Ratboys are back with “Black Earth, WI,” a new single/video out today via Topshelf Records. This is their first new piece of music since 2021’s Happy Birthday, Ratboy and 2020’s Printer’s Devil. The self-produced video is made of manipulated, found VHS storm chaser footage.

“We recorded ‘Black Earth, WI’ live off the floor in Seattle last year at the amazing Hall of Justice and it was our first time recording straight to tape,” says vocalist/guitarist Julia Steiner “We had to be conscious of how many takes we could fit onto a reel, but lucky for us, take two was the one.”

The Chicago-based band includes Julia Steiner (vocals/guitar), Dave Sagan (guitar), Marcus Nuccio (drums), and Sean Neumann (bass). The band will bring their vivacious live show to SXSW later this month. A list of all shows and confirmed showcases can be found below.

Ratboys 2023 Tour Dates

Sun. March 12 – St. Louis, MO @ Central Stage
Tue. March 14 – Austin, TX @ Cheer Up Charlie’s Indoors (High Road Touring Showcase) – 12:30AM
Wed. March 15 – Austin, TX @ Hotel San Jose (South by San Jose) – 3:00PM
Thu. March 16 – Austin, TX @ Cheer Up Charlie’s Outdoors (Topshelf Records Showcase) – 12:00AM
Fri. March 17 – Austin, TX @ The Ballroom (SmartPunk Showcase) – TBD
Thu. March 30 – Notre Dame, IN @ University of Notre Dame – Stepan Center
Sat. April 22 – Iowa City, IA @ Strauss Hall at Hancher

Order “Black Earth, WI,” By Ratboys HERE