Ian Noe & Early James

 

Two young Americana outsiders to tour in March

by Dave Laing

Published in Trad&Now 153 December 2022

Love Police is thrilled to announce dates by two young Americana outsiders this March.

Both first time visitors, the pairing of Ian Noe and Early James promises a night of grit, honesty, colour and vibration like no other.

Ian Noe, a Kentucky native, will present songs from his latest acclaimed release, River Fools & Mountain Saints, which has earned comparisons to Springsteen’s Nebraska amongst other landmark records, and his epochal debut album, Between The Country, which kicked numerous doors open for him in 2019.

Noe’s music is deeply rooted in the Appalachian environs in which he grew up, but the 32-year-old also cites Courtney Barnett and Arcade Fire as favourites.

He’s no traditionalist, but he is a riveting singer and instrumentalist, and an incredible songwriter.

You don’t get to tour with John Prine if you’re not that obviously and one committed to depicting contemporary and historical life in the areas of Eastern Kentucky that have shaped his life and continue to inform his music.

Alabama man, Early James, will also be following a recent second album, Strange Time to Be Alive.

The 29-year-old was discovered by Dan Auerbach working in Birmingham, Alabama, who was impressed by what he heard.

The Black Keys man signed him to his Easy Eye Sound label.

Early’s first album, Singing For My Supper, received huge acclaim for its cosmic and singular amalgamation of Southern blues, country, folk, pop, and jazz.

The new one features a guest appearance from Sierra Ferrell and a more electrified sound.

Early James has been compared to Tom Waits and while there is something of the surreal and old industrial of late period Waits in his music, the new album’s title is suggestive of that, and more.

He sings of life as a progressive Southern man in a world increasingly at odds with progressive notions.

BT from Love Police says. “These boys have the goods.

“We don’t tour people who don’t.

“This Americana, country, roots, whatever sound it is, is all about honesty and life experiences, and some hopeful good times too.

“These fellas have it in spades.

“Ian nearly got here a few years back, but personal issues had us cancelling at the last minute.

“I’ve known about Early for a while now, and it’s great we finally get to see him.

“Together, this is something very special.

“Those who already know these two will be very excited for this tour.

“If you don’t, check ‘em out and see ya at the shows.”

The pairing of Noe and James presents a rare opportunity for Australian audiences to experience together two relatively young and fresh Southern artists who are both rewriting the rules in Americana and associated fields by making music that is honest and idiosyncratic, and committed to finding genuine home truths

Discover new heroes and get deep with Ian and Early this March.