Ratboys Announce Expanded Album Featuring Guest Covers and Tiny Desk Performance
Ratboys have announced a deluxe edition of their album Singin’ to an Empty Chair, due September 25, featuring covers by PUP, Wild Pink, Ducks Ltd., Bad Bad Hats, and Free Range. The band also released their first NPR Tiny Desk Concert, performing older and new songs. They will tour with Smidley later this year.
The expanded release adds five guest renditions from fellow indie acts, alongside the band's own take on a Texas punk classic. The frontwoman noted the thrill of hearing their recent compositions reinterpreted by admired peers.
Their first NPR Tiny Desk session pairs a longstanding live staple with two selections from the new record. A multi-continental trek with Smidley follows, spanning venues from Belgium to Mexico and across the United States.
The deluxe edition and Tiny Desk appearance could significantly widen Ratboys' audience. Guest covers may draw listeners from each participating act's fanbase, while the NPR platform offers mainstream exposure. The extensive tour with Smidley could foster cross-pollination within the indie rock community, potentially boosting ticket sales and streaming numbers for all involved. This collaborative approach may also inspire similar cross-promotional strategies among emerging bands.