Snipe favourite Nellie McKay’s releasing her first album of new material in 13 years. Robin Pappas photo.
Nellie McKay’s new album Hey Guys, Watch This is her first in 13 years
Big news Nellie McKay fans! (We know you’re out there.) The brilliant singer/songwriter is releasing her first album of new, original material since 2010’s Home Sweet Mobile Home.
Released today, Aug. 25, Hey Guys, Watch This (Hungry Mouse Records), the album isn’t a departure for the talented New Yorker. Equal parts Broadway and Tin Pan Alley, the record’s 12 songs will please long-time fans. One song likely to garner some attention is the finale, “Make a Wish,” in which the ever provocative McKay sings, “I wannabe Jeffrey Dahmer.” (Note: we’re taking this out of context. It’s satire, people!)
McKay plans touring the US throughout 2023. See below for tour dates.
Backing McKay on the record are The Carpenter Ants. The musicians include Michael Lipton on guitar and vocals, Ted Harrison on bass and vocals, James Little on drums and vocals, and Mark Bates on vocals. Ron Sowell plays harmonica, Tim Carbone contributes fiddle, and Alexi David provides upright bass and vocals.
Nellie McKay in a nutshell
McKay rose to prominence with her ambitious two-album (back when this was a thing) 2004 debut Get Away From Me. Critics heralded the wit and exuberance of the new singer. She released a second album, Pretty Little Head, in 2006. That year she also made her Broadway debut in a production of Threepenny Opera. Three albums, including one a cover of songs recorded by Doris Day, followed. In 2015 she released My Weekly Reader, an album of ’60s covers. 2019’s Bagatelles was an album of mostly American pop standards.
McKay identifies as vegan and a supporter of PETA.
Nellie McKay 2023 US tour dates
Oct 11 Minneapolis, MN The Dakota
Oct 14 Calumet, MI Red Jacket Jamboree
Oct 17 Evanston, IL Space
Nov 3 Washington, DC The Hamilton Live
Nov 5 Sellersville, PA Sellersville Theater
Nov 10 Wilmington, DE, Arden Gild Hall
Nov 17 Pittsburgh, PA The Andy Warhol Museum
