From Press Release –
Skillet announced it will be releasing their first independent record, REVOLUTION on November 1. The project’s first single, “Unpopular,” was recently released along with a music video. Pre-order the album HERE.
Lead singer John Cooper says:
“‘Unpopular’ is lighthearted, but there’s a clear message.”
“So many people don’t have a place to belong. You used to know your neighbors. Our communities are online now, which contributes to the loneliness. You have powerful people telling you what reality is, what you should eat, what you should drive, and how you should live. They deem us ‘unpopular.’ In reality, we agree more than we disagree as a society. The majority of people just want to be free and they don’t really care whether or not you agree with them about everything.”
After 20 years on Atlantic Records, Skillet has built this new vision entirely by hand, intentionally opting to go independent at the end of their last contract. They took advantage of their newfound freedom, writing and recording the album at their own pace on the road and at home as well as in studios across Milwaukee, Canada, and Nashville. The group also tapped the talents of longtime collaborators and producers Brian Howes and Seth Mosely, as well as band member Korey Cooper with YOUTHYEAR/Carlo Colasacco bringing these 10 tracks to life naturally.
Cooper says:
“We made records on the same label for 20 years, and it was a great experience.”
“Since this was the first independent record, it put some pep in my step, so to speak. We did exactly what we wanted to do. If I was on the road and felt inspired to write, I just did. In the past, we’d make a bunch of ideas and whittle everything down for the album. This time, we only wrote and recorded 10 tracks, but it was all we needed. Musically, there are a lot of flavors on the record. It’s got the arena songs, but it also has some tunes that are more nostalgic and throwback Skillet.”
He continues:
“Thematically, there’s so much nihilism in our culture. Depression and teen suicide are at epidemic levels. We’re revolting against a culture that creates nihilism, nothingness, and materialism. The album is poignant, but it’s also very confident and inclusive as well. It’s a record saying, ‘We have to be willing to stand up for what we believe in — even if it might be unpopular in some circles, but hey, maybe we could have a revolution of love, you know, a revolution of understanding, of tolerance towards people that we don’t agree with and come back to some human dignity and respecting peoples rights and where they’re coming from. And so, it’s kind of speaking to the division and the polarization that is happening, which I think is a really good message and what the whole ‘revolution’ thing is all about. We allude to it on the record cover where there’s a Skillet flag, and in the corner it lists I Corinthians, 13:13, a verse that says, ‘Hold onto these things: faith, hope, love. But the greatest is love.'”
Ready to play new music for their fans, Skillet recently announced that they will hit the road this fall with Seether, followed by their first-ever tour of the Middle East in November. From there, Skillet will support Black Stone Cherry on a handful of dates across the UK. Tickets for all shows are now available at Skillet.com.
l Website l Facebook l Instagram l X l YouTube l
REVOLUTION TRACK LISTING:
“Showtime”*
“Unpopular”*
“All That Matters”**
“Not Afraid”**
“Revolution”+
“Ash In The Wind”***
“Fire Inside Of Me”**
“Defector”*
“Happy Wedding Day”(Song)++
“Death Defier”*
*produced by Seth Mosley
**produced by Brian Howes
***produced by Korey Cooper
+produced by YOUTHYEAR and Carlo Colasacco
++produced by Korey Cooper and Seth Mosley
SKILLET ON TOUR:
WITH SEETHER:
9/17 — Asheville, NC — ExploreAsheville.com Arena
9/19 — Baltimore, MD — Pier Six Pavilion
9/20 — Boston, MA — Roadrunner
9/21 — Bethlehem, PA — Wind Creek Event Center
9/23 — Pittsburgh, PA — Stage AE Outdoors
9/24 — Chicago, IL — Radius
9/27 — Huntington, WV — Marshall Health Network Arena
10/2 — Kansas City, MO — The Midland Theatre
10/3 — St. Louis, MO — Saint Louis Music Park
10/5 — Houston, TX — White Oak Music Hall Lawn
10/6 — Dallas, TX — Texas Trust CU Theatre at Grand Prairie
10/8 — Lubbock, TX — Lonestar Events Center
10/9 — Albuquerque, NM — Revel ABQ
10/11 — Mesa, AZ — Mesa Amphitheatre
10/15 — Denver, CO — The Mission Ballroom
10/18 — Omaha, NE — The Astro Amphitheater
10/19 — Des Moines, IA — Vibrant Music Hall
10/20 — Minneapolis, MN — The Armory
