Open Mike Eagle Releases New Music Video and Expands Tour Schedule
Today, rapper Open Mike Eagle unveiled a new music video for the track "my co-worker Clark Kent’s secret black box" from his critically acclaimed album Neighborhood Gods Unlimited. The video, directed by Stoney Sharp, accentuates the song’s surreal elements and further develops the immersive fictional concept of a cable channel introduced in the album, which was released through Eagle’s own label, Auto Reverse Records.
Tour Announcements and Upcoming Dates
The release of the music video coincides with Eagle’s ongoing North American headlining tour, currently featuring support from artists Cavalier and Rhys Langston. In addition, Open Mike Eagle has announced further headlining tour dates that include a notable hometown show at the Hammer Museum on August 19, as part of the Hammer Summer Concert series. Additional performances are set for October, including cities like Orlando, Miami, Atlanta, Yucca Valley, and Phoenix. Tickets for the tour can be purchased via the provided link.
Aside from his own headline shows, Eagle will also perform alongside Clipping on August 15 and 16, and serve as support for Phantogram from August 31 to September 15.
Upcoming Live Dates
Headlining:
- August 13 – Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Upstairs
- August 14 – South Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground Showcase
- August 19 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hammer Museum
Opening for Clipping:
- August 15 – Philadelphia, PA @ Ukie Club
- August 16 – Washington, D.C. @ 9:30 Club
Opening for Phantogram:
- August 31 – Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore
- September 3 – Rochester, NY @ Anthology
- September 4 – Albany, NY @ Empire Live
- September 5 – Montreal, QC @ Theatre Beanfield
- September 8 – Portland, ME @ State Theater
- September 10 – Norwalk, CT @ District Music Hall
- September 11 – Allentown, PA @ Archer Music Hall
- September 12 – Huntington, NY @ The Paramount
- September 15 – Richmond, VA @ The National
Headlining:
- October 15 – Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub
- October 16 – Miami, FL @ Gramps
- October 18 – Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
- October 30 – Yucca Valley, CA @ Mojave Gold
- October 31 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
The Creative Process Behind Neighborhood Gods Unlimited
Beyond his music career, Open Mike Eagle is also known for his work in television, including the Comedy Central show The New Negroes. He shared insights into his creative process, particularly regarding a project titled Dark Comedy Television, which envisions a cable network limited to one hour of programming weekly. This concept was partially inspired by films like Get Out and Sorry to Bother You, addressing serious issues impacting marginalized communities. His experiences with trauma deeply informed his latest album, as he noted, “The trauma at the center of ‘Neighborhood Gods Unlimited’ is mine.”
Eagle discussed the transformation of his initial television concept into an album, viewing it as a necessary cathartic experience. He expressed concerns about the unpredictable nature of the television industry, stating, “If that had happened with a project around this particular subject matter, it would have been bad for my mental health.”
The album itself includes a thematic structure reminiscent of a television show, featuring elements such as an opening theme, flashbacks, climactic moments, and even commercial interludes.
Conclusion
Open Mike Eagle’s multi-faceted approach to storytelling through music highlights both his artistic versatility and personal journey. His latest music video and upcoming performances reflect his ongoing evolution as an artist who intertwines personal experiences with broader social narratives. The release of Neighborhood Gods Unlimited and its accompanying visuals contribute to an important dialogue surrounding the complexities of identity and trauma, offering audiences an immersive experience that transcends traditional musical formats. As Eagle continues to engage with his audience through both live performances and innovative artistic concepts, the potential impact of his work could redefine boundaries in the music and entertainment industries.
For those interested in viewing the new music video, it is available for streaming on YouTube.
