Singer-songwriter T. Hardy Morris is best known for as the co-founder of Dead Confederate along with the Deer Tick and Black Lips-featuring supergroup Diamond Rugs. He’s also played alongside Dinosaur Jr., Meat Puppets, and Drive-By Truckers. Last summer, however, he went solo for the first time in his decade-long career by releasing his debut full-length, Audition Tapes, a slightly ramshackle collection of indie folk ballads inspired by everyone from Alex Chilton to Vic Chesnutt. Early next year, Morris will go at it alone once more with the release of his as-yet-untitled sophomore album, due out via Dangerbird Records.
According to a press release, “Morris’ sound is a departure as well as a continuation of the blissfully languid approach taken on much of his debut,” as the Georgia native attempts to “bridge the gap between the quieter country leanings of Audition Tapes, and the more aggressive grunge of Morris’ other band Dead Confederate.”
As an early sneak peek, Morris has unveiled “Painted On Attitude”. His technique for balance thoughtful country and riotous rock is rather simple: fill the verses with twangy guitars and a down-home croon, and then let everything explode into a powder keg of dissonant garage rock in the choruses. It’s not necessarily the most seamless relationship, but Morris’ presence as a frontman is intriguing enough to make even this slightly bumpy marriage work out.
“‘Painted On Attitude’ was one of those songs written in a matter of minutes,” Morris said in a statement, “and it’s just kind of about how it’s who you are, not where you are that really matters. I love big cities but I also love to leave them in the rear view. I think a lot of the cool stuff comes from the suburbs and the countryside honestly, and then the city scenesters pick up on it and popularize it. I’ve always said, big cities can’t start a trend but they can damn sure follow one.”
Listen in below.
Morris will also preview new material during his upcoming tour, which kicks off the end of this month. Consult the full schedule below.
T. Hardy Morris 2014 Tour Dates:
10/30 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk
11/05 – Augusta, GA @ Sky City
11/08 – Arnoldsville, GA @ Wildwood Revival Festival
11/14 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl *
11/15 – Athens, GA @ 40 Watt *
11/17 – Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern *
11/18 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl *
11/19 – Providence, RI @ Fete Lounge *
11/20 – Hamden, CT @ Ballroom at Outer Space *
11/21 – York, PA @ Central Market *
11/22 – Columbus, OH @ Rumba Cafe *
* = w/ Jessica Lea Mayfield
