Article Contributed by Charm School Media
Published on 2026-04-01
Credit: Charlie Weinman
White Denim band leader James Petralli’s wide-ranging musical appetite has become more voracious over time, delivering new album 13 – out April 24 via Bella Union – as a groove-heavy alchemy of rock, funk, dubby calypso, soul and down-dirty blues and shimmery sunshine-pop. Following acclaimed early album cuts “(God Created) Lock And Key” and “Hired Hand #2”, today he shares the brand new down dirty country album track “Ruby” which premiered with MAGNET Magazine. White Denim has also announced a slew of national tour dates, including stops in Denver, Seattle, Atlanta, Cleveland, Portland, Los Angeles and much more. Tickets available here.
James shares, "I wrote a version of “Ruby” quite a few years ago. Every few months the melody would pop back into my mind for a while before drifting out again. I picked up a few old cassette recorders at a neighborhood flea market that warbled audio in a way that vividly sparked a memory of the texture of the first few bars of “Street Fighting Man” by The Rolling Stones. This was enough for me to begin chasing the production of the song in earnest. I get really excited about making direct connections between my work and the history of rock and roll. I'm not really a purist. I do however feel that attempting to build something new upon existing foundations that represents my friends and I is about the most enjoyable and life affirming way I've found to spend time."
Community and connection is the backbone of White Denim’s dynamic new album. Imbued with the same questing spirit that’s been the band’s trademark since first starting in Austin, Texas, some 20 years ago, the new collection is strapped with commentary on power, generational cycles of abuse, shame, violence, and survival while urgently committing to the importance of family and creative freedom.
In addition to Petralli being born on the thirteenth of August, the album title holds multi-significance sprinkled throughout the album. ‘13’ in numerology can signify independence, creativity, and a solid foundation, but inversely is often considered to be unlucky and can signify chaos and misfortune. It also happens to be the thirteenth album of White Denim’s career.
Tour Dates - TICKETS
5/28: Las Vegas, NV @ Swan Dive
5/29: Wells, NV @ Schellraiser Presents: Humboldt Hideaway
5/31: Boulder, CO @ The Velvet Elk
6/2: First Collins, CO @ Washington’s
6/3: Denver, CO @ Marquis
6/5: Dallas, TX @ AM/FM
6/6: Austin, TX @ Central Machine Works
7/7: Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
7/8: Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
7/10: Sebastopol, CA @ Hopmonk Tavern
7/11: Camino, CA @ Folk On The Farm - Delfino Farms
7/12: San Francisco, CA @ The Chapel
7/13: Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe's Alley
7/14: Ojai, CA @ Deer Lodge
7/16: Los Angeles, CA @ Sid the Cat Auditorium
8/27: Belfast, UK @ Limelight 2
8/28: Dublin, Ireland @ Whelan's
8/30: Glasgow, UK @ Classic Grand
8/31: Newcastle, UK @ The Cluny
9/1: Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
9/2: Bristol, UK @ The Fleece
9/4: Brighton, UK @ Brighton Psych Fest
9/5: Manchester, UK @ Manchester Psych Fest
9/7: London, UK @ Moth Club
9/8: London, UK @ Moth Club
9/12: Asten Heusden, Netherlands @ Misty Fields Festival
9/13: Cologne, Germany @ MTC
9/14: Hamburg, Germany @ Molotow Club
9/15: Utrecht, Netherlands @ De Helling
9/18: Barcelona, Spain @ Upload
9/20: Madrid, Spain @ El Sol
10/1: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
10/2: Asheville, NC @ Burnpile Pre-Party - Eulogy
10/3: Raleigh, NC @ Kings
10/5: Richmond, VA @ Richmond Music Hall
10/6: Ardmore, PA @ Ardmore Music Hall
10/7: Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Bowl
10/8: Boston, MA @ Deep Cuts
10/9: Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground - Showcase Lounge
10/10: Northampton, MA @ The Iron Horse
10/12: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Ballroom
10/13: Evanston, IL @ Space
