Classically-trained Detroit saxophonist turned producer GRiZ is gearing up for the release of his sophomore album Rebel Era, and in anticipation has unleashed the album lead single and accompanying video, “Hard Times”.

“I wrote this song as part one of the story of how I see Detroit these days and its rise,” says GRiZ of the soulful electro-funk track.

“Hard Times” is a throwback groove that echoes traces of the blues combined with a grimy electro energy that should find fans across multiple generations. Check out the official video – which combines a mix of GRiZ spinning at Movement Music Festival to gritty shots of Detroit – and read the full story behind his upcoming Rebel Era EP below.

“In a time where words and phrases like the occupy movement, personal freedom, the NSA, riots, elections, and war are on the tips of everyone’s tongues, I can feel a shift in global energy. This is a time where classism and competition is tearing a rift in society. A time where imperialist democratic capitalism is fighting its way to dominate cultures and seperate people into selfish consumers. A time where people are turning against the powers that be and are speaking out against these values. A time that is inspiring people to seek change. Its the time that we live in, an age that we created.

I wrote this record over the past year in many different states and phases. From tour busses, to bedroom studios, from green rooms full of friends and scenesters, to planes thousands of feet flying through the sky. I’ve met and worked with so many new people through the creation of this album and pushed my limits as a producer to create something challenging and dynamic. Taking every single moment that I wasn’t on stage and dedicating it to developing ideas of sound; at times, left me breathless and laid out on the floor of my room with songs on repeat – anxious thoughts melting away into space.

But thats the thing. I’ve found that music sets me free. Its up to us to use that which is most compelling and manifest a new reality. One free of apathy. A world of compassion, empathy and cooperation. A world of action and of love.

This is Rebel Era.”

GRiZ Rebel Era Tour Dates

10/10 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
10/11 – Los Angeles, CA – Fonda Theatre
10/13 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent
10/15 – Chico, CA – Senator Theatre
10/16 – Crystal Bay, NV – Tahoe Biltmore
10/17 – Arcata, CA – Arcata Theatre
10/18 – Seattle, WA – Showbox @ the Market
10/19 – Portland, OR – Branx
10/21 – Missoula, MT – Stage 112
10/23 – Minneapolis, MN – Epic Event Center
10/24 – Madison, WI – Orpheum Theatre
10/27 – Urbana, IL – Canopy Club
10/31 – Broomfield, CO – 1st Bank Center
11/07 – Clifton Park, NY – Upstate Concert Hall
11/08 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of the Living Arts
11/09 – Northamton, MA – Pearl Street
11/10 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
11/12 – Syracuse, NY – Westcott Theatre
11/13 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
11/14 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
11/15 – New York, NY – Terminal 5
11/16 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
11/17 – Richmond, VA – The National
11/19 – Raleigh, NC – Lincoln Theatre
11/20 – Boone, NC – Legends Club – ASU
11/21 – Wilmington, NC – Ziggy’s By the Sea
11/22 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm
11/23 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
11/26 – Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
11/27 – Memphis, TN – Newby’s
11/28 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue
11/29 – Louisville, KY – Diamond Pub
11/30 – St. Louis, MO – 2720 Cherokee

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