A brief glimpse through Steve Gunn’s discography will tell you a little bit about the Philly–based songwriter’s work ethic: Of the dozen or so full-lengths he’s released over the past decade, about half of them are collaborations with other American primitivist guitarists and psych folk artists, including live recordings with Angel Olsen and Ed Askew and studio albums with Hiss Golden Messenger and Kurt Vile, with whom Gunn now plays as a backing Violator.
But this year Gunn is setting out on his own with The Unseen in Between, his first solo record since 2016’s hearty Eyes on the Lines. In preparation of its release, the songwriter set out on a brief European tour, which he gracefully documented in photos below. “It was a whirlwind going from city to city every day, but super fun,” says Gunn. “I was grateful for all of the thoughtful questions and enthusiasm from international journalists, and I hope that a few of these snaps reflect the great time that I had. Also thank you to Josh from Matador for being a great travel companion!”
The Unseen in Between is out January 18 via Matador. American audiences can catch him before he returns to Europe in the coming months—you can find his U.S. dates here.
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- Day 1: Amsterdam. Leather pillows were on my hotel bed upon arrival. I respectfully placed these on the floor during my stay, and then put them back on the bed on my way out. I had a very restful and comfortable stay at this place. (Amsterdam)
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- Later that evening I played my new songs in front of people for the first time. I wrote two set lists because I was nervous.
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- Day 2: I really like how this old blue telephone sits so confidently on these lime green tiles.
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- Kurt Vile coaster at the Beggars Group office looking through the bottom of a glass of water. Sup, KV. (Amsterdam)
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- Day 3: Thalys train to Brussels. Taking notes from one of the great interviewers, Lou Reed. He’s in top form on this one.
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- Radio interview and session at Radio 1 Brussels.
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- Day 4: Paris. Flung long jacket on guitar case.
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- Day 5: Beautiful Madrid.
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- Did a photoshoot in a basement and found this fake ass on a table amidst boxes and old pack of cigarettes.
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- A well-deserved glass of Vermouth accompanying real Spanish tapas dreams.
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- Day 6: So great to be in London and to finally see where the blues was invented!
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- A gift to myself for finishing a jam packed press tour: Television’s first single, “Little Johnny Jewel” on ORK Records, purchased at my new favorite record store in London, World of Echo.
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- A visit to a friend’s inspiring art show. Brent Wadden at Pace Gallery before some serious rest.
