Eric Church announces sixth studio album ‘Desperate Man’

Church Choir to Get Album Direct from Church

Eric Church has announced that his sixth studio album, Desperate Man, will be released on October 5th via UMG Nashville. In a video message speaking directly to his fans early Thursday morning (July 12th), Church told his faithful fan club members, known as the Church Choir, “It’s been a while; I just want to say I have missed you. I have good news…the album is done, and we are back. It’s called Desperate Man and the first single is called ‘Desperate Man,’” with the Choir having access to listen first through their login immediately.

Church continues, “Just like last time – just like Mr. Misunderstood – if you’re in the Church Choir, on October 5th you’re going to get the album,” as Church re-negotiated his record deal with EMI Nashville leading into Desperate Man to include his fans.

“Desperate Man,” Church’s first single off the new album, will be made available everywhere Friday, July 13th. Co-written by Church with Texas musician Ray Wylie Hubbard (who Church namechecks in his 2015 “Mr. Misunderstood”), “Desperate Man” sees Church again collaborating with producer Jay Joyce. ­­­

Many may recall in 2015, Church stunned industry and fans alike with the surprise release of Mr. Misunderstood, giving it away to his fans first without interviews, hype or promotion. Church Choir members spoke directly to local television on how they received the record, being the first to confirm its existence. Church said then, “Everyone is so focused on your first week. But I am more concerned with week 80 than week one.” Mr. Misunderstood went on to win CMA Awards’ Album of the Year in 2016 and reached RIAA-Platinum certification earlier this year.

Never satisfied with the status quo, Church constantly challenges himself as an artist and is applying that same philosophy to the Choir changing it to make it better and even more inclusive. Membership tiers are simplified to two options: paid and free. Members of the Choir will also be in control of what music and bundles they receive upon signing up and at renewal. Members who annual renew or auto-renew, and new fans who sign up will now receive an album of their choice from Church’s catalog – in addition to all the benefits paid members currently receive including access to purchase pre-sale tickets, chances for meet and greets, opportunities to attend Church Choir events and much more. The free tier of Church Choir membership includes access to the online community, email updates and special offers.

By-passing the gatekeepers and speaking directly to the fans is fundamental to Church’s success and he is proving it once again with reconfiguring the Church Choir in advance of the release of Desperate Man.

Church concludes the video message saying, “I look forward to seeing you on the road… I’m very proud of this album. See you soon.”

1. The Snake
2. Hanging Around
3. Heart Like A Wheel
4. Some Of It
5. Monsters
6. Hippie Radio
7. Higher Wire
8. Desperate Man
9. Solid
10. Jukebox And A Bar
11. Drowning Man

Buddy Iahn
Buddy Iahn

Buddy Iahn founded The Music Universe when he decided to juxtapose his love of web design and music. As a lifelong drummer, he decided to take a hiatus from playing music to report it. The website began as a fun project in 2013 to one of the top independent news sites. Email: info@themusicuniverse.com