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| The Virgins to Release Self-Titled Debut June 3rd in North America; Atlantic Records has announced the upcoming release of the debut album from The Virgins. Produced by S*A*M* and Sluggo, the self-titled album from the downtown NYC band arrives in stores and online June 3rd. Recently named one of Alternative Press's "100 Bands You Need to Know, " the band will herald "THE VIRGINS" with a series of North American live dates as part of the first ever "NYLON Magazine Music Tour." Presented by Live Nation in association with the fashion and culture magazine, the tour sees The Virgins highlighting a multi-artist bill. The 36-date itinerary kicks off on May 8th at the House of Blues in Anaheim, then traverses the continent before returning to California for a June 21st tour finale at Los Angeles' legendary Wiltern Theatre. In addition, The Virgins will perform at a number of upcoming festivals, including the debut All Points West, slated for August 10th at Liberty State Park in Jersey City, New Jersey. The Virgins have already received a flurry of ecstatic press accolades, with features in a wide range of publications, including Spin, Interview, The Village Voice, The New York Times Magazine, Nylon, Vice, and Anthem. The first single from the album, "Rich Girls, " debuted as MySpace's "Single of the Week" May 5th at www.myspace.com/thevirginsnyc, with a companion video to premiere shortly. The Virgins exemplify the sound and style of downtown New York City in 2008. The band came together in 2006, the brainchild of songwriter/performer Donald Cumming. Having lived on NYC's streets since the age of 16, Cumming's teen years were chronicled by artist/photographer Ryan McGinley in his now-legendary debut solo show at the Whitney Museum of American Art. With Cumming joined by bassist Nick Zarin-Ackerman, guitarist Wade Oates, and drummer Erik Ratensperger, The Virgins began playing at downtown parties at such spots as St. Marks Church and 205. For their third show ever, The Virgins took Paris by storm, performing at designer agnès b's fashion week party alongside Patti Smith and Sonic Youth. The band's connection to New York's art scene is no more apparent than in their own album art, which features design and photography from Dan Colen and Terry Richardson. The Virgins have spent much of the last two years on the road, headlining and sharing stages with such bands as Cold War Kids, Tokyo Police Club, Jet, Tapes N' Tapes, the Long Blondes, White Rabbits, and Ra Ra Riot. The band recently caused commotion in Europe, where they were featured on the cover of France's Jalouse Magazine. The Virgins also hit London for a number of packed-out shows - including an acclaimed set opening for their good friend Mark Ronson at the Hammersmith Apollo, which saw NME honoring them as the "Best Band We have Seen This Week." write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |