Hotline TNT, the New York-based band known for its distinctive meld of shoegaze, noise, and indie rock, is scheduled to perform at Kingdom Boxing LLC in Phoenix on September 30, as part of their tour promoting their latest album "Raspberry Moon." The band, led by Will Anderson, is expected to be in top form after several weeks on the road. Speaking about their live performances, Anderson told Phoenix New Times, "We should be in fighting form, literally, by the time we get to the boxing ring."
The visit to Phoenix carries additional significance with its underground music history. Anderson expressed interest in this legacy after learning about the early '80s venue, Madison Square Garden, where local bands like Meat Puppets frequented. "Let's see if we can bring some of that history back," Anderson said in an interview. The group's latest album represents a collaborative effort from all members, potentially capturing the spirit of Phoenix's historical music scene.
However, the band has recently been in news for reasons beyond their music. Hotline TNT joined several artists in pulling their music from Spotify, with frontman Will Anderson criticizing the streaming service's values. "The company that bills itself as the steward of all recorded music has proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that it does not align with the band's values in any way. A cooler world is possible," Anderson stated, as reported by Yahoo News. This decision came in the wake of reports about Spotify CEO Daniel Ek's involvement with Helsing, a German company operating in AI military software.
In a move to reach their fans directly, Hotline TNT planned a 24-hour livestream on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Instagram, aiming to sell 500 copies of "Raspberry Moon" on Bandcamp, while engaging in discussions about music discovery and their stance on Spotify. Their initiative encourages a direct interaction with the audience, sidestepping traditional streaming services. Regarding their music and performance style, Anderson's take is straightforward and devoid of any pretense. "I would say neither. It’s just, ‘turn it up. Turn it up and make it loud. We'll figure it out,’" he mentioned to Phoenix New Times regarding his approach to gear and tone.
The "Raspberry Moon" tour continues beyond Phoenix, with stops across the United States and eventually leading into Europe. The tour schedule includes dates in cities like Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Austin, and several European hubs. Tickets for their shows can be found online for fans and new listeners alike. As Hotline TNT continues to tour, their blend of music and values remains at the forefront, pushing boundaries in the industry both sonically and ethically.
