Today brings big news from Brett Newski—he announced his third studio album, "Life Upside Down," coming out on Sept 7.
Newski says:
"The past few years I've struggled hard with feelings of massive anxiety in my personal and professional life. It was that nervous energy that sparked the creation of these recordings. I hope these songs are evidence that anxiety/depression isn't all terrible and can actually serve as positive, motivational force. I wrote this album for the outsiders, introverts, and independent thinkers...what some would call the 'non-cool crowd.' These are my people. The ones who don't jump on bandwagons or care what their peers are wearing, watching or listening to. This album will not help you gain 'scene cred' or popularity, but it will offer you a safe place to go when life gets wobbly."
Everyone is under the thumb of something: anxiety, toxic relationships, self-bullying, a miserable job, the list goes on. Brett Newski says that "Life Upside Down" is an album about turning life right side up. It's about getting free from the worst enemy of all: thyself.
Brett Newski has certainly been through a lot over the past 6 years: touring infinitely (mostly alone) and wandering down the rabbit hole of anxiety and depression. But, he says that all of these negatives have blossomed into positive creative energy on his third LP.
"Anxiety can actually be a good thing. If you use it right, that nervous energy can be channeled into motivation or creativity," explains Newski. "Even the most seemingly confident people have self doubt."
Produced by Hutch Harris of Sub-Pop legends The Thermals and engineered by Beau Sorenson (Death Cab for Cutie, Superchunk, Bob Mould), "Life Upside Down" is a beautiful catharsis to a happier brain and sense of belonging. If you frequently find yourself stuck in your own head traffic, this record might help get you free.
And, the album artwork features a hand drawn Milwaukee skyline from Newski:
Growing up in Wisconsin on Pixies, Cake, Beck, Weezer and Violent Femmes (who Newski has toured with on several occasions), "Life Upside Down" channels a raw 90s sound that brings you back to an era where guitars were king and MacBooks didn't count as a live instrument.
Through June, you can get an early copy of the album (and a free T-shirt) on Patreon if you can't wait 'till September.
And, you can catch Brett Newski live on the "Life Upside Down" world tour. He'll be in Milwaukee at Anodyne on October 26.