep into the abyss called loneliness, sadness, and depression. All tinged with his signature dark palette and artistic view on things.
Looking at the record closely, this is anything but ordinary. In fact, it goes above and beyond than just providing us listeners a musical experience. With songs such as “Selfish Hearts”, “Free And Weightless”, “Ani”, “The Same Again”, “Beautiful Mistake”, “Poison Flowers”, “Follower”, “Bring Honor Back Home”, “EXP” and “Stars”, Howerdel takes us on a journey that could rival any fantasy film out there. Darker than the land of Mordor in J.R.R.’s LOTR, he takes us in a grotesque world filled with gothic and ethereal imagery good enough to disintegrate us to awe struck pieces.
In peaks where words can’t seem to reach, he uses his musicality and guitar to paint pictures that say, although the subject tackled might seem like the walls are caving in on you. The truth of the matter is, there is still hope that exists. Not in the distant corner of the universe, but right there next to you. Sure, it’s unrecognizable now, but in due time it will make itself known. It could be a fellow living being, an object or a reality that will aide you to wipe away the cobwebs.
In the valleys where words could reach, he enhances this with lyrics that will make you think and reminisce about your life. More specifically those times when you were down, and longing for something, someone or somewhere. A harrowing thing to conjure up when listening to music, but if you come to think of it. It’s a subtle pat on the back telling you that you’ve done well, and you’re a warrior comparable to the mightiest ones out there. So, keep your head up, hold the torch of life up high and let’s go conquer all those demons that try to rip us asunder.
With this masterpiece already at the palm of our hands, Billy Howerdel isn’t done just yet. He has yet another gift for us in the form of a US tour that began June 12th. Here are the dates, and venues to take note of:
TUES, JUNE 28 – METRO, Chicago, Illinois
WED, JUNE29– NEWPORT MUSIC HALL, Columbus, Ohio
FRI, JULY 1– MEADOW BROOK AMPHITHEATRE, Rochester Hills, Michigan
SAT, JULY 2 – AXIS CLUB, Toronto, Ontario
SUN, JULY 3– CAFÉ CAMPUS, Montreal, Quebec
TUES, JULY 5– BRIGHTON MUSIC HALL, Allston (Boston), Massachusetts
WED, JULY 6 – GRAMERCY THEATRE, New York, New York
FRI, JULY 8 – THEATRE FOR THE LIVING ARTS, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
SAT, JULY 9– BALTIMORE SOUNDSTAGE, Baltimore, Maryland
SUN, JULY 10– THE UNDERGROUND, Charlotte, North Carolina
TUES, JULY 12– MASQUERADE, Atlanta, Georgia
THURS, JULY 14– HOUSE OF BLUES, New Orleans, Louisiana
FRI, JULY 15– WHITE OAK MUSIC HALL, Houston, Texas
SAT, JULY 16– THE ECHO LOUNGE & MUSIC HALL, Dallas, Texas
SUN, JULY 17– EMO’S AUSTIN, Austin, Texas
WED, JULY 20– CRESCENT BALLROOM, Phoenix, Arizona
SUN, JULY 24-RESCHEDULED FROM JUNE 11, VENTURA MUSIC HALL Ventura, California
TUES, JULY 26– BELLY UP, Solana Beach, California
Tickets and additional information are available here.
In search for more Billy Howerdel? If so, then go ahead and follow his official website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, for more hardcore content.
Keep on rockin’ folks!
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