Idle Empress

It’s been a hot minute since we heard the sweet sounds of Idle Empress’ debut self-titled EP, but now – having recently relocated to the Twin Cities – the trio is back with two brand new singles, “Envy” and “Habits.” The songs, which premiered on Stereogum earlier this month, have been a fixture in the band’s live set for a while and lean into their rockier vibes to let them breathe with new life. Go check both of them out at idleempress.bandcamp.com

Every year, just before the holidays, Marijuana Deathsquads make it a point to blast a gig in Eau Claire, bringing tons of musician friends along for the ride. It’s typically been at the House of Rock, but with the club’s closing, the Deathsquads Xmas spectacular will find a new home at The Metro. This year’s date, Dec. 22, looks to be one of the best installments ever at the new venue alongside Twin Cities royalty Har Mar Superstar, and Shredders (a group made up of P.O.S., Sims, and Lazerbeak). Tickets go on sale soon, so keep an eye out!

Speaking of The Metro, the new event venue will play host to another Eau Claire mainstay, Decadent Cabaret – similarly displaced by the House of Rock’s absence. The first weekend of March 2018 marks the 39th anniversary of Decadent, The Metro being the seventh venue to host the weekend-long event, where local bands tribute their favorite legendary artists.

S. Carey – after being featured in a few movies and TV shows this year and even writing a song with Dierks Bentley – is now announcing a brand new full length album coming Feb. 23, 2018 titled Hundred Acres. With the announcement, Carey dropped a lush single called “Fool’s Gold,” and some expansive plans to tour the U.S. with opening act Gordi (who also contributes vocals to the new record). Hundred Acres continues Carey’s naturalist vision and minimalist style and will surely evoke the same transcendental beauty of his previous work. Mark your calendars for the release, and buy tickets to the tour at scarey.org/tour.