Art in America has officially unveiled their highly anticipated second album, Rise, set to release on September 19 in both CD format and a limited edition vinyl through Iconoclassic Records. Fans can also enjoy the music video for “Running By,” which serves as the lead single from this exciting new collection, embedded below for your viewing pleasure.

In addition to this new release, Iconoclassic Records will be reissuing the Detroit-bred band’s self-titled debut album from 1983, which has been expertly remastered for the first time from the original master tapes by renowned sound engineer Vic Anesini. This expanded reissue will also include two previously unreleased live bonus tracks, offering fans a unique glimpse into the band’s rich history. Both albums come with extensive and insightful essays penned by Ralph Chapman, known for his work on Rush: Beyond the Lighted Stage and ZZ Top: That Little Ol’ Band From Texas.

Discover the Unique Origins of Art in America

Art in America is celebrated as the first band to prominently feature the concert harp as a central instrument, setting them apart in the music landscape. Their debut album showcased a collaborative effort with the talented guitarist Steve Morse, who played a crucial role in arranging the songs and provided an impressive solo for “Undercover Lover.” The renowned Yes associate Eddy Offord was instrumental as the engineer and producer, imprinting his unique style on the recordings. Despite sharing the stage with iconic acts such as U2, Roxy Music, King Crimson, and Adam Ant, and achieving airplay on MTV with their hit “Art in America,” the band did not release a follow-up album and eventually pursued different paths.

Behind the Scenes: The Creation of the New Art in America Album

Rise marks a significant reunion of the original five members of Art in America — Chris Flynn, Dan Flynn, Jim Kuha, Shishonee Flynn, and the late Garry Galloway — as they come together for their first full album since 1983. In 2017, the band meticulously transferred demos they recorded back in 1983 for an intended second album, and they discovered a treasure trove of potent material that was ready for revitalization.

“These songs were truly remarkable, and they were recorded with great quality back then,” shares bassist Kuha in an interview with UCR. “Having just completed numerous live performances to support our first album, we were at the peak of our playing abilities. In fact, I believe we were performing better than ever as a band. It was at that moment that our management advised us to take a break from performances and focus on songwriting.”

“The recording session was surprisingly swift,” adds lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Flynn. “In just one day, we managed to record around 15 songs, and then we came back on a Sunday to finish ‘Looking Back.’ The mixing process took place the following day, but it was all done rather quickly.”

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Remarkably, according to both Flynn and Kuha, listeners will experience a significant portion of what was originally recorded during those few days in 1983 preserved on Rise. “Approximately 70 to 80% of the material comes from those original tapes,” Kuha reveals. “We returned to the studio to add some guitar and vocal overdubs. ‘Show Me’ took a completely different direction, which required extensive work, but I believe it turned out much better than the demo. However, many tracks remained true to our original vision.”

Watch Art in America’s ‘Running By’ Video

“It’s been a long time / There’s a lot to say,” Flynn sings in the opening moments of “Don’t Look Down.” These lyrics resonate deeply, reflecting on the long journey they undertook to bring this new album to fruition, stemming from informal discussions with no specific agenda. “We simply said, ‘Let’s get together and see what ideas we can generate,'” Kuha recalls.

“The songs are interconnected,” Flynn notes, emphasizing that since they were composed during the same timeframe as their debut record, there’s a seamless continuity between the two albums. “Jim did an outstanding job capturing that essence in the production of this new album. We couldn’t be more satisfied, and I genuinely believe our fans will feel the same way.”

Rise, along with the expanded reissue of Art in America, is currently available for pre-order.

Art in America, ‘Rise’ Track Listing
“Running By”
“Don’t Look Down”
“No Wonder”
“Wired to Worry”
“Fields”
“Show Me”
“Looking Back”
“Gia”
“The Mind’s Eye Trilogy”
I. “Goodbye My Love”
II. “In the Mind’s Eye”
III. “Peace of Mind”