Fans can hear all eight songs and win exclusive prizes at independent record stores nationwide
Eric Church has teamed with independent record stores to host listening parties to his upcoming eight-song album, Evangeline vs. The Machine. Over one hundred locations will host the special event during the album’s release weekend of May 2-4.
“Indie record stores across the country are gearing up for the release of Evangeline vs. The Machine — with over 100 locations hosting listening events the weekend of May 2–4,” he writes. “The first fans through the door receive an exclusive album poster, and there’s a grand prize up for grabs as well.”
A self-proclaimed “album artist,” Church has always championed the power of cohesive storytelling, and Evangeline vs. The Machine is no exception. “An album is a snapshot in time that lasts for all time,” Church shares of the creative approach behind the highly-anticipated new project. “I believe in that time-tested tradition of making records that live and breathe as one piece of art – I think it’s important.”
The country star will celebrate the album’s release with a unique live experience featuring an exclusive pair of shows set for May 23 and 24 at Nashville’s newest live music venue, The Pinnacle. The one-off shows will see Church perform the new album in sequence for the first time, while also treating fans to a number of compelling performances of his most iconic hits.
Church will also return to the iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre for a special three-night run of distinct performances July 14-16, curating a unique, immersive experience for each show.
On July 14th, Eric Church vs. The Machine will feature a full-scale production featuring his band joined by a dynamic ensemble of strings, horns and choir combining to deliver an epic, must-see set. July 15 will have Eric Church vs. The ECB – a raw, high-energy set with his original band, including longtime collaborator Joanna Cotten. July 16th sees Eric Church vs. The Guitar – a stripped-down, intimate evening with Church alone on stage, delivering an acoustic performance like only he can.
Among the other songs featured on the forthcoming Jay Joyce-produced album is “Darkest Hour,” released ahead of the project to support relief efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene in September 2024, with all of Church’s publishing royalties donated to provide ongoing funds in support of a more resilient future for his home state of North Carolina.
Chief Cares, the nonprofit founded by country music star Eric Church and his wife Katherine in 2013, has officially broken ground on its first mid- to long-term housing development to support families displaced by Hurricane Helene. The development, called Blue Haven, is located in Avery County, North Carolina – an area close to Church’s heart and home. The effort is being launched under a new initiative called Blueprint for the Blue Ridge, a scalable model for disaster recovery rooted in housing, community and mid- to long-term support.
