La Luz, led by the visionary Shana Cleveland, unveils their latest single “Poppies,” a track that promises to enchant listeners with its baroque, Sgt. Pepper-esque pop sensibility, wrapped in a dystopian surrealness. This release is a precursor to their much-anticipated album, “News of the Universe,” set to debut on May 24 through Sub Pop, marking a new chapter for the band with this record label. The announcement has sparked excitement among fans, who are eagerly awaiting to pre-order the album.

Photo:Ginger Fierstein 

Shana Cleveland offers a personal insight into the single “Poppies,” describing it as an exploration of the surreal journey through the horror and isolation of a cancer diagnosis and treatment, followed by the abrupt return to the vibrancy of life. It’s a narrative of rebirth, mirrored in the emergence of wildflowers, a theme that resonates deeply with Cleveland’s recent life experiences.

“News of the Universe” is a manifesto of change, inspired by science fiction author Octavia E. Butler and metaphysical poetry. It reflects a transformative period in Cleveland’s life, grappling with a breast cancer diagnosis amidst the trials of motherhood. This album is a testament to the band’s evolution, embracing dark, psychedelic themes with a backdrop of unconditional love.

Illustrator: Mabel Esteban

La Luz has announced a tour across North America, the UK, and Europe in support of their upcoming album. The tour ignites on May 23 in Barcelona, with the band’s first U.S. performance slated for May 30 at The Crocodile in Seattle, WA, celebrating the album’s release. The tour promises an expansive set of dates, culminating in a grand finale with a two-night run at the Lodge Room in Los Angeles, CA, on November 8 and 9.

Since its inception in 2012, La Luz has captivated audiences with their unique blend of riffs and angelic vocals, drawing from doo-wop and folk traditions. “News of the Universe” represents a significant leap forward for the band, showcasing Cleveland’s burgeoning songwriting prowess, influenced by the changing landscapes of rural California. Her solo release, “Manzanita,” received critical acclaim for its magical realist portrayal of pregnancy and motherhood.

“News of the Universe” stands out for its all-female production team, a deliberate choice that allowed for a safe space to explore challenging emotions and express the complex facets of womanhood. Producer Maryam Qudus, known as Spacemoth, played a pivotal role in shaping the album’s sound. The result is an unapologetically vulnerable, feminine, and triumphant record that underscores La Luz’s pioneering spirit in indie music.

As La Luz embarks on this new journey with “News of the Universe,” they continue to defy musical norms, driven by a profound belief in love’s cosmic power and the undeniable force of a great riff. This album not only encapsulates the band’s experiences of adversity and triumph but also heralds a new era of blissful creativity for La Luz.

“News of the Universe” is primed for anticipation, offering a plethora of options for fans eager to secure their copy before the official release. Sub Pop, a label synonymous with the indie music scene’s most influential acts, is handling the album’s distribution. Available formats include CD, LP, and digital platforms, ensuring that enthusiasts of both physical and digital media can enjoy this auditory journey.

For those in North America, the album pre-order is facilitated through the Sub Pop Mega Mart online store, a haven for music collectors and aficionados of the label’s roster. Additionally, select independent retailers and the band’s official website serve as alternative purchasing channels, widening the accessibility for fans across the continent.

In Europe and the UK, independent retail stores are the go-to spots for securing a copy, along with Mega Mart 2. This newly established UK-based counterpart to the Sub Pop Mega Mart extends the label’s reach, ensuring fans across the Atlantic have equal opportunity to partake in this musical offering. Furthermore, the vinyl edition of the album comes in limited variants, offering collectors and enthusiasts a chance to own a unique piece of La Luz’s discography. These colored vinyl versions are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, emphasizing the urgency for fans to act swiftly to secure their copy while supplies last.

This multi-channel distribution strategy not only facilitates global access to “News of the Universe” but also highlights the band’s and label’s commitment to supporting independent music retailers. By offering the album through various outlets, La Luz ensures their fans worldwide can partake in the excitement of this release, regardless of their preferred format or location.

La Luz Tour Dates

05/23 Barcelona, ES @ Sala Upload

05/24 Madrid, ES @ Tomavistas Festival

05/25 London, UK @ Wide Awake Festival

05/30 Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile (Record Release Show)

07/27 Portland, OR @ Project Pabst

08/30 Brighton, UK @ Brighton Psych Fest

08/31 Manchester, UK @ Manchester Psych Fest

09/01 Edinburgh, UK @ Edinburgh Psych Fest

09/03 Bristol, UK @ Strange Brew

09/05 Paris, FR @ Point Ephemere

09/06 Sart-Messire-Guillaume, BE @ SMG Music Fest

09/07 Asten-Heusden, NL @ Misty Fields Festival

09/08 Amsterdam, NL @ Indiestadt x Sugar Mountain @ Paradiso

09/10 Cologne, DE @ Bumann & SOHN

09/11 Hamburg, DE @ Prinzenbar

09/12 Berlin, DE @ Badehaus

09/13 Schorndorf, DE @ Manufaktur

09/14 Zürich, DE @ Bogen

09/26 Chicago, IL @ Subterranean

09/27 Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon

09/28 St. Paul, MM @ Turf Club

09/30 St. Louis, MO @ Blueberry Hill

10/01 Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar

10/02 Nashville, TN @ The End

10/03 Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade – Purgatory

10/04 Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall

10/05 Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall

10/06 Washington, DC @ The Atlantis

10/08 Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

10/09 Brooklyn, NY @ Elsewhere – Hall

10/10 Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall

10/11 Montreal, QC @ Bar Le Ritz

10/12 Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern

10/13 Ferndale, MI @ The Loving Touch 

10/28 Denver, CO @ Marquis

10/30 Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge

10/31 Boise, ID @ The Olympic

11/03 Vancouver, BC @ The Pearl

11/06 Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s

11/07 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall

11/08 Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

11/09 Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room