Photo by Rene Huemer

Phish bassist Mike Gordon has detailed the upcoming release of a solo LP titled Flying Games, set to launch on May 12 via ATO Records/ Megaplum. In celebration of the release, Gordon has shared the first taste of the project by premiering a high-octane single titled “Tilting,” along with an accompanying music video.

Flying Games was produced by Gordon and his longtime collaborator Jared Slomoff and produced by Grammy award-winning engineer Shawn Everett who is known for his work with The War on Drugs and Alabama Shakes. The project also features contributions from his bandmates, drummer John Kimock, keyboardist Robert Walter, percussionist Craig Myers, and guitarist/pedal-steel player Scott Murawski.

Of today’s single, Gordon said, “For me, ‘Tilting’ is about being in a situation or a relationship where you don’t know if your footing is solid, but then accepting that and realizing you enjoy the feeling of disorientation. Whether it’s playing music or driving or experiencing something new, I’ve always felt more present when I don’t know where I’m going next.”

The single, consistently funky and drenched in distortion, showcases Gordon’s propelling bass throughout. Over the thumping core of the song, Gordon sings in a tone that maintains an optimistic cadence which partners well with an enduring quality that can be felt at the core of his bass progressions. The animated video mimics the feeling of contentment despite chaos with eccentric characters, outlandish machinery and coy expressions.

“As someone who comes from a world of telepathic improvisation, the idea of one person layering sounds alone in a room might seem a bit against the mythos,” said Gordon of the LP which marks his sixth solo effort. “But with this record I didn’t want to work in that traditional way of going into a studio with a band and recording for two weeks; I wanted to take my time and explore, and really go deep into the fabric of the music to see what we could find.”

Phish and Gordon will celebrate Flying Games with a wide-ranging live run that includes both headline shows and top-billed festival performances. Dates for the run will begin on June 15 at Portland, Maine’s State Theatre and culminate with a home state tour finale at Higher Ground Ballroom in Burlington, Vt., on July 2.

Tickets for all newly announced headline dates go on sale Friday, March 17. Pre-sale tickets are available now. Find tickets and more information about Gordon’s tour here.

Pre-order Flying Games here.

Listen to “Tilting” below.

Mike Gordon Tour 2023

JUNE

15 – Portland, ME – State Theatre,

16 – Swanzey, NH – Northlands Music Festival *

17 – New York, NY – Webster Hall

18 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom

20 – Covington, KY – Madison Theater

21 – Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Eccentric Cafe

23 – Eau Claire, WI – Blue Ox Music Festival *

24 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL

25 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall, Chicago, IL

27 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall

28 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue

30 – Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre

JULY

1 – Scranton, PA – Peach Music Festival *

2 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground Ballroom

* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE