Photo Credit: Sara Messinger

Hotline TNT — the New York-based project of indie stalwart Will Anderson — announces their signing to Third Man Records, and presents their new single/video, “Protocol.” Hotline TNT’s 2021 debut on California tastemaking label Smoking Room — Nineteen in Love — embodied his devotion to strong hooks and distortion, dripping like sour honey. The group toured relentlessly, enduring seemingly endless lineup shifts to become a linchpin of several interconnecting DIY scenes. Their audience steadily ballooned, with Nineteen in Love becoming a coveted LP. It remains an inspiring document of (and to) blown-out beauty.

“Protocol” is sunswept and sad, as if frowning in the middle of a party. Like Teenage Fanclub battling Jesu for speaker space, a jubilant guitar jangle and arching melody counter shards of noise and a punishing rhythm section. Of the video, director Fiona Kane says “It's a rock n roll push and pull silent comedy for summer. The most important parts of summer are beating the heat and listening to rock music."

Of the track, Anderson adds: “This song is about falling on a sword — sometimes you just gotta hold an L even when in your heart of hearts you know it's not fair. Saving the relationship is worth taking the blame now and again.”

Later this month, Hotline TNT will perform a string of West Coast tour dates, following a secret show in Brooklyn (purchase tickets to receive location). On the West Coast, Hotline TNT will be joined by fellow Smoking Room alums Toner, rising stars Sword II, Enumclaw, and “The Julia’s War Band.” Be on the lookout for more from Hotline TNT this year.

(“Protocol” Single Artwork)

HOTLINE TNT TOUR DATES

Fri. July 28 - Brooklyn, NY @ TBA

Sun. July 30 - Los Angeles, CA @ Sound & Fury

Wed. Aug. 9 - Los Angeles, CA @ Knitting Factory NoHo *

Thu. Aug. 10 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall *

Fri. Aug. 11 - Davis, CA @ Oddfellows Lounge

Sat. Aug. 12 - Arcata CA @ TBA

Sun. Aug. 13 - Eugene OR @ John Henry's

Wed. Aug. 16 - Portland, OR @ Mission Theater *

Thu. Aug. 17 - Seattle, WA @ Nii Modo Gallery *

Fri. Aug. 18 - Vancouver, BC @ Antisocial Skate Shop *

Sat. Aug. 19 - Victoria, BC @ Lucky Bar

Sun. Sept. 17 - Chicago, IL @ Riot Fest

Mon. Nov. 6 - Glasgow, UK @ Hug & Pint %

Tue. Nov. 7 - Manchester, UK @ YES Basement %

Wed. Nov. 8 - Newcastle, UK @ Bobiks

Thu. Nov. 9 - Sheffield, UK @ Delicious Clam

Fri. Nov. 10 - London, UK @ George Tavern

Sat. Nov. 11 - London, UK @ Pitchfork Festival London

* w/ Toner, “The Julia’s War Band”, Enumclaw, Sword II

% w/ Snõõper