Stephen Malkmus has announced a new solo album, titled Traditional Techniques. Above, you can hear lead track ‘Xian Man’.
Traditional Techniques is Malkmus’ third solo album away from Pavement and his other project, the Jicks.
It came about while he was recording his 2018 album with the Jicks, Sparkle Hard, at Portland’s Halfling Studio. The idea for a new solo album escalated within a matter of weeks into a full set of songs, and shortly after, a press release says, a "fully committed album."
When he returned to Halfling, the press release continues, "Malkmus drew from a whole new musical palette," including a variety of Afghani instruments. The finished album’s 10 tracks are centred around his 12-string acoustic guitar, while he’s also called upon Matt Sweeney to play guitar throughout and The Decemberists’ Chris Funk to assist with arrangements.
Domino will release Traditional Techniques on March 6. It will be followed by a North American tour, for which you can find the list of dates here.
Malkmus will also return to Europe in June to play Barcelona’s Primavera Sound as part of Pavement.
