Mitski Previews ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We’ in Nashville

Mitski celebrated the impending release of her new album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, with a series of listening events scattered around the world. Fans in Chicago, Dallas, London, Los Angeles, Melbourne, Nashville, Sydney, and New York were all able to listen to the album early, in the dark, and accompanied by a film of Mitski’s choosing.

American Songwriter was able to preview the album in Nashville at the Belcourt Theatre. Prior to unveiling the project, a recording of Mitski played, which further explained her reasoning for the listening sessions. She told the audience that she wanted the album to be enjoyed in a dark group setting so that fans could enjoy it without worrying about being watched.

The haunting vibes of The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We were made all the more transportive through this intimate listening experience.

The album continues Mitski’s powerful songwriting and intricate production. Already released tracks “Star,” “Heaven,” and “Bug Like an Angel” were given more context alongside the rest of the track list.

[RELATED: Mitski Plots North American Acoustic Tour]

Fans knew they were getting the chance to preview the album before anyone else. What they didn’t know was that Mitski was primed and ready to perform a selection of songs from the album live–despite the ticket holders being assured that “Mitski would not be in attendance.”

She came out onto the stage in complete darkness, leaving fans to wonder whether or not it was actually her. Once the stage lights came up, Mitski was greeted with a standing ovation. Prior to her acoustic performance, the crowd settled into their seats, giving the room a sense of reverence.

Along with performances of a few tracks from The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, Mitski also played her 2016 release, “A Burning Hill.” She urged the fans to sing along, adding even more communal spirit into the night.

Following the album preview and live performance, Mitski chose to screen Drugstore Cowboy. Starring Matt Dillon, the film follows a “dope fiend” who robs drug stores with his “family” of addicts. Mitski didn’t explain why she chose Drugstore Cowboy, but one could guess it helped inspire the record in some way.

The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We arrives on September 15. Find a link to pre-save the record, HERE.

Check out some fan-shot clips from the night, below.

Photo by Ebru Yildiz, Courtesy of Dead Oceans