Bay-area trio Black Map released a surprise EP today titled “Trace the Path” via Entertainment One. The band also dropped a music video today for its new track “Let Me Out,” (directed by Anthony J Garay).
“We shot this video in the backroom of a bar called Homestead in San Francisco, which was first opened all the way back in 1902,” said vocalist/bassist Ben Flannagan. “Five years ago, Mark and I were having beers at this very bar and decided that we should start a band together, so this space was kind of the inception of Black Map.
“We thought that it would be fitting to return to that spot and film the video for ‘Let me Out.'”
“Trace the Path” is available on all streaming platforms and digital outlets starting today.
The new EP serves as the follow-up to the band’s “In Droves” LP, which was released in 2016.
The band is headed out as main support for labelmates Pop Evil on the “2018 Music Over Words Tour” and will do a few dates supporting 10 Years following this run in April. All dates can be found below.
After the release of “In Droves,” the band went on to play over 100 shows in support. Black Map was used to playing the club scene before but soon found itself on stage at mainstream American rock festivals. In 2017, the band performed at Chicago Open Air, Aftershock, Rock Allegiance, Louder Than Life and Rise Above festivals. Black Map also was nominated for “Best New Artist” at the 2017 Loudwire Music Awards.
During its time on the road, the band did not slow down its creative flow. On the bus and in dressing rooms, the band hashed out new ideas, riffs and lyrics that quickly amounted to more than a few completed songs. The band booked some studio time between festivals with producer Mike Watts in Long Island, New York, and got to work while recording one more song with longtime collaborator Aaron Hellam in Oakland upon their return home.
“It was a beautiful challenge to put only four songs out at once in EP form and have them not only stand on their own but also work together and really say something and be powerful and meaningful,” Flanagain said.
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