The Gertrudes repertoire—and family—continues to grow. Just to Please You, due to be released August 18 (Outside Music Canada/Wolfe Island Records), contains contributions from band members Arden Rogalsky (drums), George Tilson (vocals), August Erb (electric guitar), as well as next generation Gertrudes, including Arden (drums), George (vocals), August (electric guitar) and Astrid (vocals) — Matt, Greg, and Jason’s kids. The ten-song offering follows The Gertrudes' 2021 “pandemic-soaked” full-length, Emergency to Emergency.

With Neptune’s Machine producer Jason Mercer (ani di franco, Ron Sexsmith) at the helm, Just to Please You promises a divergence from The Gertrudes' sonic standard, blending “...the band’s classic indie-folk-rock-experimental vibe into a soundscape that’s more of a refined martini than craft beer, more organic farm than community garden.”

Drawing on influences like Wilco and The National, the ten songs traverse tales of community trauma, social justice and prison escapes, accented by deeper reflections on isolation, togetherness and love. As with previous albums, Just to Please You is a tribute to the multigenerational folkestra's cherished Skeleton Park neighbourhood in downtown Kingston, where most bandmates reside, and within which The Gertrudes have become an inclusive cultural institution. With the new album, “The Gertrudes knit together a sound like an old-time salon party travelling through deep space,” explained a news release from the band.

Just to Please You will be released on August 18, 2023 on all streaming platforms, including Bandcamp. The first single from the album, "The Last Rehearsal," is out today, along with a music video by Kingston filmmaker, Jay Middaugh (Happy Kid Productions). View the video here: web link

The album cover artwork for Just to Please You was created by Julie Davidson Smith. Posted: May 17, 2023 Originally Published: May 18, 2023