San Fermin is back with “The Hunger,” their first new single to be released via bandleader Ellis Ludwig-Leone’s new imprint Better Company, in partnership with Sony Music Masterworks. “‘The Hunger’ is the result of a late-night discussion with a female friend about the difficulties of dating in the city,” says San Fermin composer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Ellis Ludwig-Leone. “There’s a line, why’d I wear these fucking shoes, that’s basically lifted right from that conversation. I think there’s something heroic in the process of getting your hopes up time and again, even in the face of constant disappointment.

“The singer is Samia, who came into the studio and nailed it right away, with this mixture of I-don’t-give-a-shit energy and vulnerability that’s perfect for the song. In the verse, she describes an endless string of bad dates-even the melody is a relentless monotone that leaves her out of breath. But then when the chorus hits, there’s a modulation in the harmony that reflects the mental gymnastics required to do it all over again. It’s both a release and an attempt to psych herself up for another round. Trying to project confidence while dealing with disappointment and insecurity is an experience I think a lot of people can relate to.”

With the release of “The Hunger” and announcement of a wide-ranging North American tour, San Fermin hints at more new music to come. The dates get underway October 16 at Concord, NH’s Capitol Center for the Arts and then continue through a hometown tour finale set for December 6 at New York’s Brooklyn Steel. Fan presales begin Wednesday, June 26 at 10 am (local); General Admission sales begin Friday, June 28 at 10 am (local). Additional dates will be announced. For complete details and ticket information, please visit www.sanferminband.com/tour.

San Fermin
Live Dates

OCTOBER
16 – Concord, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Stage
17 – Boston, MA – The Sinclair
18 – Montreal, QC – Fairmount
19 – Toronto, ON – The Mod Club
20 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall
22 – Grand Rapids, MI – Pyramid Scheme
25 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
26 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line Music Hall
27 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theater
29 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Ballroom
30 – Calgary, AB – Commonwealth

NOVEMBER
1 – Vancouver, BC – New Hollywood Theater
2 – Seattle, WA – Neumo’s
3 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
7 – San Francisco, CA – August Hall
8 – Los Angeles, CA – Lodge Room
9 – Phoenix, AZ – Valley Bar
10 – Santa Fe, NM – Meow Wolf
13 – Denver, CO – Globe Hall
15 – Dallas, TX – Kessler Theater
16 – Austin, TX – Mohawk
17 – Houston, TX – Heights Theater
19 – Atlanta, GA – Aisle 5
20 – Carrboro, NC – The ArtsCenter
22 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club
23 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

DECEMBER
6 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel