Cartel Announce First Album in 13 Years: Learning How To Cope

Photo: Jayleigh Harkai

JUST ANNOUNCED – Pop-punkers Cartel are back with a new album announcement, and we couldn't be more ready.

For a lot of us, Cartel is just THAT band. They were the soundtrack to some of the best years of our lives and are forever in rotation. If you were expecting the band's first album in 13 years to be a nostalgia trip, Learning How To Cope has other plans for you.

Set to release on September 18th via Field Day Records (pre-save here), Learning How To Cope brings Cartel's long-awaited return with their first full-length since 2013's Collider. With the announcement, the band has dropped two new songs, ‘Deadbeat Drag’ and ‘Shirts & Skins,’ proving this new era isn’t focusing on the past; it’s about growing, staying true to yourself, and becoming better than ever.

Following their previously released singles ‘Oxy Moron’ and ‘Give Or Take,’ the new record is Cartel embracing a grittier sound while holding onto what they’re known for: hooks that stick. That’s what made them a staple in the scene in the first place. You’re getting the Cartel you know and love, but can appreciate that they haven’t been standing still. 

Frontman Will Pugh says reconnecting with music has helped him reconnect with people.

"This music saved me. It helped me reconnect with empathy, with community and with the idea that everybody belongs. That ethos – honesty, openness, and taking care of your people – is what this record is built on. It feels different, but it still feels like Cartel."

That very mindset runs throughout Learning How To Cope. Rather than offering an escape from the world, Cartel lean directly into it. ‘Deadbeat Drag’ is super cool and taps into the band's love for '90s alternative, while ‘Shirts & Skins’ refuses to separate music from the conversations happening outside of venue walls.

Speaking on the track, Pugh shares:

"We're way past the point of being able to sit back and just provide the safe space that people can go and get away from everything. Society has been doing that long enough and not having difficult conversations – and that's just kind of over. If you're not going to say something now, when are you ever going to fucking say something?"

After celebrating Chroma's 20th anniversary with the re-recording and being out on the road, Cartel could have easily stayed in the comfort of nostalgia like many have been doing. Still, instead they’ve done something much cooler. They’ve chosen to write their next chapter; it’s louder, heavier, and reflects where they are as people and a band today.

Fans also won't have to wait long to hear the new tracks live. The band is set for appearances at Vans Warped Tour Montreal, Soundtrack Of Your Summer Festival, Riot Fest, Four Chord Music Festival and Furnace Fest before celebrating the album's release with a hometown show in Atlanta. In the fall, they'll hit the road with State Champs and Taylor Acorn on the Around The World And Back Again Tour (dates below)

For the kids in the scene who grew up with Chroma blasting on repeat, Learning How To Cope isn't just the return of Cartel; it’s growing together with the music. We can’t wait for what’s in store. Be sure to pre-order the album over on Field Day Records' site starting at 12PM ET.

CATCH CARTEL LIVE:

FESTIVAL APPEARANCES:

August 22 — Montreal, QC — Vans Warped Tour Montreal

August 29 — Boston, MA — Soundtrack Of Your Summer Festival (with Boys Like Girls)

September 18 — Atlanta, GA — Shaky Knees

September 18 — Atlanta, GA — Album Release Show at Masquerade (Purgatory) (Headline Show)

September 20 — Chicago, IL — Riot Fest

September 26 — Pittsburgh, PA — Four Chord Music Festival

October 10 — Birmingham, AL — Furnace Fest

AROUND THE WORLD AND BACK AGAIN TOUR:

Supporting State Champs with Taylor Acorn

November 5 — Allentown, PA — Archer Music Hall

November 6 — Buffalo, NY — Riverworks

November 7 — Indianapolis, IN — Deluxe at Old National Centre

November 8 — St. Louis, MO — The Pageant

November 10 — Dallas, TX — Echo Lounge

November 12 — Phoenix, AZ — The Van Buren

November 13 — Las Vegas, NV — Brooklyn Bowl

November 14 — Riverside, CA — Riverside Municipal Auditorium

November 15 — Sacramento, CA — Ace of Spades

November 17 — Portland, OR — Roseland Theater

November 18 — Seattle, WA — The Showbox

November 20 — Salt Lake City, UT — Rockwell at The Complex

November 21 — Denver, CO — Summit Music Hall

November 23 — Davenport, IA — Capitol Theatre

November 24 — Louisville, KY — Mercury Ballroom

November 25 — Columbus, OH — Newport Music Hall

November 27 — Sayreville, NJ — Starland Ballroom

November 29 — Baltimore, MD — Nevermore Hall

December 1 — Richmond, VA — The National

December 3 — Nashville, TN — Brooklyn Bowl

December 5 — St. Petersburg, FL — Jannus Live

December 6 — Orlando, FL — House of Blues

STREAM CARTEL