ASHTRAY HEARTS PLAY NOMAD WORLD PUB ON SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2006

The Ashtray Hearts will play the Nomad World Pub on Sunday, December 10th. We'll be joined by our friends the Roe Family Singers, Nicolas Leet from High on Stress, and Cory Branan (from Memphis). The Hearts will play last.

ASHTRAY HEARTS SEPTEMBER SHOWS 7/18/06

The Ashtray Hearts will return to the stage in September after taking a few months off to travel and do other things. Join the band at the Mill City Museum on Thursday, September 21 for a free outdoor show and then come down to the 331 on Saturday, September 23 for a full night of the Ashtray Hearts.

THE ASHTRAY HEARTS AND HALEY BONAR AT THE TURF 4/22/06

The Ashtray Hearts will be playing the Turf Club with Haley Bonar on Saturday, April 22, 2006. Doors are at 9pm. Haley recently released "Lure of the Fox" to a packed house at the Cedar. Its her best collection of songs yet. She'll be showcasing that album along with old favorites.

ASHTRAY HEARTS PLAY ENTRY AND 331

The Ashtray Hearts have a couple shows in Minneapolis in early '06. We'll be playing with our friends Martin Devaney and the Get Up Johns at the 7th St. Entry on Saturday, Feb 4th and then playing a long night at 331 in NE on Friday, March 3rd. See the show page for more information.

ASHTRAY HEARTS "PERFECT HALVES" NAMED ONE OF THE YEAR'S BEST 1/28/2006

"Perfect Halves" made a handful of "Best Of..." lists at the end of 2005. Check out the lists from the Star Tribune and The Pioneer Press.

UK DISTRIBUTION FOR ASHTRAY HEARTS 1/28/2006

The Ashtray Hearts are distributed in the UK by Shellshock. www.shellshock.co.uk

HEARTBREAK & HARMONY
RETURNS TO THE TURF CLUB 12/17/05

Join us at the Turf Club for another installment of the "Heartbreak & Harmony" series on Saturday, December 17, 2005. The evening will feature the Owls, The Ashtray Hearts, and Valet. It will be a full-on family affair as all three bands have a few common members. Steve Yernberg of the Ashtray Hearts also plays in the Owls, and Hearts drummer John Jerry lends his skills to the Owls.

Check out the poster for the event created by our friend Kevin McCarthy

ASHTRAY HEARTS NEWS 10/02/2005

The Ashtray Hearts will play the 7th Street Entry on Friday, October 28th along with the Dreadful Yawns (from Cleveland, OH) and the Pogue Brady Trio (featuring Mike Brady, etc). It's been a few months since the Ashtray Hearts have played the Twin Cities, so please join us.

ASHTRAY HEARTS ON iTUNES 09/27/2005

The Ashtray Hearts are available on iTunes and other download sites. You can purchase any or all of the tracks from Perfect Halves or Old Numbers from iTunes, eMusic, Rhapsody, etc.

ASHTRAY HEARTS JUNE UPDATE 06/24/2005

Chris Reimenschneider, of the Star Tribune, named the Ashtray Hearts new record "Perfect Halves" as one of the best records of 2005 along with Jeff Hanson and Low.

"Ashtray Hearts, "Perfect Halves" (Free Election) -- It takes a lot of restraint to make a six-member folk-rock band sound this lonely and barren yet gorgeous and warm. Flourishes of accordion, organ and horns surround front man Dan Richmond's obscure lyrics, which, if you read between the lines, are actually quite up-tempo compared to the music."

Read the rest of the article here.

ASHTRAY HEARTS JULY UPDATE 07/06/2005

Here is an update of our summer tour:

Friday, July 15-Turf Club, St. Paul with Haley Bonar and Carolina
Thursday, July 21-Onopa, Milwaukee with Carolina
Friday, July 22-The Hideout, Chicago with The Interiors and Winter Blanket
Saturday, July 23-Café Bourbon -Columbus, OH
Sunday, July 24-Uncle Pleasants, Louisville, KY
Monday, July 25-The Flicker Bar, Athens, GA
Tuesday, July 26-3rd and Lindsley, Nashville, TN
Wednesday, July 27-123 Pleasant, Morgantown, WV
Thursday, July 28-Pete's Candy Store, Brooklyn, NY
Friday, July 29-Sin-e, New York, NY
Saturday, July 30-Wilbert's-Cleveland, OH
Sunday, July 31-High Noon Saloon-Madison, WI

More details will come soon.

ASHTRAY HEARTS CD RELEASE SHOW

The Ashtray Hearts CD release show is coming up on Saturday, May 7th. We're looking forward to it. In the week leading up to the show, we'll be making a few appearances on local radio.
-Sunday, May 1 (Midnight-1am): 92 KQRS on the Homegrown Show
-Friday, May 6 (afternoon, TBD): 89.3 The Current

NEW ASHTRAY HEARTS RECORD! 04/01/05

The Ashtray Hearts will celebrate the release of their second record, Perfect Halves, on Saturday, May 7, 2005 at the Turf Club in St. Paul. The Hearts will be joined by their good friends Walker Kong. More information is available on the shows page.

Yes, it’s true. The new Ashtray Hearts record is finally done. Perfect Halves is the second long-player from the Ashtray Hearts. The album was recorded at Sacred Heart Studios, a landmark nineteenth century cathedral overlooking Lake Superior in Duluth, Minnesota. Recording at the old church during a typical cold and snowy Duluth winter proved to be ideal for the creation of this subtle assembly of wounded songs.

On Perfect Halves, the band continues to refine the lush textures first explored on their debut. Recorded on vintage analog equipment, these recordings capture the Ashtray Hearts as they sound live, with the added warmth and natural reverb offered by the high ceilings of Sacred Heart. The songs, written and refined over the last three years, once again explore the timeless themes of love and loss.

PRE-ORDER NOW!

Perfect Halves One-Sheet PDF (132k)

ASHTRAY HEARTS FEBRUARY UPDATE 2/1/05

The Ashtray Hearts are now mixing songs for their second record, "Perfect Halves." No official release date has been set.

Check out a few upcoming Ashtray Hearts shows in February on the shows page. The Hearts will be playing a "Heartbreak & Harmony" showcase at the 7th Street Entry with Martin Devaney, Stephanie Says (Stephanie Winter, of the Legendary Jim Ruiz Group, the Shebrews, and Ninotchka), and David Singer from Chicago. Later in February, the Ashtray Hearts will be playing a couple shows with Kill Rock Stars artist Jeff Hanson.

ASHTRAY HEARTS TO PLAY WITH KID DAKOTA AT TRIPLE ROCK 1/14/05

The Ashtray Hearts will join Kid Dakota for a Friday night show at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis in Friday, January 14th.

HEARTBREAK AND HARMONY FEATURING BELLWETHER, THE ASHTRAY HEARTS AND GET UP JOHNS - 10/19/04

On Saturday, November 13th come on down to the Turf Club for Heartbreak & Harmony. This is a special CD release show for Bellwether who will be playing old favorites and new material from their new record, "7 & 6." Also appearing will be the Ashtray Hearts, playing their first show in the Twin Cities since April. Opening the show will be the Get Up Johns, playing old-school country and bluegrass. Sat., November 13th, 2004 - Turf Club -St. Paul

ASHTRAY HEARTS RETURN TO THE STUDIO - 08/09/04

The Hearts will be returning to the studio after a summer break to put the finishing touches on the second record. More news and pictures soon....

ASHTRAY HEARTS IN MINNESOTA MONTHLY - 06/29/04

The Ashtray Hearts are featured in the July issue of Minnesota Monthly. It's a pretty lengthy profile on the band and their next record, Perfect Halves. On newstands now.

ASHTRAY HEARTS TO FINISH
2nd RECORD THIS SUMMER - 05/13/04

The Ashtray Hearts will be finishing up their second record over the summer. The record is scheduled to be released sometime in the fall. During the break, Steve Yernberg of the Hearts will be playing with Valet and spending time finishing up their new record. John Jerry will be taking his brushes on the road with The Owls in support of their breakthrough debut, "Our Hopes and Dreams."

HEARTBREAK & HARMONY
WITH ROSIE THOMAS - 04/13/04

The Ashtray Hearts will be joined by Rosie Thomas (Sub Pop) and Denison Witmer for "Heartbreak and Harmony" at the Turf Club on Wednesday, April 21st (9pm doors). You must catch Rosie, who has an amazing voice and two great records.

BBC2 BOB HARIS NAME DROPS THE ASTRAY HEARTS - 04/04/04

The Ashtray Hearts favorite BBC DJ, "Whisperin'" Bob Harris mentioned the Ashtray Hearts in a recent article in the London Guardian newspaper. It was because of Bob's support on his radio show that The Ashtray Hearts were able to generate enough interest to tour England in Scotland in 2003. The band recorded a session with Bob that can be heard on the media page. To read the article click here.

NEW ASHTRAY HEARTS NEARS COMPLETION - 04/03/04

The Ashtray Hearts recently returned from a weekend of mixing in Duluth at Sacred Heart Studios. Their second album is scheduled for an early fall release if all goes well. Stay tuned for more details. Tracks include: Exits, Valentine, On The Wires, English, and others.

THE OWLS ON TOUR - 03/29/04

The Owls are heading out of the Twin Cities for a few dates. Go to www.theowls.net.

HEARTBREAK & HARMONY
WITH RICHARD BUCKNER

"Heartbreak and Harmony" in conjunction with DAMF/First Ave present RICHARD BUCKNER, Matty Schindler of Faux Jean, and The Ashtray Hearts at the Turf Club at 9pm, Wednesday, March 3, 2004.

RICHARD BUCKNER is a true wandering troubadour. In between bouts of touring, he's lived in Atlanta, Austin, San Francisco, and a small town in Canada. Merge Records (owned by Mac and Laura of Superchunk) will release Buckner's next collection of dark country Americana.

MATTY SCHINDLER will be playing solo, sans the rest of Faux Jean.

THE ASHTRAY HEARTS will open the show around 9:30 playing songs from their debut "Old Numbers" and previewing new material that will be out on their 2nd collection. The Ashtray Hearts are in the midst of recording at Sacred Heart Studios in Duluth.

SACRED HEART STUDIO, DULUTH - 02/09/04

The Ashtray Hearts are recording thier second full-length album at Sacred Heart Studio in Duluth, Minnesota with engineer, Eric Swanson. Look for a new record later this year. In the meantime, check out some photos taken at a session in January.

HEARTBREAK & HARMONY - 01/27/04

We have two Heartbreak & Harmony shows scheduled: Saturday, January 31, 2004 at Pizza Luce in Duluth & Saturday, February 14, 2004 - Valentine's Day - at the 7th Street Entry in Minneapolis.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS - 12/24/03

Free Election would like to thank everyone that supported us in 2003 and wish them a happy holiday and New Year. Check out the updated Press Section to see what people are saying about the Ashtray Hearts album "Old Numbers" and the Free Election compilation "Apartment Music".

UPCOMING SHOWS - 12/14/03

Sunday, January 25, 2004 - The Ashtray Hearts and Jeff Hanson at the Bryant-Lake Bowl. 8pm All Ages. A special double bill with the Ashtray Hearts and Kill Rock Star's recording artist Jeff Hanson. The evening will also serve as the premiere of "Sick In The Morning" a short film by Dan Kurkiewicz starring Erin Huber Scheife and Bodun Akinkuotu.

Saturday, January 31, 2004 - Accident Clearinghouse, The Ashtray Hearts, and Ol' Yeller at Pizza Luce in Duluth.

H & H W/KID DAKOTA - 12/06/03

Heartbreak & Harmony will feature Kid Dakota headlining with The Ashtray Hearts and Ben Weaver. Saturday, December 13th, at the Turf Club, Saint Paul, MN.

U.K. PHOTOS & SOUNDS - 12/06/03

Check out our second photo gallery. It features some fun breaks on the Ashtray Hearts U.K. Tour earlier this year. Also, listen to the Bob Harris session originally broadcast on the BBC. It features live performances of "On The Wires" and "Disaster" as well as two interviews.

NEW OWLS MUSIC - 12/06/03

Seven Owls songs will soon be available on their magnificent EP (January 2004). The full album will also be released sometime in spring. In the meantime, download "AIR" written by Maria May, produced by Brad Kern and the Owls. The Owls will be performing 01/09/04 at "After Hours" at the Walker Arts Center Minneapolis : 9pm-12 midnight $14/ $7 for members.

MP3s - 11/25/03

We added sound samples to the Media page. MP3.COM is shutting down, so we're working on moving the "live" MP3s to the Free Election site. Check back for new additions.

HEARTBREAK & HARMONY 6.0 - 11/11/03

Free Election has added another strong, three-band bill for the 6th Heartbreak & Harmony. The show will feature Kid Dakota headlining with The Ashtray Hearts and Ben Weaver. Saturday, December 13th, at the Turf Club, Saint Paul, MN.

HEARTBREAK & HARMONY 5.0 - 11/09/03

We have new Heartbreak and Harmony posters from The Ashtray Hearts, The Owls and Molly Maher show. Three great colors, for three great bands, used in the production of this original Hatch Show Prints, Nashville Tennessee, show poster. Get yours in the Store.

OLD NUMBERS 2.0 - 10/20/03

The Ashtray Hearts debut album "Old Numbers" is being readied for a second pressing to handle demand for the group's music here in the U.S. and in Europe. The second pressing will have new artwork including a new cover design and booklet. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks.

NEW PHOTO GALLERY - 10/19/03

We added our first photo gallery. It chronicles The Ashtray Hearts tour of the U.K. earlier this year along with the B.B.C recording session with legendary DJ Bob Harris. Click here to view the pictures

HEARTBREAK & HARMONY - 10/17/03

Come down to Lee's Liquor Lounge for Heartbreak & Harmony at 9pm, Friday, October 17th. The Ashtray Hearts play first followed by Ol' Yeller and Accident Clearinghouse. Only $5.

OUR NEW WEBSITE - 10/10/03

We've been hard at work updating our website and will continue to refine it over the next few months. E-mail us with comments, ideas and suggestions. The Ashtray Hearts are starting their second record in November so they will be featuring new material at all their shows...

U.K. TOUR - 04/5/03

The Ashtray Hearts will be touring the U.K. in July.

SUMMER TOUR - 06/03/02

The Ashtray Hearts will tour the Midwest and West Coast ths June. Along the way, the Hearts will play with Rivulets, Nad Navillus, O'er the Ramparts, Sundays Best, Dolly Varden, and Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter. Check out the shows page.