Jake Shears’ much anticipated self-titled debut solo album has been released. This is the Scissor Sisters’ frontman’s first full-length work since 2012. Shears relocated to New Orleans in 2015 and the city’s singular energy and musical traditions became a source of inspiration. He recorded the album in Louisville, KY with Kevin Ratterman (Ray LaMontagne, My Morning Jacket) who assembled renowned local musicians including members of My Morning Jacket to lay down the album’s foundation. Jake then brought in Christian Hebel (Barbra Streisand) and Lance Horne (Alan Cumming) to do string and brass arrangements, returning to New Orleans to capture the city’s sound with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Sturgill Simpson’s brass section. The resulting album uses an array of American Southern music as a touchstone and brings a new perspective to it through Shears’ wit, willingness to lay his emotions bare, fearless eccentricity, and ability to craft unforgettable hooks. Jake Shears is available now at retailers and streaming services.

In celebration of the release, Jake has announced a fall North American tour. The tour kicks off on October 30th at Boston’s Brighton Music Hall and wraps up at Los Angeles’ El Rey on November 15th, with a show at Toronto’s Mod Club Theatre on November 5th. Complete tour dates below, tickets on sale Friday 8/17.

Jake has released a string of wildly imaginative videos leading up to the album’s release. Earlier this week, he shared the video for “Big Bushy Mustache”, an ode to defiant self-expression through facial hair with a hilariously irreverent corresponding video featuring a cameo from Josh Homme. This was preceded by a hand-drawn animated lyric video for “Sad Song Backwards” that he created and directed which brings to life the song’s theme of fighting heartbreak and depression through forcing yourself to act outwardly joyful in the midst of inner turmoil. To announce the album, Jake released a debaucherous video for “Creep City” filmed in New Orleans where he presides over a cabaret stage and all inhibitions are lost.

The Jake Shears album follows an incredible creative spurt for Jake, who debuted on Broadway in a lead role in Kinky Boots earlier this year, as well as releasing his critically acclaimed autobiography Boys Keep Swinging, which was written in tandem with this album.

Jake Shears North American Tour Dates

October 30 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
October 31 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
November 1 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Foundry @ The Fillmore
November 2 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel
November 4 – Detroit, MI @ El Club
November 5 -Toronto, ON @ Mod Club
November 7 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
November 8 – Minneapolis, MN @ Amsterdam Hall
November 11 – Seattle, WA @ Neptune
November 12 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
November 14 – San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
November 15 – Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey

photo: Greg Gorman

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About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment, and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors, and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats. Reach out - bryen@thebuzzmag.ca