Song appears on upcoming 14th studio album
Bob Mould returns with “Siberian Butterfly,” the latest single from his explosive upcoming album Blue Hearts, which arrives via Merge Records on Friday, September 25th.
“The genesis of ‘Siberian Butterfly’ spoke to the notion of ‘collectors’ — people with excessive means who gather the works of creative folk for their ego-driven portfolios,” Mould shares of the song.
“As I kept writing, the narrative shifted toward themes of change, growth, and freedom. These motifs are central to how we become our true selves. This is how we begin our journey toward our true identities.
“It’s autobiographical as well. I put myself through some self-hating years as a young gay man — never feeling ‘good enough,’ not recognizing the positive qualities I had to offer, while inhibiting the development of my gay identity.
“I hope for a world where all people can be what they want to be. Life seems shorter every day; maybe this simple song can be of use to people who are struggling to find their true selves.”
“Siberian Butterfly” is the third song released from Mould’s 14th solo LP, Blue Hearts – and follows the provocative first single “American Crisis” and the powerful second single “Forecast of Rain.” Blue Hearts is the rawest and most confrontational work of Bob Mould’s four decade solo career, a raging 14-track collection described by its creator as “the catchiest batch of protest songs I’ve ever written in one sitting.” Produced by Mould at Chicago’s famed Electrical Audio with longtime collaborator Beau Sorenson engineering, the album – which once again features backing from the crack rhythm section of drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Jason Narducy – nods to the veteran singer-songwriter’s groundbreaking past while remaining firmly planted in the issues of the day.
A week after Blue Hearts is released, Demon Music Group will release Distortion: 1989-2019, a chronicle of the solo career of Bob Mould and his band Sugar, on October 2nd. This massive anthology compiles for the first time the entirety of Mould’s recorded work from 1989 onwards featuring 18 studio albums, four live albums and two albums of rarities and collaborations. Assembled with Bob Mould’s full involvement and featuring new sleeve notes from legendary UK music critic Keith Cameron plus exclusive new artwork, this is the definitive portrayal of an American rock icon.
