With a hype-building NFT release ahead of their July 1st album, Asking For a Friend, Umphrey’s McGee is finding even more ways to be as innovative as their music.
The Chicago-based band has had a successful run of around 25 years playing their famous live shows, namely being a music festival staple, and implementing fun programs for their fans to participate in.
Their latest move is the Asking For A Friend NFT, conceived as a way to have fans gain even more access to the band’s endeavors as well as be a collectible teaser for the new record. The token grants access to an early stream of the record as well as the ability to ask the band questions and discuss the record. The NFT also lets fans access the album and its individual parts down to isolated guitar tracks. Within the limited release are randomly chosen NFTs that have one-of-a-kind features including handwritten lyrics or test press vinyls.
Asking For A Friend is the band’s first record since 2009 that hasn’t been played for fans at live shows. Guitarist and vocalist Brendan Bayliss describes the pandemic-influenced record as “tapping into the idea that we were all isolated yet somehow still connected and experiencing the same emotions.”
The record, from a band that would prefer polishing their songs on the stage, is the result of being pushed out of their comfort zone but still finding a way to make their unique brand of music. Accompanying the record – and another bonus for fans – is a behind-the-scenes podcast titled Talking Circles.
Their final single leading to the release of the album, “New Wings,” is an eclectic mix of elements like world beat, thick harmonies, and a signature funky guitar groove. You can tell that a band like this is meant to be playing live due to the danceability and overall vibe of the track.
With all of these new exciting experiences, Umphrey’s McGee’s trailblazing ways are a sight and sound to behold, and Asking For a Friend is the latest chapter in their ongoing jam band legacy.
Catch Umphrey’s McGee On Tour:
July 8 – Baldwinsville, NY – Bud Light Amphitheater at Paper Mill Island
July 9 – Marshfield, MA – Levitate Music & Arts Festival
July 10 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
July 14 – Outer Banks, NC – Roanoke Island Festival Park
July 15 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage
July 16 – Thornville, OH – The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival
July 21-24 – North Plains, OR – Northwest String Summit
Aug. 5-7 – Kenai Peninsula, AK – Salmonfest
Aug. 18 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park $
Aug. 19 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park $
Aug. 20 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns Amphitheater $
Aug. 21 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns Amphitheater
Aug. 24 – Grand Rapids, MI – Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Aug. 26-28 – Bridgeview, IL – Sacred Rose Festival
Sept. 1 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
Sept. 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Sept. 3 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
Sept. 4 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Sept. 8 – Salt Lake City, UT – Red Butte Garden
Sept. 9 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM
Sept. 29 – Richmond, VA – Music at Maymont
Sept. 30 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
Oct. 1 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre
Oct. 2 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
