Photo by René Huemer
Phish bassist Mike Gordon has detailed an upcoming solo LP release titled flying games, which will be released on May 12 via ATO Records/Megaplum. To celebrate the release, Gordon shared the first taste of the project by premiering a high-octane single titled “Tilting,” along with an accompanying music video.
flying games it was produced by Gordon and his long-time collaborator Jared Slomoff and produced by Grammy Award-winning engineer Shawn Everett, known for his work with The War on Drugs and Alabama Shakes. The project also features contributions from his bandmates, drummer John Kimock, keyboardist Robert Walter, percussionist Craig Myers, and guitarist/pedalist Scott Murawski.
Commenting on today’s single, Gordon said: “For me, ‘Tilting’ is about being in a situation or a relationship where you don’t know if your foundation is solid, but then you accept that and realize you enjoy the feeling. of disorientation. Whether it’s listening to music, driving or experiencing something new, I’ve always felt more present when I don’t know where I’m going next.”
Consistently funky and distortion-drenched, the single showcases Gordon’s propelling bass throughout. Over the hard-hitting core of the song, Gordon sings in a tone that maintains an upbeat cadence that pairs well with an enduring quality that can be felt at the core of her bass progressions. The animated video mimics the feeling of contentment despite the chaos with eccentric characters, wacky machinery, and coy expressions.
“As someone who comes from a world of telepathic improvisation, the idea of one person layering sounds alone in a room can seem a bit counter-mythological,” Gordon said of the LP, which marks his sixth solo effort. “But with this record I didn’t want to work in that traditional way of going into a studio with a band and recording for two weeks; I wanted to take my time and explore, and really dig into the fabric of the music to see what we could find.”
Gordon is going to celebrate flying games with a wide-ranging live career that includes headlining shows and top-tier festival performances. The run dates will begin on June 15 at Portland, Maine’s State Theater and culminate with a home state tour finale at Higher Ground Ballroom in Burlington, Vt. on July 2.
Tickets for all recently announced headlining dates will go on sale Friday, March 17. Presale tickets are now available. Find tickets and more information about Gordon’s tour here.
Make an order flying games here.
Listen to “Tilting” below.
Mike Gordon Tour 2023
JUNE
15 – Portland, ME – State Theatre,
16 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music Festival*
17 – New York, New York – Webster Hall
18 – Buffalo, New York – City Ballroom
20 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater
21 – Kalamazoo, MI – Eccentric Bell’s Cafe
23 – Eau Claire, WI – Blue Ox Music Festival*
24 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL
25 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL
27 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall
28 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
30 – Millvale, Pennsylvania – Mr. Smalls Theater
JULY
1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival*
2 – Burlington, VT – Upper Level Ballroom
* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE
