Ratboys Return with New Music and Exciting Tour Plans
New Single and Label Debut
Chicago rock band Ratboys has made a significant return with the release of their latest single, “Light Night Mountains All That.” This track marks their debut under New West Records and continues their collaboration with producer Chris Walla, who also produced their 2023 album, The Window.
Creative Process Behind the New Song
In a statement, Ratboys lead singer Julia Steiner shared insight into the inspiration behind the single. “My original idea was to write an ultra-high energy folk song, in the style of The Dodos’ Visiter, with somewhat spooky, mysterious, and pastoral lyrics—like what Chris Otepka of The Heligoats might conjure up on a mushroom trip,” she explained. The band faced challenges in developing the arrangement, ultimately leading to a complex piece that pushes the boundaries of their sound. Steiner crafted the lyrics during the initial demoing phase, focusing on a fantastic vision-quest that blurs the lines between day and night.
Visual Accompaniment
To complement their new single, Ratboys released a music video directed by their drummer, Marcus Nuccio. The video captures the essence of the song’s themes and showcases the band’s dynamic presence.
Upcoming Tour Plans
Looking ahead, Ratboys have announced an extensive North American tour slated for 2026, kicking off on February 25 in Detroit, Michigan, and continuing through mid-April. Fans can also catch them performing at the Pitchfork Music Festival London this November.
2026 Tour Dates
- 02-25: Detroit, MI – El Club
- 02-26: Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace
- 02-27: Montreal, QC – Bar “Le Ritz” PDB
- 02-28: Cambridge, MA – The Sinclair
- 03-03: Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Church
- 03-05: Brooklyn, NY – Warsaw
- 03-06: Washington, D.C. – 9:30 Club
- 03-07: Richmond, VA – The Broadberry
- 03-08: Durham, NC – Motorco Music Hall
- 03-10: Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle
- 03-11: Atlanta, GA – Terminal West
- 03-12: Nashville, TN – The Basement East
- 03-13: Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
- 03-14: Milwaukee, WI – Vivarium
- 03-24: St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway
- 03-25: Kansas City, MO – recordBar
- 03-26: Fayetteville, AR – George’s Majestic Lounge
- 03-27: Dallas, TX – Club Dada
- 03-28: Austin, TX – Mohawk
- 03-30: Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
- 03-31: Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
- 04-01: San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
- 04-03: Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom
- 04-04: San Francisco, CA – August Hall
- 04-06: Vancouver, BC – Biltmore Cabaret
- 04-07: Seattle, WA – Neumos
- 04-08: Portland, OR – Aladdin Theater
- 04-10: Boise, ID – Shrine Social Club
- 04-11: Salt Lake City, UT – The Urban Lounge
- 04-13: Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
- 04-15: Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room
- 04-16: Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line
- 04-17: Madison, WI – Atwood Music Hall
- 04-18: Chicago, IL – The Vic Theatre
Conclusion
Ratboys are making waves in the indie rock scene with their latest single and upcoming tour. Their collaboration with Chris Walla continues to yield exciting results as they explore new creative avenues. Fans can look forward to experiencing their captivating sound live in the coming months.
FAQs
When was Ratboys’ last album released?
Ratboys shared their last album, The Window, in 2023.
Who produced the new single “Light Night Mountains All That”?
The new single was co-produced by Chris Walla, who also produced their previous album.
When does Ratboys’ 2026 tour start?
The tour kicks off on February 25, 2026, in Detroit, Michigan.
Will Ratboys be performing at any festivals soon?
Yes, they are set to perform at the Pitchfork Music Festival London this November.
