The Constellations to release “Southern Gothic” and tour dates

The Constellations will release their debut album Southern Gothic on EMI’s Virgin Records on June 22. Rising stars of the Atlanta scene, the band–which is fronted by charismatic vocalist Elijah Jones–is set for a breakout year in 2010. Southern Gothic was produced by Ben H. Allen (Animal Collective, Gnarls Barkley), and features guest appearances by Cee-Lo and Asher Roth.

Following recent opening slots with Snoop Dogg, Hockey, Greyboy Allstars and RJD2, The Constellations will continue to tour extensively throughout the summer, including performances at major festivals such as Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, and Mile High. The band was named one of SPIN’s “Must Hear Bands At SXSW,” and PASTE’s “Best of What’s Next.” They are also currently featured as one of iheartradio’s “Artists To Watch.”

Southern Gothic is all about what happens in The Constellations’ Atlanta stomping grounds afterhours, a spectacle rife with seedy scenes and eccentric personalities, and propelled by a manic energy that hustles the audience deeper into the unexpected. Your tour guide on this madcap adventure is the magnetic frontman and vocalist Elijah Jones–the ringleader of the twisted circus that is The Constellations–who spent two years writing and recording the album with producer Ben H. Allen.

“Atlanta is strange,” says Jones, “because we’re all basically pushed together.” The hip-hop heads, punk rockers, and indie kids all rub shoulders and mix it up. Southern Gothic reflects that inclusive diversity in its far-reaching sound. One expects nothing less from a singer who cites Tom Waits and Cee-Lo of Goodie Mob and Gnarls Barkley as his musical heroes, working with a producer who name-checks Fela Kuti and Gorillaz among their record’s key influences.

The band’s name refers to the myriad musicians from the regional scene who either contributed to making the album or have since played in The Constellations live band. One luminary who drops in is Cee-Lo, who added a verse to the electro-rocker “Love Is A Murder.” Another guest is suburban rapper Asher Roth, lending his playful rhymes to “We’re Here To Save The Day.” Other highlights include the funk number “Felicia,” for which Jones drew inspiration from the laidback ’70s vignettes of Iggy Pop and Lou Reed, and the album’s centerpiece, “Step Right Up (A Tribute To Tom Waits).”

THE CONSTELLATIONS – 2010 TOUR DATES
Apr. 12 – Spaceland – Los Angeles, CA
Apr. 13 – Cinespace – Los Angeles, CA
Apr. 15 – Popscene – San Francisco, CA
Apr. 16 – Beauty Bar – Las Vegas, NV
Apr. 28 – Sunfest – West Palm Beach, FL
Apr. 29 – The Social – Orland, FL
May 1 – Beale Street Music Festival – Memphis, TN
May 3 – DC 9 – Washington DC
May 4 – North Star Bar – Philadelphia, PA
May 5 – Brillobox – Pittsburgh, PA
May 6 – Soundlab – Buffalo, NY
May 7 – Mod Club – Toronto, ONT
May 8 – Washington Park – Albany, NY
June 4 – Wakarusa – Ozark, AK
June 10 – Bonnaroo Festival – Manchester, TN
June 11 – North Star Bar – Philadelphia, PA
June 12 – Beachland Ballroom – Cleveland, OH
June 13 – Empty Bottle – Chicago, IL
June 16 – Mercy Lounge – Nashville, TN
June 18 – Rock and Roll Hotel – Washington DC
June 19 – The Bell House – Brooklyn, NY
July 11 – Ottawa Blues Festival – Ottawa, ONT
July 16 – Indian Lookout Country Club – Mariaville, NY
Aug. 6-8 – Lollapalooza – Chicago, IL
Aug. 14-15 – Mile High Music Festival – Commerce City, CO