Brooklyn band Namesake is releasing their second LP Redeeming Features on October 15 via Get Better Records. Ahead of that, they’ve unleashed their “Beachy-Punk” sound with single and video “Hole In The Wall,” a tribute to their beloved DIY venues in New York City.
The band salutes the spaces that gave them a home, where, as the band puts it, “literally there are holes in the walls’ and ‘regulars got holes in their hearts’”.
Namesake frontman Patrick Phillips explains:
“I was taking classes at Hunter College in Manhattan, and I met a kid named Jeremy. I was new to Brooklyn, and Jeremy invited me to a place called Shea Stadium. I didn’t know what he meant, I knew he didn’t like baseball, but when I arrived on Meadow St. in an industrial area of Brooklyn, it all soon felt like home. Young kids moshing, soaked in sweat, singing along to every word, covered in makeup, completely blissed out. Shea Stadium was the first DIY venue I started hanging out at, and it led us to start our band. Here was a way to speak your truth, just scream it out into the night.
For the past ten years, we’ve performed as well as worked at many DIY venues around NYC. The late-night aspect and instability make them difficult jobs, but ultimately, we’ve been grateful to lend labor to these spaces. Artists need spaces to be nurtured and develop, as well as find community. So to the Hole in the Wall’s everywhere, where outsiders can find their separate peace, thank you for helping people like me.”
“Hole In The Wall” follows new album singles “Sleepwalker” and “I’m Sick.” The album, Redeeming Features, addresses a healing process, and works towards a “sense of joy”.
The band will also be playing a long-awaited album release show at TV EYE in Bushwick on October 19th.
Phillips adds regarding the album:
“There’s just something beautiful about attacking really heavy lyrical matter, but at the same time, you can tap your foot along to it. You’re able to acknowledge things about yourself and to be truthful. But you have to tell your story with a smirk, because we all have our own stuff to go through. It can’t be too self-serious! You definitely have to be truthful with yourself.”
