The Wedding Present ‘24 Songs’ - a 7” single every month in 2022

The Wedding Present does what it says on the beautiful tin. Perfect sound, perfect lyrics, perfect packaging.

24 Songs. A new project from The Wedding Present. A new 7” single every month throughout 2022.

24 Songs sees David Gedge writing with legendary Sleeper guitarist Jon Stewart for the first time, and a more perfect union could not have been predicted. The first release includes a gorgeous duet featuring David and Louise Wener [also from Sleeper] on ‘We Should Be Together’, and it’s coupled with a rousing new track called ‘Don’t Give Up Without A Fight’ which combines classic Wedding Present feistiness with a Krautrock finale.

The notion of a monthly 7” single is not new to The Wedding Present, but 24 Songs shows us that even classic concepts can be reinvented.

The series also continues the band’s association with photographer Jessica McMillan, who has created stunning images and films as a visual accompaniment to the recordings.

‘We Should Be Together’ will be available to listen to at The Wedding Present’s official YouTube channel from Tuesday 19 October at 2pm.

‘Each Time You Open Your Eyes’ is track #8 in the series of 24 and a live version of it can be enjoyed below;

Subscription details [with an early bird incentive] can be found at https://linktr.ee/24songs. Individual singles and a collector’s box can be ordered from the same site or via all participating record shops.

Explaining 24 Songs, David Gedge said: “In 1991, The Wedding Present were rehearsing in a studio in Yorkshire when we hit upon an idea that immediately thrilled us all. Our bass player [Keith Gregory] had been a member of the ‘Sub Pop Singles Club’ - a service that allowed subscribers to receive 7”s released by that Seattle label on a monthly basis. Keith wondered if we, as a band, could attempt a similar thing. In that instant, The Wedding Present’s Hit Parade series was born and, during 1992, we managed to release a brand new 7” single each and every month.

“The Hit Parade went on to become something of a significant milestone in the history of the band and it’s a project about which I’m often asked. As its thirtieth anniversary approached, I began to wonder if we should celebrate it in some way. A ‘Hit Parade Part 2’ didn’t feel quite right, though. Then, someone said to me: “Other bands have released music in similar ways but there has been nothing like the Hit Parade.” And they were right! A 7” single a month seems, somehow, very ‘Wedding Present’. So, inspired by that little idea from three decades ago, we’ve embarked on this new project, 24 Songs.

“Even though The Wedding Present have never been known for taking the easy route, the idea of recording 24 tracks and releasing them in this way could seem daunting to any band. However, I’ve been utterly inspired by the music that has been written since Jon and Melanie joined the group. The thought of celebrating this exciting new line-up with an exciting new series has motivated us all… and I suppose we also didn’t want any of these songs to be hidden away in the middle of an album!”

Wedding Present Tour Dates in 2021

October

21: Cork – Cyprus Avenue

22: Limerick – Dolan’s

23: Dublin – Button Factory

24: Belfast – Empire

November

17: Edinburgh – Liquid Room

18: Manchester – O2 Ritz

19: Chester – Live Rooms

20: Nottingham – Rock City

21: Norwich – Arts Centre