Slow Joy releases urgent, anguished new single "King Cowboy”
One of our absolute faves, the southwest emo superstar Esteban Flores aka Slow Joy has shared his latest single "King Cowboy," a critical exploration of capitalist society's impacts. Sets the stage for Flores' upcoming EP, Mi Amigo Slow Joy, scheduled for release on 7 June via Mick Music.
Flores, a Chicano artist originally from New Mexico, brings an urgency and raw emotion to "King Cowboy," crafting a narrative through the eyes of a character grappling with the harsh realities of economic disparity. This approach avoids preachiness, instead offering a more nuanced reflection on the American Dream. The track follows the release of "Pulling Teeth," another single from the forthcoming EP that draws comparisons to the Foo Fighters and Pixies for its robust sound and vivid storytelling.
Talking about “King Cowboy” Flores shared:
“With 'King Cowboy,' I didn't want to critique the American Dream in a way that was preachy. So I thought it was interesting to put yourself in a character and say, 'I'm the King Cowboy,' which is such a ridiculous term to say,”
Produced by Mike Sapone, known for his work with Oso Oso and The Front Bottoms, Mi Amigo Slow Joy promises to deliver both lyrical and sonic evolution. The EP's title and visuals pay homage to Flores' Hispanic heritage, emphasizing the importance of culture and identity in his music.
Flores began his musical project Slow Joy in 2020, finding an audience through singles that gained traction on TikTok, leading to significant playlist placements. His music, characterized by elements of space rock, shoegaze, and post-rock, initially served as a cathartic outlet to cope with his mother's passing. This personal connection continues to influence his creative output, deepening the emotional resonance of his work.
In support of the EP, Flores will embark on a North American tour in June, featuring both headline shows and festival appearances, including So What?! Festival in Fort Worth, TX, and Ohio Is For Lovers Festival in Cincinnati, OH. He will also open for the Nashville-based emo band Free Throw during their US and Canada tour dates.
Fans can look forward to the full release of Mi Amigo Slow Joy in early June, with pre-orders already available. This EP not only showcases Flores' growth as an artist but also celebrates his cultural roots, making it a significant addition to his discography.
Save the date for Mi Amigo Slow Joy, and watch the video for “King Cowboy”:
Upcoming live dates
May 4th @ Ollie's Skate Shop in Longview, TX
June 1st @ So What?! Festival in Fort Worth, TX
June 4th @ Blueberry Hill in St. Louis, MO
June 5th @ HI-FI in Indianapolis, IN
June 6th @ Ace of Cups in Columbus, OH
June 7th @ Pike Room in Detroit, MI
June 8th @ G-Man Tavern in Chicago, IL
June 10th @ Raccoon Motel in Davenport, IA^
June 11th @ X-Ray Arcade in Cudahy, WI^
June 12th @ Green Room in Minneapolis, MN^
June 13th @ West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg, MB^
June 15th @ Buckingham in Edmonton, AB^
June 16th @ Modern Love in Calgary, AB^
June 18th @ The Pearl in Vancouver, BC^
June 19th @ Mission Theater in Portland, OR^
June 20th @ The Dip in Redding, CA^
June 22nd @ Harlow's in Sacramento, CA
June 24th @ The Black Sheep in Colorado Springs, CO^
June 26th @ Reverb Lounge in Omaha, NE^
June 27th @ The Rino in Lawrence, KS
September 7th @ Ohio Is For Lovers Festival in Cincinnati, OH
