Kurt Vile and The Violators
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About Kurt Vile and The Violators
Released in God’s year of 2026, the 250th anniversary of the founding of America in Kurt Vile’s fine city of Philadelphia, Philadelphia’s been good to me finds one of our nation’s greatest songwriters staking a claim on his hometown. “This is my ‘bringing it all back home to Philly’ record,” Vile says. “I’m treating it like my last one. I put everything into it. It’s my best vocal record. It’s my best electric guitar record. It’s my most organic record, made in the comfort of my own zone.”
Largely self-produced, with assists from Adam Langellotti, keys wiz Matthew Jugenheimer, drummer Kyle Spence, guitarist Jesse Trbovrich, and longtime Violators boardsman Rob Schnapf, the record embodies Vile’s understanding of music as a conversation between people across time and space. The title track is an ode to his hometown that doubles as an homage to Tom Petty’s homage to California. The barn-burning “Chance to Bleed” features guest spots from Memphis OGs Natalie Hoffman and Greg Cartwright but boasts a music video proudly shot at the Philly venue Kung Fu Necktime and features a cameo by local legend Schoolly D. “You Don’t Know Cuz It’s My Life” is Kurt’s take on a stadium anthem, building up to a laid-back yet triumphant chant of “I’m from Phil-a-del-phiaaaaaaah!” that you can imagine a crowd of Eagles fans screaming along to, Twisted Teas pointed towards the heavens.
Make no mistake: Philadelphia’s been good to me is the sound of Philly’s constant hitmaker coming back to kick ass, son the haters, and put on for the City of Brotherly Love — and in true Kurt Vile fashion, doing so while sounding more relaxed than ever. Between the 250th anniversary of America and its hosting of select World Cup games, 2026 is shaping up to be a big deal for Philadelphia. “And then there’s one other thing,” Vile says. “I gotta be that third thing. Because I am Philadelphia. I gotta own it. I gotta rise to the occasion"
Kurt Vile and The Violators
Kurt Vile and The Violators is the performing name used by American singer-songwriter Kurt Vile alongside his longtime backing band, The Violators. The band tours globally at independent shows and music festivals, performing intimate and engaging concerts for rapt audiences.1
Since 2008, Kurt Vile and The Violators have been writing and producing folk, indie, alternative country, and acoustic hits.2 Several of their albums have made it onto the Billboard 200 chart, including b’lieve i’m goin down… and Bottle It In.3 Vile’s hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, has remained an important influence throughout his career.2
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Kurt Vile and The Violators’ Background
Kurt Vile co-founded the band War on Drugs before branching off to a solo career in 2008. He grew up in Philadelphia and finds inspiration from the area for his dark, folksy music.2
Vile’s band, The Violators, backs him in the recording studio and on global tours. They have produced numerous studio albums, EPs, and hit singles, and have performed across Europe and North America as headliners and at music festivals.1
In 2013, Vile was awarded the prestigious Liberty Bell Award, a testament to the impact of his music and influence on his hometown of Philadelphia.4
Kurt Vile and The Violators’ Biggest Hits
Kurt Vile has been writing and producing hits for many years, ranging in genre from folk to alternative country to psychedelic lofi. His band, The Violators, backs him in the studio and on stage. Some of their most popular songs include:
- Pretty Pimpin (2015): The lead single on the album b’lieve i’m goin down…, it helped propel the album to the 40th spot on the Billboard 200 list in 2015.3,5
- Loading Zones (2018): The lead single for Vile’s eighth studio album, Bottle It In, this song was released in 2018. The album debuted at spot 79 on the Billboard 200 list.3,5
- Mount Airy Hill (Way Gone) (2022): This single pays respect to Vile’s hometown, a Philadelphia neighborhood that has inspired much of his music, including his ninth studio album Watch My Moves.1
See Kurt Vile and The Violators Live
Kurt Vile and The Violators are known for intimate live shows with an engaging atmosphere. Their unique music translates well to live performances, and Kurt Vile typically plays guitar while singing.6
Kurt Vile and The Violators play at independent concerts and music festivals across Europe and North America, bringing their folksy, alternative energy on global tours.1
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Frequently Asked Questions
Information About Kurt Vile and The Violators Concerts
Sources
- Kurt Vile and The Violators Bring Breezy ‘Mount Airy Hill (Way Gone)’ to ‘Colbert’ - Rolling Stone
- Kurt Vile - WFUV
- Kurt Vile - Billboard
- Watch Kurt Vile Receive the Liberty Bell Award, Perform “Wakin’ on a Pretty Day” And “Freeway” - XPN
- Kurt Vile Discography - Spotify
- Kurt Vile and The Violators - Utah Concert Review
- Kurt Vile and The Violators - LA Phil