Inspired by a tour misfortune-turned-lesson, "FedEx" navigates life’s complexities with authenticity and resilience.
MINNEAPOLIS (June 27, 2024) - Emerging from the heart of the Midwest with their unique “prairie-rock” sound, Keep For Cheap announces the release of their latest single, “FedEx,” now available on all streaming platforms. This release is a taste of their highly anticipated sophomore album, “Big Grass,” set to debut in August 2024.
“FedEx” tells the personal story of a girl navigating life in today’s hypocritical America, still searching for the wonder in everything. Inspired by a real-life tour incident involving a FedEx truck mishap in North Dakota, the song serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges of life, particularly as openly queer artists in today’s complex sociopolitical climate.
“FedEx” offers a stream-of-consciousness look into touring rural America as a visibly queer artist, capturing the need to endure both covert and overt judgment. The song addresses recent discriminatory legislation and the lack of safety for queer, particularly trans, people in the US. Its intense, driving energy reflects the anxiety surrounding the rise of fascism and xenophobia in recent years. Amid this fear, however, lies a determination to stay open to experience and keep searching for humanity's beauty and wonder.
Cover art for "FexEx" by Keep For Cheap
Fronting members Autumn and Kate, whose musical synergy began in the alto section of their college choir in 2017, infuse “FedEx” with their trademark mix of playful and heart-wrenching elements. The track’s lyrics delve into themes of systemic discrimination, the search for wonder amidst chaos, and the resilient spirit of those who dare to live authentically.
Keep For Cheap’s upcoming 9-track album “Big Grass” promises to be an emotional rollercoaster, with “FedEx” setting the tone. Their previous single “Lakehouse,” released in September 2023, also features in the album, showcasing the group’s growth and the depth of their musical and lyrical exploration.
The band, known for their energetic live performances and authentic storytelling, has shared the stage with notable artists such as Beach Bunny, Remo Drive, Boyish, Bad Bad Hats, The Greeting Committee, Gully Boys, and Miloe. Midwesterners can look forward to a local album release show this September, with additional Midwest tour dates to be announced soon.
Photos by Bethunni Schreiner
About Keep For Cheap:
Keep For Cheap’s special blend of indie, country, rock, and pop has a little something for everyone. Playing what they call “prairie rock,” the Minnesota five-piece’s playful sound will make you feel like a kid, then break your heart with its next turn of phrase. The band strives to make music that moves, with driving instrumentals and poignant lyrics. Drawing at times from their own love story, fronting members Kate and Autumn write music to make you pine over queer love and passing youth, seek inspiration in the natural world and connection wherever it can be made.
The emotion in their music mainly reflects the lives of songwriters and fronting members of the band, Autumn and Kate who formed a musical connection when they met in the alto section in college choir in 2017. They soon started “KfC”, became best friends and are now nearly five years in love, writing alternative-country songs reflecting on their lives in Minnesota and the world as they see it. Their special connection brings a vivacious perspective to their music.