Devendra Banhart has formed a new musical trio titled Hug, featuring guitarist Gyan Riley and producer Noah Georgeson. The group will release their self-titled debut album on September 11 via David Byrne’s label, Luaka Bop. The project follows a series of collaborative efforts between the members, with the band set to embark on a tour this fall.
Who is involved in the band Hug?
The trio consists of Devendra Banhart, guitarist Gyan Riley, and producer Noah Georgeson. Banhart and Georgeson share a long history of professional collaboration, most notably on the 2021 ambient record Refuge. Gyan Riley, the son of minimalist composer Terry, shares a childhood connection with Georgeson; according to a press release, the two were close friends who bonded over a mutual obsession with classical guitar during their youth.
The connection between the band members spans decades. Gyan Riley noted that as a thirteen-year-old classical guitar enthusiast, his primary musical confidants were his teacher and Noah Georgeson.
How did the collaboration begin?
The formation of Hug was sparked by a creative spark during a meeting in Brooklyn. According to Banhart, Georgeson introduced him to Riley, and the chemistry was immediate. “Everything was sparkling and I felt like a little kid,” Banhart stated in a press release. “And so I knew—we must play.”
What to expect from the debut album
The self-titled debut, Hug, features 11 tracks. The lead single, “Cow With Half Moon Parasol,” is currently available. The full tracklist is as follows:
- 01 Cow With Half Moon Parasol
- 02 Cucullatus Dream
- 03 Arunachala
- 04 Sarva Mangalam
- 05 Bathypelagic
- 06 Forgotten Gate
- 07 Homunculus in the Foliage
- 08 Near Death Ibiza
- 09 Petrichor
- 10 Lippuvuori
- 11 Catatumbo
Where can I see Hug perform live?
The band has scheduled a series of dates starting in October. The tour schedule includes:
- 10-08 New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge
- 10-09 North Adams, MA – MassMoCA
- 10-11 Frenchtown, PA – ArtYard
- 10-14 Minneapolis, MN – McGuire Theater at Walker Art Center
- 10-15 Chicago, IL – Constellation
- 11-18 Grass Valley, CA – The Center for the Arts
- 11-20 San Francisco, CA – Bimbo’s 365 Club
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is releasing the album?
The album is being released by Luaka Bop, the label founded by David Byrne.
Is this the first time Banhart and Georgeson have worked together?
No, the two have a long-standing collaborative history, including the 2021 ambient album Refuge.
Where can I listen to the lead single?
The lead single, “Cow With Half Moon Parasol,” is available.
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