Los Angeles-based rock duo Escape Artist Lovers, composed of Rain Phoenix and Kirk Hellie, have shared their new single + video “Follow the Leader.” The catchy uptempo track brings a flair of bouncing guitar riffs as the duo’s vocals harmonize casually to the poignant lyrics of the song. Paired with a video directed by Geoff Ryan, the black and white edit cuts between energetic shots of the performing duo and animated clips of synchronized marching faceless “followers.”
“Are you a leader or a follower? With death looming for us all, it is a question I ask myself every day.” – Rain Phoenix
Today’s new single follows Escape Artist Lovers’ previous rocking tracks, “Punctuation” and “Hey Motherf*cker.” Later this year, the band will also be releasing a 7 inch vinyl, with “Hey Motherf*cker” on Side A and “Punctuation” serving as Side B.
Escape Artist Lovers will be playing a show at Zebulon in Los Angeles on November 20 with Liberate Elemental Forces. They will also be supporting The Bobby Lees for three shows this December in California. Tickets and dates available are here.
Rain Phoenix and Kirk Hellie have been in each other’s orbits for over a decade, but only started writing together as a unit recently when they formed the group Escape Artist Lovers. The pair pulled inspiration from their colorful pasts – as well as their extensive record collections – to build on their new vision. The result is solid, honest, and bittersweet rock music.
Leading up to their partnership, the two have flourished in their extensive backgrounds in the industry. Since the 1990s, Kirk has been a sideman for the likes of Steve Jones and Glenn Branca, collaborated with various artists including Atticus Ross, Jehnny Beth, and Mogwai, and has fronted his own bands. As for Rain, she grew up awash in the arts. Starting out with her brother River in Aleka’s Attic, she has collaborated, toured, or worked with artists ranging from Michael Stipe (R.E.M.) and Gus Van Sant, to the much underrated Alternative Tentacles band, The Causey Way, then went on to front her own bands, before making her first solo record River, produced and co-written by Hellie.
Escape Artist Lovers’ reverence for their musical heroes might be easy to take for granted. Not everybody opened for Sonic Youth on their 18th birthday or has been a much sought out sideman within the Los Angeles music scene. But for the two artists, it’s impossible to deny their roots. The result is less a recreation of ‘70s Laurel Canyon, ‘80s Paisley Underground, ’90s alt songcraft and sonic exploration, and more of a continuation. Hellie and Phoenix aren’t operating in the shadow of history, they’re basking in its sunlight.
Escape Artist Lovers Live Dates w/ The Bobby Lees:
Dec 14 Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room
Dec 15 Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room
Dec 16 Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy and Harriet’s
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