Sideshow – LIFES AS VIOLENT AS YOU MAKE IT

Sideshow announces “TIGRAY FUNK,” a 32-track album out February 27 via 10k, with lead single “LIFES AS VIOLENT AS YOU MAKE IT” produced by Alexander Spit. The Tigrayan artist spent two years recording the album, grappling with the Tigray War in Ethiopia and the realities of being a Black man in America.

“LIFES AS VIOLENT” rides a jaunty piano loop that contrasts with the stark lyrics. Sideshow moves from reminiscing about serving as a teen to watching the speedometer hit 120 on the highway, declaring “I got some questions for God, need answers.”

The album features production from Tony Seltzer, Laron, harrison (Surf Gang), Anysia Kym, and Popstar Benny, with guest verses from Niontay, El Cousteau, Kelow Latesha, and SEXWORKS. A parable runs through the album about how animals became predators and prey, serving as a metaphor for Sideshow’s experiences.

After moving to the US from Tigray, Ethiopia, Sideshow spent time between Virginia and LA, immersing himself in American culture through movies, art, and music. His career progressed from 2020 EPs “Farley” and “Ginger Shot” through 2021’s “Wicked Man’s Reprise” (featuring MAVI, Na-Kel Smith, and Navy Blue) to 2023’s collaborative album “JAM” with Alexander Spit. Pitchfork praised 2024’s “F.U.N. T.O.Y.,” noting the thick air of inevitability in his work.

Sideshow is currently supporting Earl Sweatshirt on the European leg of his 3LW tour, running through February 6 in Zurich.

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Tracklist:

1. SIGNS+SYMBOLS (feat. SEXWORKS)
2. KILL FROM THE HEART
3. VOLUME METRIC
4. SOFT TOOTH TIGER
5. I AM DA CAPTAIN
6. MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE (feat. Kelow Latesha)
7. MARTYR MOST HIGH
8. HEART 2 A FEATHER
9. 3EEP IT 2OGETHER (feat. El Cousteau)
10. FLOOD 2 FRENZY
11. LIFES AS VIOLENT AS YOU MAKE IT
12. BLAME BURNAYS
13. ALMOST FAMOUS
14. WAR GAMES
15. CCP LIKE OTO
16. YARDBIRD
17. WHAT KIND OF ANIMAL ARE YOU?
18. ALENA(ኣለና)PARADISE LOST
19. SOLID SNAKE
20. BANDIDO GENEROSO
21. SCHIZSHOW BOB
22. ALOVENARCOTIC
23. WHY WOULD YOU WANT SUCH THINGS?
24. INVADER JIM
25. WRETCHED OF THE EARTH
26. HAPPY MACHINE (feat. Niontay)
27. PUSSY RIOT!
28. YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE
29. LOOK WHAT OUR STOMACHS MADE US DO
30. INTERNATIONAL SODA CLUB
31. +5
32. CHAOS CONSTANT