Under The Rug try to look on the bright side with their optimistic and clever new album happiness is easy =) — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The first half of the Austin trio’s new two-part album, this ambitious collection marks a significant milestone in the band’s evolving sound and artistic vision, capturing the essence of contemporary struggles and triumphs through a unique blend of indie-rock and introspective lyricism.
happiness is easy =) is a 30-song epic that delves into the complexities of finding happiness in today’s world. The album, produced by the band themselves, explores themes of joy, resilience and the human experience. The album spotlights the band’s diary-esque songwriting process and diverse influences. The album features contributions from renowned co-writers and musicians. Songs like mad girl’s love song, i don’t want to cry in my car anymore and you are a body were co-written with Sam Hollander (Panic! at the Disco, Fitz & The Tantrums). Additionally, the album includes a feature with Mason Jennings and synths and vocals by Basic Printer, who will be touring with the band this fall. The record was mastered by Phillip Shaw Bova (Angel Olsen, Father John Misty) and engineered by David Peters.
Lead vocalist Casey Dayan explains that the album’s title, happiness is easy =), is meant to be tongue-in-cheek, reflecting on the often elusive nature of happiness. The songs explore a wide range of emotions and experiences, from grappling with one’s identity to confronting life’s unexpected challenges. Dayan, who wrote the album while coming to terms with her transness, describes it as a continuation of their previous work, Homesick For Another World. “It’s just a natural continuation,” Dayan says. “It’s a big work, and it covers a lot of ground, musically.”
Over the past decade, Dayan, guitarist Sean Campbell and drummer Brendan McQueeney have masterfully blended indie, folk, and Americana with a strong emphasis on storytelling. Known for their DIY approach, they’ve cultivated a dedicated fan base through handwritten letters and their exclusive membership service The Secret Hideout. Their acclaimed LP Homesick For Another World and the single Lonesome and Mad have further solidified their reputation. With their upcoming release and a tour on the horizon, Under The Rug are poised to continue their remarkable success and touch even more hearts with their genuine and evocative music.
Listen to happiness is easy =) and check out Under The Rug’s tour dates below, and take it easy with them on their website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Under The Rug Tour Dates
Aug. 29 | Valley Bar | Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 31 | Venice West | Los Angeles, CA
Sept. 1 | Soda Bar | San Diego, CA
Sept. 6 | Brick & Mortar | San Francisco, CA
Sept. 7 | Goldfield Trading Post | Sacramento, CA
Sept. 9 | Madame Lou’s | Seattle, WA
Sept. 10 | The Showdown | Portland, OR
Sept. 12 | Kilby Court | Salt Lake City, UT
Sept. 13 | The Coast | Fort Collins, CO
Sept. 14 | Black Buzzard | Denver, CO
Sept. 17 | Blueberry Hill | St. Louis, MO
Sept. 19 | 7th Street | Minneapolis, MN
Sept. 20 | Beat Kitchen | Chicago, IL
Sept. 21 | The Sanctuary | Detroit, MI
Sept. 25 | Healer | Indianapolis, IN
Sept. 26 | Shank Hall | Milwaukee, WI
Sept. 27 | The Basement | Columbus, OH
Sept. 28 | Beachland Tavern | Cleveland, OH
Sept. 29 | Club Cafe | Pittsburgh, PA
Oct. 2 | The Rockwell | Boston, MA
Oct. 3 | Knitting Factory | New York, NY
Oct. 4 | Silk City | Philadelphia, PA
Oct. 5 | Pie Shop | Washington, DC
Oct. 8 | Cannery | Row One | Nashville, TN
Oct. 9 | Eddie’s Attic | Atlanta, GA
Oct. 10 | Evening Muse | Charlotte, NC
Oct. 11 | Royal American | Charleston, SC
Oct. 17 | Sundown at Granada | Dallas, TX
Oct. 19 | Mohawk | Austin, TX
