The Crane Wives have just released their upbeat yet introspective track “Bitter Medicine” along with its accompanying video. Embracing imperfection, this song is now available everywhere. Their self-produced, energetic fifth studio album, Beyond Beyond Beyond, is set for release on September 6 and is available for pre-order now. To celebrate, The Crane Wives have announced a fall tour, kicking off with an album release show in Grand Rapids, MI. Be sure to catch them on their summer tour, which runs through August.
“Bitter Medicine, pairs driving guitar riffs and playful energy with a deep dive into impostor syndrome. Drummer Dan Rickabus and bassist Ben Zito lay down a bouncing groove that turns self-deprecating lyrics into a cathartic confession: “don’t look up to me.”
Vocalist and guitarist Emilee Petersmark explains, “Songwriting has always been my safe space for honesty and vulnerability. ‘Bitter Medicine’ is just one of many songs on this record that explores being imperfect and making imperfect choices.” Reflecting on her role as a person with a young audience, she adds, “The older I get, the more I feel the weight of younger people’s eyes, and I often question if I deserve to be a role model. This song touches on that insecurity and the acceptance that maybe the answer is ‘no’.”
The accompanying black-and-white video, directed by Jackson Ezinga, starts with Petersmark in a minimal environment, gradually overtaken by an ominous presence. With help from friends, she battles these negative feelings together.
Ezinga shares, “I was drawn to the visceral lyrics about self-doubt and imposter syndrome. These feelings are sticky and invasive, which I visualized as a creeping presence. The video, shot in black and white, focuses on shapes, patterns, and movement, inspired by classic horror imagery.”
Beyond Beyond Beyond, The Crane Wives’ fifth album, delves into fear, joy, and vulnerability when life is about to change. This eleven-track album poses heavy questions to listeners, encouraging them to move forward and venture into the unknown with shimmery, other-worldly melodies.
The Crane Wives Live Across North America
Summer 2024
07/15 – Axis Club – Toronto, ON
07/16 – Club Saw – Ottawa, ON
07/17 – La Sala Rosa – Montreal, QC
07/19 – Higher Ground Ballroom – Burlington, VT
07/20 – State Theatre – Portland, ME
07/21 – Royale – Boston, MA
07/23 – Lark Hall – Albany, NY
07/24 – Space Ballroom – Hamden, CT (SOLD OUT)
07/26 – Levon Helm Studio – Woodstock, NY
07/27 – Iron Works – Buffalo, NY
07/28 – Mr Small’s – Pittsburgh, PA
08/15 – The Black Sheep – Colorado Springs, CO
08/16 – Washington’s – Fort Collins, CO
08/17 – Gothic Theatre – Denver, CO
08/18 – Strings Pavilion – Steamboat Springs, CO
08/20 – Soundwell SLC – Salt Lake City, UT
08/21 – Treefort Music Hall – Boise, ID
08/23 – Wonder Ball Room – Portland, OR
08/24 – South Sound Block Party – Olympia, WA
08/29 – Sonic Lunch – Ann Arbor, MI
Fall 2024
9/6 – Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
10/14 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall
10/15 – Dallas, TX – Echo Lounge & Music Hall
10/16 – Houston, TX – The Heights Theater
10/18 – San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
10/19 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
10/20 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s
10/24 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
10/25 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
10/26 – Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s
10/28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda
10/29 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
11/01 – Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst Club
11/02 – San Francisco – The Fillmore
11/03 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
