Desperate Man, Church’s First Album in Nearly Three Years, Set for Release Friday, October 5, 2018
Photo Credit: John Peets
Church Choir to Get Album Direct from Church
“Desperate Man” is First Single, Co-Written with Ray Wylie Hubbard, Available ONLY to Church Choir Today; Everywhere 7/13
In a video message speaking directly to his fans (view HERE), 2x CMA Album of the Year winner Eric Church told his faithful Church Choir [Church’s official fan club] earlier this morning: “It’s been a while; I just want to say I have missed you. I have good news…the album is done, and we are back. It’s called Desperate Man and the first single is called ‘Desperate Man,’” with the Choir having access to listen first through their login today.
Church continues, “Just like last time – just like Mr. Misunderstood – if you’re in the Church Choir, on October 5th you’re going to get the album,” as Church renegotiated his record deal with EMI Nashville leading into Desperate Man to include his fans.
“Desperate Man,” Church’s first single off the new album, will be made available everywhere tomorrow, Friday, July 13. Co-written by Church with Texas musician Ray Wylie Hubbard (who Church namechecks in his 2015 “Mr. Misunderstood”), “Desperate Man” sees Church again collaborating with producer Jay Joyce.
Many may recall in 2015, Church stunned industry and fans alike with the surprise release of Mr. Misunderstood, giving it away to his fans first without interviews, hype or promotion. Church Choir members spoke directly to local television on how they received the record, being the first to confirm its existence. Church said then, “Everyone is so focused on your first week. But I am more concerned with week 80 than week one.” Mr. Misunderstood went on to win CMA Awards’ Album of the Year in 2016 and reached RIAA-Platinum certification earlier this year.
Never satisfied with the status quo, Church constantly challenges himself as an artist and is applying that same philosophy to the Choir changing it to make it better and even more inclusive. Membership tiers are simplified to two options: paid and free. Members of the Choir will also be in control of what music and bundles they receive upon signing up and at renewal. Members who annual renew or auto-renew, and new fans who sign up will now receive an album of their choice from Church’s catalog – in addition to all the benefits paid members currently receive including access to purchase pre-sale tickets, chances for meet and greets, opportunities to attend Church Choir events and much more. The free tier of Church Choir membership includes access to the online community, email updates and special offers.
By-passing the gatekeepers and speaking directly to the fans is fundamental to Church’s success and he is proving it once again with reconfiguring the Church Choir in advance of the release of Desperate Man.
Church concludes the video message saying, “I look forward to seeing you on the road… I’m very proud of this album. See you soon.”
Stay tuned to EricChurch.com for more information.
WATCH: Eric Church speaks to the Church Choir directly via video address to announce his new album, Desperate Man, is set for an October 5 release. Church Choir can hear its first single/title track now by logging in at EricChurch.com. Church Choir Membership includes the album.