Alternative rock band Cartel have officially announced their highly anticipated fifth studio album, Learning How To Cope, which is scheduled for release on September 18 via Field Day Records. This upcoming project marks the group’s first full-length effort since 2013’s Collider and features the previously released singles “Oxy Moron” and “Give Or Take.” Fans can currently pre-save the album or secure physical copies through the band’s official channels.
Reflecting on the creative process behind the new record, the band shared a deeply personal sentiment: “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.”
The announcement is accompanied by the release of two new singles, “Deadbeat Drag” and “Shirts & Skins.” The band describes the tracks as a “musical Molotov cocktail,” initially written in response to the Minneapolis ICE murders. Regarding the urgency of the message, the band noted, “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?”
Live Performances and Tour Dates
In addition to the album release, Cartel is preparing for a busy season of live performances. The band is slated to appear at several major events, including Vans Warped Tour Montreal, Soundtrack Of Your Summer Festival, Riot Fest, Four Chord Music Festival, and Furnace Fest. To celebrate the launch of Learning How To Cope, they will perform in their hometown of Atlanta during this year’s Shaky Knees festival, followed by an intimate late-night release show at Masquerade.
Following these festival appearances, the band will join State Champs as direct support on the Around The World And Back Again Tour, beginning November 5. For a complete list of upcoming tour dates and further information, fans are encouraged to visit the band’s official website.