Dev Hynes aka Blood Orange has announced “Welcome to Freetown”, which is a run of shows promoting and celebrating his recently released critical darling Freetown Sound. Dedicated fans can purchase tickets early here Wednesday August 10 at 12pm EST, while the general public can purchase tickets Friday August 12 at 12pm EST.

Freetown Sound is a deceptive record from the get-go. At first glance, this album simply seems like a modern attempt to create a Prince record, with all of the sensual vocals and R&B tropes that come alongside it. However, a closer look into the themes and lyrics of the record reveal that it isn’t one that can be listened to in the background. The tracks are all very catchy, dreamy, and danceable yes, but the subject matter is as serious as it gets. In today’s world of racial profiling, police brutality, and gun violence, Blood Orange provides an R&B record that helps people of privilege sympathize with the oppressed. Hyne’s voice is ethereal and sweet, yet is tinged with enough bravado and passion to provide a revolutionary voice to the disenfranchised. Regarding the themes of his album, Hynes said,

“My album is for everyone told they’re not BLACK enough, too BLACK, too QUEER, not QUEER the right way, the underappreciated.”

Through his catchy, bright instrumentation and charismatic voice, Blood Orange has provided an accessible way for music fans to be aware of the issues that are plaguing this country. These issues apply particularly to the disenfranchised, minorities, and queer individuals. The issues are specialized but widespread enough to deserve a solution, and Hynes has used his music to spread awareness.

Blood Orange Tour Dates
Buy Tickets on Ticketmaster | Buy Tickets on Ticketfly
08/24 Los Angeles, CA – The Theatre at the Ace Hotel
08/25 Los Angeles, CA – The Theatre at the Ace Hotel
08/27 San Francisco, CA – Greek Theatre
08/28 Los Angeles, CA – FYF Fest
09/13 Washington, D.C. – Lincoln Theatre
09/15 Atlanta, GA – Centre Stage
09/21 Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
10/1 New York, NY – Terminal 5