Gemma Rays Radiating Into U.S.

Moody music and haunting lyrics are floating into the U.S. as Gemma Ray announces a month-long tour in the fall.

Photo: Steve Gullick

A press photo for Gemma Ray.

The new dates start Nov. 7 in Chicago and bounce around the country, touching most major markets and concluding in Los Angeles Dec. 6.

Prior to the U.S., Gemma has some shows lined up in Europe. She plays Waves Vienna Sept. 29 and then four consecutive shows in the Netherlands Oct. 6-9. The songstress, who was born in England but is currently based out of Berlin, is also constantly touring Germany through September.

Her new album, The Exodus Suite, was released in May and has an atmospheric style that uses echo and distorted guitars to great effect. Check out an example of her live performances:

The lyrics on her new LP are fairly deep, with themes touching on the confusion and tension the artist has perceived in the world without politicizing or projecting triumphalism. Part of the reason for the increased consciousness on the album might be that 8,000 Syrian refugees were housed below the Berlin recording studio where Gemma cut the album.

Here is the U.S. plan:

Nov. 7 – Chicago, Ill., Schubas Tavern
Nov. 9 – Cincinnati, Ohio, Motr Pub
Nov. 10 – Grand Rapids, Mich., Founders Brewing Co.
Nov. 11 – Pittsburgh, Pa., Hambone’s Pub
Nov. 12 – Philadelphia, Pa., Philadelphia Mausoleum Of Contemporary Art
Nov. 15 – Cambridge, Mass., Atwoods Tavern
Nov. 16 – Brooklyn, N.Y., The Owl
Nov. 17 – Arlington, Va., IOTA Club & Cafe
Nov. 18 – Durham, N.C., Duke Coffeehouse
Nov. 19 – Atlanta, Ga., 529
Nov. 21 – Houston, Texas, Satellite Bar
Nov. 23 – Austin, Texas, The Mohawk
Nov. 27 – Tucson, Ariz., Club Congress
Nov. 28 – San Diego, Calif., Soda Bar
Dec. 2 – Santa Ana, Calif., The Observatory
Dec. 3 – Portland, Ore., Bunk Bar
Dec. 6 – Los Angeles, Calif., Bootleg Theater

A fair number of the venues are clubs, cafes and bars so tickets will likely be available at the door. GemmaRay.tv is the singer’s website.