Ben Kweller is preparing for the release of his seventh album and a North American tour, following the tragic loss of his 16-year-old son last year.
The new album, called Cover the Mirrors, will come out on May 30, the day that would have been his son Dorian’s 19th birthday. This album is very special to him because it’s full of emotions and personal stories.
“In 2023, when Dorian died, I just had to make music,” he shared. “I didn’t care what came out of me because it was the only way I could find peace in my earth-shattering grief.”
YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lgRdLWVm3c
Dorian tragically passed away in February 2023 in a car accident while trying to dodge a truck; a tree limb struck his windshield. He made music under the name Zev and was gearing up for his first performance at SXSW.
Kweller reflects on his grief, realizing he has gained a deeper understanding of life despite his loss, with highs feeling higher and lows feeling lower. The songs on Cover the Mirrors are helping him navigate this new reality.
Fans really appreciate how music can help people through hard times like this.
Kweller worked on the album with Chris Mintz-Plasse and Ryan Dean, releasing a single titled “Optimystic.” It also includes collaborations with artists like Waxahatchee and Coconut Records.
He’s set to start his tour in April, visiting places like Atlanta, Nashville, and Boston, before continuing in July to cities such as Aspen and Seattle, ending in Phoenix on July 26. Link for tickets.
Editor’s Picks
Cover the Mirrors Tour Dates
April 15 – Atlanta, GA @ Purgatory at The Masquerade
April 16 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
April 18 – Washington, DC @ Union Stage
April 19 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
April 21 – Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts
April 22 – Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
April 24 – Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
April 25 – Ferndale, MI @ Loving Touch
April 26 – Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
April 28 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
April 29 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
April 30 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
May 2 – Dallas, TX @ The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
May 3 – Austin, TX @ Scoot Inn
July 9 – Aspen, CO @ Belly Up
July 11 – Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater
July 12 – Fort Collins, CO @ Aggie
July 14 – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
July 17 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
July 18 – Vancouver, BC @ Biltmore Cabaret
July 19 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
July 21 – San Francisco, CA @ Independent
July 23 – West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour
July 25 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah
July 26 – Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
