Kiwi Jr. Releases New Indie-Pop Track Something Wicked
Toronto rockers share an outtake from their Blowin' Up album recording sessions.
1New Track Emerges
Toronto-based rock band Kiwi Jr. has released a new indie-pop single titled Something Wicked. The song serves as an outtake from the sessions for their recent album, Blowin' Up. It was recorded in Detroit, Michigan, under the production guidance of Graham Walsh, who is known for his work with Holy Fuck.
2Collaborative Recording Sessions
The band utilized a wide network of musicians during their Detroit studio time. Local Michigan artists including Stef Chura, Fred Thomas, and members of Protomartyr, specifically Joe Casey and Greg Ahee, contributed to the sessions. Additionally, the band collaborated with international musicians such as Kerri Maclellan from Alvvays and Margaux Bouchaudon from En Attendant Ana.
3Songwriting Origins
Frontman Jeremy Gaudet noted that Something Wicked was among the first songs written for the Blowin' Up project. Despite being a favorite for the band to perform live, the track was ultimately excluded from the final album tracklist. The band felt its distinct mood and thematic ideas did not align with the record.
4Lyrical Inspiration
The lyrics for the song draw inspiration from Shakespearean witches. Gaudet explains that the narrative focuses on brewing trouble that steers individuals off their intended course. The song explores the concept of unexpected difficulties appearing in various shapes and sizes, reflecting a sense of looming mischief that catches people completely off guard.
5Upcoming European Tour
Kiwi Jr. is scheduled to embark on a series of live performances across Europe throughout November. The tour kicks off on November 6 at the Pitchfork Festival in London. Subsequent stops include venues in Leeds, Brighton, Brussels, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Paris, concluding with appearances in Germany at the Haldern Pop Bar and Rolling Stone Weekend.
6North American Dates
Following their European run, the band will transition to North American tour dates starting in late November. They are set to perform in Montreal and Ottawa before the end of the year. In January 2025, the band will continue their tour with shows in Boston, Brooklyn, and Washington, DC, at the Pearl Street Warehouse.
7Production Context
The recording sessions for Blowin' Up represent a significant collaborative effort for the band. By enlisting a diverse group of contributors from both the local Detroit scene and their broader musical circle, Kiwi Jr. expanded their sonic palette. This approach highlights the band's commitment to evolving their sound through varied creative partnerships.
8Artistic Evolution
The release of an outtake like Something Wicked provides fans with insight into the band's creative process. It demonstrates how songs are curated for an album and why certain tracks are left behind despite their quality. This release serves as a standalone piece that captures a specific moment in the band's recent development.
Original article: Stereogum — Kiwi Jr. Releases New Indie-Pop Track Something Wicked