"War Poets" are #Flyah
Digital release for War Poets’ new EP “American Police State” out June 3rd!
Pop-rock band War Poets are uncompromising social justice advocates
with a refreshingly inviting approach to expressing their ideals. They
infiltrate the pop-rock genre using smart hooks and compelling
narratives to gracefully invite listeners to consider their social and
political perspectives. “The songs we write have messages, but we like
to pass these on in stories so they’re more relatable,” says Rex
Haberman, the band’s primary creative force.
The Minneapolis, Minnesota-based group has garnered favorable
comparisons to Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Fleetwood Mac,
and the Replacements. Like the aforementioned artists, War Poets draw on
Americana, pop, and rock to achieve an aesthetic that’s refined but
rootsy.
In just 14 months, War Poets have managed to build a highly impressive artist profile. The video for band’s lead off single, “Close Enough,” from War Poets’ debut full length, Dulce et Decorum Est,
has wracked up an astounding 250,000 views. It was a heartwarming
statement on marriage equality dedicated to the memory of the historical
NYC Stonewall uprisings, and the track became an anthem for many
same-sex marriage supporters. The group’s follow-up video (for the
single, “Will You Be There”) netted over 45,000 views.
War Poets’ music is played nationally on both AAA and college radio
formats. The group has the added distinction of being the #1 most played
album on KSJS radio in San Jose, CA. War Poets have earned nine TV and
film licenses. Last spring, War Poets played Red Gorilla Music Festival
during SXSW. The group has worked with such iconic producers as Grammy
winner Kevin Bowe (Etta James, Jonny Lang) and five-time Grammy winner
Joe Baldridge (Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson). It’s been one heck of a
year for War Poets.
The group has a unique band structure built around a core duo of
Haberman as the primary singer-songwriter and guitarist, and
bassist-vocalist, and contributing songwriter, Jenny Case as the musical
director. The two keep an ongoing artistic dialogue with creative
advisor Matt Kirkwold who also contributes songs to War Poets. Previous
to War Poets, Haberman had recorded and released three albums, and Case
has led her own band, and played in many cover bands. Currently, she is
the executive director of She Rock She Rock Foundation.
When forming War Poets, Haberman made a socially conscious decision
to build the band around a female singer-bassist. “I have a strong
opinion about the status of women in music because I find it a really
male-dominated world,” he reveals. When he expressed the idea of forging
a female/male artistic alliance to creative advisor Matt Kirkwold
(Haberman and Kirkwold have been friends and collaborators for 15 years)
Kirkwold suggested Case. “We work together like we’re on a mission,”
Haberman explains. “Jenny has high standards. She’s a perfectionist in
the studio and really pushes the band’s performances. She’s super
talented and highly professional.” The two also have complimentary
voices with Chase’s angelic and schooled vocals providing a sweet
counterpoint to Haberman’s plaintive and impassioned vocal stylings.
Rounding out the ranks as a full-band collective is a fluid mix of some
of the Midwest’s finest musicians and songwriters.
The group’s new album is boldly titled American Police State,
evoking the red button topics shared within its irresistible pop-rock
songs. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on the album
and Haberman’s sneak-peak revelations are that the new album will
discuss income inequality, Native American rights, and gun violence.
“What is a gun really for? It’s for killing people,” Haberman affirms.
“I realize I have strong opinions on gun violence, but we’re musicians,
not politicians. We put our views out there by singing so people can
think about this.” War Poets are currently readying one of their
signature poignant and purposeful videos for “8:05 On A Saturday Night” which addresses gun violence directly without glorifying an atrocity.
In a very short amount of time, War Poets have made an impact as
musicians and as messengers. They have been embraced by masses and
respected by some of the music industry’s leading lights. “The most
fulfilling moment of it all might be when we played ‘Close Enough’
during our CD release party. There were all these people I’ve never seen
before so into that song,” Haberman says, pausing thoughtfully. “As a
heterosexual male, making that connection that we have different
orientations but I still care for you, respect you, and love you as
another human being. That was a great moment. ”
