London-based, feminist, queer punk band Dream Nails are finally able to take their self-tiitled debut album, released via Alcopop! Records and Dine Alone Records in Summer 2020, on the road this autumn. The announcement of the rescheduled tour dates (see below) coincides with the unveiling of the band’s new lead vocalist Leah Kirby (they/them pronouns).
Leah’s ethos aligns perfectly with Dream Nails’ and they’re excited to get started, stating: “I never quite imagined that being a lead singer in a punk band as phenomenal as Dream Nails would ever happen. But if I’m honest, all the work – from my drag to activism – has led me to this next journey. I’ve always been ‘punk’ but now I get to fall more and more in love with music and songwriting with the most kick ass band by my side. This group of talented, caring, ferocious musicians have welcomed me in and I just wanna build on their community and fans alongside them. I am here to represent myself in all my non-binary finery, black excellence, and trans power. And I get to do that with Dream Nails, who have never ceased to amaze me with their message and heart. What more can I say? I’m so ready! Manifest witches!”
The rest of Dream Nails are equally as enthused: “We are over the moon to welcome Leah into our coven of punk witches as our new lead singer. We are long time fans of their drag performance as CYRO, plus they are a ridiculously talented artist, playwright, poet, dancer, activist and actor on top of that! Dream Nails fans old and new are going to absolutely love seeing them bring their special and infectious energy, jokes, talent, politics and general fire onstage and off. We’ve just announced our 2021 album tour and can’t wait to play shows again”
Dream Nails used the tour-inhibiting pandemic to pioneer their “Gig In A Box” initiative, which saw the band play PRS-funded livestreamed gigs, complete with lovingly-mailed-out boxes to recreate the live gig experience at home. The “box” element included such items as wristbands, plectrums, and even a piece of sticky venue flooring. The gig, although transmitted through the wonders of the internet, embodied the inclusive, riotous, fun, punk party for which the band have made themselves known. Tracks like ‘Vagina Police’ and ‘Corporate Realness’ from ‘Dream Nails’ are already fan favourites from the band’s years on the DIY scene. The album’s release propelled them to new heights with critical acclaim from the likes of NME, DIY, Upset, DORK, Kerrang!, and support from BBC 6Music and BBC Radio 1.
TOUR DATES:
SEPT
Wed 01 Cardiff, The Moon Club
Thu 02 Bristol, Louisiana
Fri 03 Nottingham, Bodega
Sat 04 Birmingham, Muther’s Studio
Sun 05 Leeds, Hyde Park Book Club
Tue 07 York, Fulford Arms
Wed 08 Glasgow, Hug & Pint
Thu 09 Sheffield, Sidney & Matilda
Fri 10 Manchester, Castle Hotel
Sat 11 Liverpool, Kazimier Stockroom
Sun 12 Leicester, Duffy’s Bar
Mon 13 Norwich, Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom
Wed 15 Southampton, Heartbreakers
OCT
Sat 30 London, Oslo