Brett Newski Officially set to Play Show in the Satanist Church of Iowa

If the last five years haven't been weird enough, it's time to ice the cake. This Friday 5/5/17 marks the first official show at "The First Satanist Church of Iowa", a small house/temple created by local Cedar Rapids maniac, 'Sweet Chucky B.' Satan sounds like a total jerk, but I hear he throws good parties. Honestly I'm not sure where I stand on all this heaven and hell stuff, but I'm excited to officially be playing the weirdest DIY venue of all time.

Chucky B is the most legendary screw ball I met while living in Vietnam. I witnessed Chuck eat cow hearts, chicken feet and stallion cock in his soup. I also watched him strangle out a gang of three Vietnamese men over a road rage altercation in a Saigon.

Probably too brilliant for his own good, Chucky B has officially founded a satanist church. Is he a real satanist? Or is he just in it for the government benefits of being an official religious organization in America? Come and decide for yourself this Friday. The address is 1515 6th Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA.

"The Worst of Brett Newski" is a folk/punk album full of energy juice that explodes in your car stereo.

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"Worst of Brett Newski" US TOUR

5/5 - Satanist Church of Iowa - Cedar Rapids, IA

5/6 - Des Moines Social Club outside - Des Moines, IA (day 1pm)

5/6 - The Warming House - MPLS, MN (night)

5/9 - Rumba Cafè - Columbus, OH tix

5/11 - Calvin Center for the Arts - Youngstown, OH

5/12 - Fountain Square Brewery - Indianapolis, IN

5/13 - Shank Hall - Milwaukee, WI tix

5/14 - High Noon Saloon - Madison, WI

5/28 - Stone Arch Brew Pub - Appleton, WI

"Bro Country" off the upcoming LP "The Worst of Brett Newski: Songs to Sink the American Dream": http://brettnewski.com/new-album-the-worst-of-brett-newski-songs-to-sink-the-american-dream-out-28-april/#

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Myspace Music invites Brett Newski as "Artist of the Day", Retracts Offer

Photo: Cortney Armitage

What?! Myspace is still online? Formerly known as a spam-filled graveyard of shady businesses and internet predators, MySpace has been resurrected back into a legitimate music blog. Imagine the excitement that ran thru my soul when they invited me to be their "Artist of the Day" in anticipation of the new album "The Worst of Brett Newski". Myspace sent me a list of homogenized, stock questions which I had endless fun answering. Much to my dismay, their "Artist of the Day" offer was retracted after the interview was "not taken seriously”. For your enjoyment, we’ve decided to publish the hard-hitting journalism that was too risque for the most serious music blog in the game.

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Name: Brett Newski / Hometown: Milwaukee, WI / Instruments: one man band

MYSPACE: Tell me about your most recent music project. BN: It's called "the Worst of Brett Newski".

How would you describe your music to people who had never heard it before? For someone who has never been to one of your shows, what can they expect from you as a performer?

Some call it American Folk Armageddon. Some call it indie rock. It's like violent femmes meets early weeZer. Here's how I get pumped before shows:

Brett and Danimal travel to Scandinavia and find the best makeshift gyms to get "ripped" on tour. http://brettnewski.com

Who are some of your musical influences? What aspects of their music drew you to them and in what ways did they inspire you?

'Dookie' by Green Day was my first cd. "New miserable experience" by gin blossoms was second. I hate when people make fun of gin blossoms. Best 90s band I tell ya.

From what else do you draw inspiration for your music? Airports and airplanes and trains. I love writing in these places. Except one time in Sri Lanka I was on a train that a large man jumped in front of and exploded. Weirdest day.

What's the songwriting process like? I'm usually pretty anxious and need to chill. What often works is eating a jelly filled long john donut. The high fructose corn syrup immediately suppresses all your anxiety and energy. And then you're depressed, which is good for song making.

What was that defining moment when you knew you were meant to create music and how did you go about it? I lived in vietnam for two years and got paid 3k to make a 30 second music jingle for a tampon ad. That's when I knew.

How did the your unique sound come about? Hey these questions are totally stock.

Tell me about one of the your favorite/most memorable performances. On a tour of South Africa in 2014, I played to 2000 people and then the next night played to two.

What's next for you? Are there any specific goals that you have in mind for the future? I'm at SXSW getting all the free keychains and koozies. Is that how you spell koozies?

Is there anything else you’d like to add about yourself or your music? Yes! This (Crusty Adventures below) is my life summed up in 2 minutes. Thank you MySpace friends!

It can be tough to eat well on the road. Here are the essential foods you'll need while traveling to stay in premium shape. http://brettnewski.com/

Quit Your Job: A song for the overworked American

Almost every American has been trapped in the humdrum routine of 'get up, go to work, go to sleep.' Retire when you're 65. Get as much money as possible while you can. You can see the depression lurking over this country on the faces of it's people. These are leftover ideas from the "American Dream", conforming to the 9-5 because you'll be effed without a stable gig. I've been there; running in circles of anxiety and depression just to break even and pay insurance, grocery and electric bills. "Quit Your Job" is a song for anyone who wants to get free. I believe when you break the cycle, odds are you're going to land on your feet. QUIT YOUR JOB. Freedom is closer than you'd think.

Off the forthcoming album "The Worst of Brett Newski: Songs to sink the American Dream" out April 28 via Nomad Union. Co-written by Jon Shaban from the excellent folk/band band The Shabs (S Africa). ---

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ArtistDirect premieres new video for "Bro Country", examines realities of Macho Culture

"Bro Country" off the upcoming LP "The Worst of Brett Newski: Songs to Sink the American Dream": http://brettnewski.com/new-album-the-worst-of-brett-newski-songs-to-sink-the-american-dream-out-28-april/#

"Bro Country" is the hottest musical genre in America at the moment. It's sexy. It's macho. It's catchy. It's polished. It's perfect. Solid gold sing-a-longs performed by wax-chested mega studs that could bend the straightest alpha male non-straight. "Bro Country" is a Hollywood hit machine of formula perfection that hooks deep into the human psyche and never lets go. It is a drug. It is a hard drug. If you are not addicted, you will be soon. So grab a Bud Light, some hair gel, and a barbed-wire tattoo, it's time to get fucked up. Jello shots. Today, ArtistDirect premieres the new video for "Bro Country" off the forthcoming album "The Worst of Brett Newski: Songs to Sink the American Dream" out April 29. 

IMPORTANT FOOTNOTE: "Bro Country" is also a love song for Taylor Swift.

SALUTE TO DAVE GROHL: Cartoon Dave Grohl makes an appearance at the end. He's been one of the strongest voices encouraging people who play actual live instruments and keep music "human". He deserves a salute.

DISCLAIMER: I got my ass whooped a lot in high school by some of these alpha males, so perhaps the song is a vent as well. Honestly, I was a total pussy in high school and probably deserved it.

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New Album Announcement: "The Worst of Brett Newski: Songs to sink the American Dream" out 28 April

Hey Friends, I'm pumped to announce "The Worst of Brett Newski: Songs to sink the American Dream". Some people might love this album. Other people might think it’s a total piece of poo. Whatever you decide is cool. Just continue to live your life. Maybe some of these songs will provide at least minor justice to aspects of society that piss you off. Maybe not…but also maybe so, because even if you don’t like the songs you can use the disc as a Frisbee or just break it over your leg, and that’s justice right there to certain types of folks. “The Worst of Brett Newski” is not a comedy album. It is not an assortment of B-sides. It’s not going to change your life, unless it does. If it does, that’s also great and gives Brett a reason to plow forward into the future and avoid going back to work at Mcdonalds. Have a nice day. -Brett

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE via Reybee:

Underdog indie rock nomad Brett Newski has returned to release his newest LP The Worst of Brett Newski: Songs to Sink the American Dream on April 28th. The album crawls into the minds of our society picking apart the displeasures of outdated ideologies - whether it’s talking about politics ("Make America Great Again"), materialism ("Black Friday Totally Sucks"), or even “manly macho-ism” stereotypes ("Bro Country"). The Worst of Brett Newski provides much needed social commentary in volatile times.

Coming off his most recent album Land, Air, Sea, Garage, which was an exploration of powerpop and indie rock melodies, Newski has changed his tone on this album to a more raunchy folk-punk sound, resonating with the listener by critiquing society’s faults through humor. His sarcastic disposition shines through in the first track “Bro Country” which mocks alpha male country pop stars in a catchy chorus saying, “Kurt Cobain’s a pussy, Taylor Swift is the man”. The appropriately-timed paean to the Austin-based Springtime music convention, “I Don’t Wanna Go To SXSW” changes the pace of the record by skewering the maligned-as-of-late festival in his classic charmingly self-effacing Newski style. The hilarious song “Fuck You Spotify” snarkily addresses the deterioration of the music industry business model of streaming revenue.

There are not many who can be compared to what Brett Newski has accomplished over the years. Whether it’s living on four different continents in five years, or writing jingles for Vietnamese tampon commercials, Newski has clearly proven he thrives off the DIY lifestyle. The former McDonalds employee now makes a living touring around the world driving his shitty car named “Chuck Ragan the Car” from venue to venue as a one man band. Newski has become an anti-hero of sorts who has never played by the rules of the music business, pairing up conventional touring strategies (like playing music venues) with unconventional booking tactics like the “One Man Garage Band Tour” or “Weirdest Venues in the World Tour”, setting up shows in old garages, kitchens, attics, and murder houses.

The Worst of Brett Newski will be independently released on Nomad Union April 28, 2017

South Africa Tour Announced

Poster: Tim Cote

JUST ANNOUNCED: 4th annual South Africa Tour! I'm obsessed with this country. In March/April I'll be touring both coasts with my best pals & underground folk/punk legends The Shabs (CPT). Presented by Texx and the City & Nomad Union.

24.3 - Sit the Folk Down - CPT

25.3 - Farmhouse Rocks - Scarborough

30.3 - Bohemia, Stellenbosch

31.3 - NOT SIFF FEST - CPT

2.4 - Park Acoustics - PTA

7.4 - The Good Luck Bar w Shortstraw - JHB

8.4 - Arcade Empire w BCUC- PTA

11.4 - La Casa - The Home Of Music - PMB

12.4 - Noble Coffee - DBN

Kiff kiff kiff lekka my chaunas!

German DIY Label DISCOS DEL DEMONIO release new single

While touring in Leipzig, Germany last year I met a Spanish-born satanist who runs a DIY record label called Discos Del Demonio. He was intense, and I was quite certain he'd killed people before. Today he releases this new single called "Everybody Knows You Can't Sleep with Your Eyes Closed". It's about avoiding the American Dream at all costs and breaking free of outdated ideologies created by old dead white guys. <a href="http://discos-del-demonio.bandcamp.com/album/everybody-knows-you-cant-sleep-with-your-eyes-closed">Everybody Knows You Can't Sleep With Your Eyes Closed by Brett Newski</a>

"Everybody Knows You Can't Sleep with Your Eyes Closed" was recorded in Milwaukee and New York City when I was but a wee man at the age of 25. Big daddy Shane played the drums and I played everything else. Side B is an Ezra Furman cover. Grady Owens tracked the Ezra song to tape in his Brooklyn apartment after we plowed cheap Chinese food and swill Pilsner. There is no space in that city but that's why it's a magical world & it's like living in a Lego land.

My Top 12 Musical Heroes of 2016

2016 was my favorite year so far as a person who is alive. These are the musicians who inspired me most over the past 345 days :) (In no particular order).

Kevin Morby - About once a year, I find a new record I’m sooooper pumped about. Morby takes the cake this year. His sound is timeless and it’s rad to see a guitar rock songwriter making some big waves. He's also got the best mop top in the game.

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Matthew Caws (Nada Surf) - Frankly, I’m pissed at myself for not discovering Nada Surf sooner. A primo melody and guitar band, songwriter Matthew Caws has not written a bad record. He’s a testament to staying in the game for the long haul and not compromising his songwriting/production for a mass audience. This man has taught me to be consistent and write the songs I want to write.

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Willy Porter - The first time I saw Willy P, I was but a wee man around the age of 12-13 at a festival in Milwaukee. This February, I was a full-grown human and I opened a show for Willy P. Willy is the best guitar player I’ve seen in real life. The next day I hit Willy with a message seeking wisdom and career advice. He called me back within ten minutes and dropped two hours of knowledge on how to stay in the game and avoid burnout. This advice helped me greatly in 2016.

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David Bazan - Bazan still loves sleeping in his car on tour, which I can relate to. You’ve got to respect a man who still loves grinding the road after almost 20 years. I ran into Bazan at a house show in Madison and he offered pertinent touring advice to staying sane on the road while plowing across so many lonely miles.

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Gordon Gano + Brian Ritchie (Violent Femmes) - At the age of 13 I went to California to visit my uncle. On this trip, I met Shaquille O’neal. Thus, I swear I’d never return to Cali because that trip could never be topped…BUT THEN the strangest thing happened. The Violent Femmes asked me to open shows for them on the west coast. This was way better than meeting SHAQ. Brian and Gordon were sweet to take me under their wing and we had some good hangs in So Cal. Big honor. Hopefully I get to open some shows for SHAQ too.

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Keith Murray (We Are Scientists) - So many artists take themselves way too seriously. We are Scientists do not. Co-founder Keith Murray is one funny muddafooka, and a brilliant hybrid of great songwriter and comedy writer. I ran into Keith this summer in Nashville and we chatted about the benefits of being an anxious person and how anxiety can fuel creativity & progress. Check out WAS skits and tunes online: http://wearescientists.com/shorts/

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Ben Kweller - With an unpolished voice and raw production, Kweller sticks to his guns. There’s only one guy that sounds like Ben Kweller, and it’s Ben Kweller. Not even the greatest 3D printer from the future could come close to copying this man’s sound.

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Steven Page (ex-Barenaked Ladies) - Page is the reason I started playing guitar and singing. After seeing Barenaked Ladies at the age of 13, I immediately went out and got a job at Mcdonalds so I could buy a guitar. Damn, did I dominate that fry-o-later. Eventually the $5.15/hr stacked up and I had myself a crappy Fender Strat knock-off. Out of all my heroes I’d most like to meet, it’d have to be Page.

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Dan Bern - Midwest is best. Iowa-native Dan Bern is a god damn champion of the road. I don’t know a dude who’s put more miles on the van than Bern. Watching fellas like Dan truly motivate me to keep trucking for the distance. It’s all about the long slow burn.

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Jonas Alaska - To warm up his voice for gigs, Jonas has a giant bong-like contraption of tubes and water bottles that makes promoters very nervous due to venue drug policy. Hahaha! Jokes on them. It’s just hot water and air. Jonas has a buttery golden voice. It's possible he just chows sticks of butter before singing to get that primo sound. Great guy. Was fun to play a show with him in Norway this year.

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Brian Sella (Front Bottoms) - Proof that people still give a shit about lyrics, the Front Bottoms have built one of the “cultiest” followings in the game. Brian is perhaps the most literal songwriter out there. Good luck finding a dude who writes more vivid and clever lyrics.

New York City LP release + Boston + Philly

Last time I attempted to head east I wound up in the hospital with a broken voice and a camera down my throat. But NOW Im back on the horse! Finally getting back east for these shows...see ya there! 12/1 - Rockwood Music Hall - NYC 12/3 - Cafe 939 - Boston, MA tix 12/4 - Bourbon & Branch - Philadelphia, PA

Land Air Sea Garage Out in US Nov 1

Hey Legends, I've touched down in California for the first west coast shows ever. Violent Femmes have been kick ass dudes in having me open their shows. "Land Air Sea Garage" US tour is underway, and the LP officially is available all over 'merica starting Nov 1 with US release shows below. Wear your 90's garage band gear to the shows yo.

LAND AIR SEA GARAGE US 21 Oct | Pomona, CA Fox Theater w/ Violent Femmes 23 Oct | San Diego, CA Observatory North Park w/ Violent Femmes 24 Oct | Ventura, CA Ventura Theatre w/ Violent Femmes 03 Nov | Racine, WI George’s Tavern 04 Nov | Madison, WI The Frequency 05 Nov | Milwaukee, WI Cactus Club 06 Nov | Chicago, IL Uncommon Ground 10 Nov | Burnsville, MN The Garage 11 Nov | Minneapolis, MN The Warming House 12 Nov | Rock Island, IL Rozz Tox 13 Nov | Des Moines, IA The Basement – Des Moines Social Club 14 Nov | Cedar Falls, IA Cedar Valley House Concerts 15 Nov | Cedar Rapids, IA Mad Modern 17 Nov | Newport, KY Southgate House Revival Room 18 Nov | Toledo, OH Fleetwood’s Taproom 19 Nov | Pittsburgh, PA Black Forge Coffee House 20 Nov | Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom 22 Nov | Appleton, WI Stone Cellar Brewpub 23 Nov | Bloomington, IL Castle Theatre 01 Dec | New York, NY Rockwood Music Hall 03 Dec | Boston, MA Cafe 939 04 Dec | Philadelphia, PA Bourbon & Branch

West Coast Dates w/ Violent Femmes

After 8 weeks and 40 shows in Europe, Im trekking back to US soil to open up for the Violent Femmes out west. The only time I've ever been to LA I met Shaquille O'neal. I swore I'd never return, as it'd be impossible to top meeting SHAQ, BUT this MIGHT BEAT IT. I've been a huge Femmes fan most of my life, so this is one of the highest of singular honors for me. See you there pals.

Supporting Violent Femmes 21 Oct - Fox Theatre - Pomona, CA 23 Oct - Observatory North Park - San Diego, CA 24 Oct - Ventura Theatre - Ventura, CA