In Umphrey’s McGee‘s never ending quest to provide their fanbase with the most unique live and recorded musical experiences, the band has adopted, or in most cases, developed, a quiver of show- and album-enhancing tools for fans. From the groundbreaking “Headphones & Snowcones” program, which grants fans access to professional headphones and a soundboard-quality mix to listen wirelessly at shows, to their UMBowl, where the audience can vote on the setlist in real-time and choose favorite improv themes via text message, to becoming the first group to launch its own single-artist streaming service with UMLive.net, which has since grown and now lives on through Nugs.net and is used by the likes of Pearl Jam and Bruce Springsteen to deliver soundboard-quality concert recordings to fans, Chicago’s favorite improv-rockers have sought out cool and unusual opportunities to connect with those who love them the most. Today, Umphrey’s continues their march into new territory with the announcement of a limited Asking For A Friend NFT.
Equal parts access, utility, and collectible, this token grants fans access to the streaming premiere of Umphrey’s McGee’s new album, Asking For A Friend, on Lively the night before the record is released (June 30th at 8pm Eastern). Immediately following, the band will answer your questions, discuss the record and share some behind-the-scenes photos and video of the recording sessions. Additionally, the AFAF token grants access to download audio stems of the entire 14-song album. Fans can deep dive by accessing individual mixes of each instrument, isolating tracks, and playing along at will. Each stem-set includes a Garage Band file for easy import on any Apple device. To tie the collection together, each token is also a limited-edition piece of art, featuring a composite image built from 14 individual lyrically based pieces. The streaming event will be hosted on Lively.
Hidden amongst the 2,022 NFTs are one-of-a-kind easter eggs. Randomly selected holders will win copies of the vinyl test pressing, handwritten lyrics, studio-used song charts, free UM concert tickets, and more, bringing a taste of the band’s legendary “Golden Ticket” giveaways onto the Ethereum blockchain. Token holders are also entitled to future benefit unlocks.
For those who may be new to NFTs and want to test the water, Umphrey’s McGee and Nothing Too Fancy Music’s goal is to help educate their fans, and the greater jam band audience, about the value of NFTs. This is an entry-level offer—25 bucks and purchasable by credit card if someone doesn’t yet have a wallet set up—that hopefully will pique curiosity and encourage fans to explore the world of NFTs and what benefits might be accessible to them.
The AFAF NFT will be available starting June 21 for $25 or 0.02 ETH. Please visit AFAF.io for more information.
Last week, the band dropped another Asking For A Friend track ahead of its July 1st release via Nothing Too Fancy Music, “New Wings.” Umphrey’s singer and guitarist Brendan Bayliss already had a chance to try it out live at Wrigley Field during the Chicago Cubs’ bout with the St. Louis Cardinals this past Friday. Check out a clip from Marquee Sports’ broadcast here.
The upcoming Asking For A Friend is accompanied by a behind-the-scenes podcast through Osiris Media entitled Talking Circles. With episodes leading up to the album release and stretching through the summer, Talking Circles will tell the story of the writing and recording of this set of brand new songs utilizing demos, live recordings, alternate takes, mix stems, and interviews with all six band members. Five episodes are currently live, including the backstory of “New Wings,” right here.
Finally, Umphrey’s McGee continues with their tour this week in Colorado. The band will be at the Dillon Amphitheater on June 16th, at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on June 17th and 18th, and at Vail’s Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre on the 19th. For fans unable to attend, all four shows will be live-streamed via Nugs.net. A full list of Umphrey’s tour dates can be found below or at umphreys.com/tour.
Catch Umphrey’s McGee On Tour:
June 16 – Dillon, CO – Dillon Amphitheater
June 17 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre ^
June 18 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre #
June 19 – Vail, CO – Gerald R. Ford Amphitheatre
July 8 – Baldwinsville, NY – Bud Light Amphitheater at Paper Mill Island
July 9 – Marshfield, MA – Levitate Music & Arts Festival
July 10 – Selbyville, DE – Freeman Arts Pavilion
July 14 – Outer Banks, NC – Roanoke Island Festival Park
July 15 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage
July 16 – Thornville, OH – The Werk Out Music & Arts Festival
July 21-24 – North Plains, OR – Northwest String Summit
Aug. 5-7 – Kenai Peninsula, AK – Salmonfest
Aug. 18 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park $
Aug. 19 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park $
Aug. 20 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns Amphitheater $
Aug. 21 – Pelham, TN – The Caverns Amphitheater
Aug. 24 – Grand Rapids, MI – Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Aug. 26-28 – Bridgeview, IL – Sacred Rose Festival
Sept. 1 – San Diego, CA – The Observatory North Park
Sept. 2 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
Sept. 3 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theater
Sept. 4 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort & Casino
Sept. 8 – Salt Lake City, UT – Red Butte Garden
Sept. 9 – Bozeman, MT – The ELM
Sept. 29 – Richmond, VA – Music at Maymont
Sept. 30 – Wilmington, NC – Greenfield Lake Amphitheater
Oct. 1 – Savannah, GA – Johnny Mercer Theatre
Oct. 2 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
$ Co-bill with The Disco Biscuits
^ with support from lespecial
# with support from Andy Frasco and The U.N.
