New Ratboys Album Brings Big Crowd to Bluebird Show in Denver

Having just played their biggest headline show in D.C., where 1,200 tickets sold out, Ratboys is riding a wave of success. Julia Steiner, the band’s singer, recalls the milestone with excitement. Ratboys’ latest album, Singin’ to an Empty Chair, has been capturing attention from music venues nationwide to Zane Lowe.

Steiner shares that her therapist’s offhand suggestion of talking to an empty chair to reflect on inner conflicts inspired the album’s intimate themes. She recorded a conversation with an estranged relative, gaining insight and using it to develop the album’s poignant lyrics. The Chicago-based band headed to rural Wisconsin to record the album, collaborating once again with producer Chris Walla, known for his work with Death Cab for Cutie.

Ratboys’ upcoming performance at the Bluebird Theater on April 13 will showcase songs from Singin’ to an Empty Chair. Despite the emotional depth of the album’s tracks, Steiner found comfort in working through them with her bandmates, emphasizing the established trust and bond among the group members.

The band’s growth and unity have allowed Steiner to feel more confident in her songwriting. Their latest record is Ratboys’ most diverse and accomplished work to date, kicking off with the inviting “Open Up” and transitioning into tracks like “Anywhere,” where Steiner explores themes of anxiety. The band delves into alt-country vibes before culminating in the poignant eight-and-a-half-minute centerpiece, “Just Want You to Know the Truth,” reflecting on her past with the estranged individual.

While delving into heavy subjects, Steiner peppers her lyrics with catchy phrases that resonate with listeners. Her background in English studies influences her approach to writing, emphasizing the significance of context and delivery. Steiner acknowledges the impact her college classes had on her writing style, from poetry lessons that highlighted the nuances of spoken word versus written verse to the importance of rhythm within a song’s lyrics.

As Ratboys prepares to hit the stage at the Bluebird, audiences can anticipate a remarkable performance showcasing the band’s evolution and musical prowess. Singin’ to an Empty Chair serves as a testament to Ratboys’ growth and maturity, capturing the essence of their decade-plus journey in the music industry.