Milwaukee singer/songwriter Joe Quinto is just one day away from releasing his new album "Blue Genes," and today he's sharing the final pre-release single from that project, an aptly titled track called "Bittersweet" featuring Miguel Diaz.
"This album was written almost entirely in 2019, before everything turned sideways," Quinto tells us. "That made the content in which it contains all the more pertinent with today's current socio-political and health issues running most of our lives. This album was entirely produced by myself and my friend/engineer Riley Benjamin and was recorded in a three-day weekend at a cabin in the middle of nowhere in La Farge, Wi."
Artists' statement
The album cover and subsequent "boxing gym" branding is a play on the fight of life. We all get up everyday and battle, unprepared for what's to come. We need to know ourselves, our surroundings, and each other to best make it through all of the rounds life will throw at us -- but no matter what, none of us leave unscathed.
In lieu of a release show, I organized an interactive and collaborative weeklong event around the upcoming debut album "Blue Genes." The main goal of this week is to unite some of who I deem to be Milwaukee’s best and most creative businesses with the intentions of getting people out and about after a long winter, supporting local businesses, and best of all, to raise money for a worthy cause. Being that this album is based around dealing with and managing mental health, a portion of proceeds of each item will go to NAMI Greater Milwaukee -- a local nonprofit focused on mental health awareness and resources.
All specials will run one week from the day they begin, some to run longer. Here's the list in order of the collaborating businesses as well as the items.
Monday 3/29 - Canni Hemp Co (Coastal Blend Tincture)
Tuesday 3/30 - Mazorca (Winter in Wisconsin Birria Taco)
Wednesday 3/31 - Peanut Butter & Jelly Deli (Blue Gene Sandwich)
Thursday 4/1 - FOURTHECITY (Limited Blue/Cream T-shirt colorway)
Friday 4/2 - Triciclo Peru (TBD themed drink special)