Photo by Wyndham Garnett
Today, former frontman of Dr. Dog, Scott McMicken, shared the latest release with his new project Scott McMicken and THE EVER-EXPANDING, titled “Mountian Lion.” In celebration of the release of their latest single, the ensemble announced some of their first-ever shows.
“Mountian Lion” comes from Scott McMicken and THE EVER-EXPANDING’s upcoming debut LP Shabang, set to release on March 31, and utilizes McMicken’s decision to collaborate with complete strangers for his new project – very much unlike Dr. Dog, which was made up of his lifelong friends.
Due to the lack of familiarity, McMicken was able to give abstract directions. “The last thing I’m going to do is walk in the room and say, ‘This is your part,’” McMicken said of the creation of the track, which in turn embodies an unlimited spirit of individual self-expression. He went on to share that he encouraged improvisation in the studio and advocated for its use himself, being as broad as asking the band to get going on G minor and simply say, “I’m gonna sing about some animals.”
Despite not being close acquaintances with his new bandmates (Nick Kinsey, Elizabeth Pupo-Walker, Neil Ochoa, Jared Samuel, Zach Tenorio, and Paul Castelluzzo) other than Michael Nau, McMicken shared about the importance of committing fully to their creative process.
“I knew nothing good will come of this unless I am totally free and away from any pressure and pretense,” said McMicken. “Such an incredible spectrum of emotion passed through me while making this album. There was this lightness and un-self-seriousness. I feel like music and life cruises at that spot: everybody was so wholeheartedly invested and open.”
The aforementioned first-ever shows by the EVER-EXPANDING include a stop at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York on April 20, the Union Stage in Washington, D.C., on April 21 and the Theatre of The Living Arts on April 23.
Watch “Mountain Lion” below.
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TOUR DATES
4/20 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
4/21 – Washington DC – Union Stage
4/23 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of The Living Arts
Pre-order SHABANG
1. What About Now
2. Reconcile
3. Letters To The Editor
4. Mountain Lion
5. In My Mind
6. Shabang
7. Another One
8. Ever Expanding
9. Grateful
10. Restart
11. Ace In The Hole
12. Diamonds In The Snow
13. Worried Mind