Photo Credit: Dino Perrucci
After hitting its 25-year mark, Chicago-formed improv-rock outfit Umphrey’s McGee have followed up on the momentous occasion by delivering a new single, “Staircase,” which lands just months after their latest full-length release, Asking For A Friend.
The group’s bassist, Ryan Stasik, provided background on the new number which was contrived during the COVID-19 lockdown. According to Stasik, the song came about after a morning surf session using nothing more than the TonePad app on his phone.
“I thought it was pretty cool and added some drum loops, some Moog Taurus basslines, and some synth bass. Then I sent it to [guitarist Brendan] Bayliss asking if he could add anything or work his magic,” Stasik recalls via press release.
With Bayliss on board, the guitarist adds his take, “I recorded some vocals over [Stasik’s] parts and then a few months later I was messing around with what is now the chorus section. Once I spliced the two together I knew that we had just finished a new song; one that doesn’t sound like anything else we were working on at that time.”
The new number arrives as the ensemble embarks on an extensive year-long run celebrating their silver jubilee, known as umXXV. As a bonus, the group also revealed that they have partnered with Lively, an all-new, online live experience platform, which will present fans with umXXV Digital Collectibles from their ongoing tour. Only a limited amount of 25 will be released per show, giving fans verifiable ownership.
“As we kick off our 25th-anniversary tour, we’re excited to continue to engage with the UM fan base using another innovative technology,” adds keyboardist Joel Cummins. “Each show on the tour will be commemorated with 25 limited edition copies featuring unique ticket stub art & soundboard audio. It’s going to be a fun ride and we’re excited to have you join us.”
For more information visit umphreys.xyz. Listen to the band’s new single, “Staircase,” below.
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