Kevin Morby Announces Album and Tour, Shares Video for New Song “Javelin”

Why It Matters

The album’s high‑profile collaborations and Dessner’s production elevate Morby’s profile within indie rock, while the tour capitalizes on the post‑pandemic live‑music resurgence.

Key Takeaways

• Little Wide Open drops May 15 via Dead Oceans.
• Aaron Dessner produces; features Justin Vernon, Lucinda Williams.
• Lead single 'Javelin' video stars Caleb Hearon, Katie Crutchfield.
• Extensive North American and European tour runs May–July 2026.
• Vinyl edition priced $35, available at Rough Trade.

Pulse Analysis

Kevin Morby’s Little Wide Open arrives at a moment when indie artists are leveraging marquee collaborations to broaden their reach. Aaron Dessner’s involvement signals a polished, expansive sound that aligns with the recent success of genre‑blending projects from The National’s side. Featuring vocalists such as Justin Vernon and Lucinda Williams, the album taps into multiple fan bases, positioning Morby for higher streaming numbers and stronger placement on alternative charts. The strategic release date in mid‑May also ensures visibility ahead of the summer festival circuit.

The accompanying tour underscores the renewed appetite for live performances after years of restrictions. Spanning major venues across the United States, Canada, and a packed European leg, the itinerary targets both core indie audiences and larger festival crowds. By scheduling shows in culturally significant locations like The Fillmore and Paradiso, Morby reinforces his reputation as a compelling live act, which can translate into increased merchandise sales and heightened media coverage. The tour’s timing, coinciding with the album launch, maximizes promotional momentum and offers multiple touchpoints for fan engagement.

Physical formats remain a vital revenue stream for niche artists, and the decision to press a $35 vinyl through Rough Trade reflects a savvy market move. Vinyl collectors value limited‑run, high‑quality pressings, and the partnership with a respected retailer enhances credibility. In an era where streaming dominates, offering a tangible product caters to dedicated fans and supports indie label economics. Combined with the high‑profile guest roster and Dessner’s production pedigree, Little Wide Open is poised to solidify Morby’s standing in the contemporary indie landscape.

Kevin Morby Announces Album and Tour, Shares Video for New Song “Javelin”

By Walden Green · February 11, 2026

Photo by Chantal Anderson

Kevin Morby has announced a new album. Little Wide Open is produced by the National’s Aaron Dessner and features contributions from—among others—Justin Vernon, Muna’s Katie Gavin, Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath, and Lucinda Williams. It’s out May 15 on Dead Oceans. The music video for lead single “Javelin” stars Morby and comedian Caleb Hearon, with a cameo from Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield.

“This is a song I wrote about being in love with someone you keep circling around the globe, relentlessly traveling through the air and down highways, and then returning home alone to middle America,” Morby said of “Javelin” in a press statement. “[Amelia] shines here, with her incredible vocals. I had invited her into the studio and asked that she create a backing choir out of just her voice—but her presence is so special that her ‘backing vocals’ can’t help but take the lead.”

Rachel Kushner wrote an essay, titled Field Guide to the North American Troubadour, to accompany Little Wide Open. In May, Morby will kick off an extensive tour behind the record, which will take him across Europe and North America through mid‑July.

Album artwork

Tour dates

North America

• 03‑14 Austin, TX – The Long Time

• 05‑08 Woodstock, NY – Levon Helm Studios

• 05‑13 Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

• 05‑14 Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre

• 05‑15 Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Block Party

• 05‑17 Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom

• 05‑18 Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre

• 05‑19 Portland, OR – Revolution Hall

• 05‑21 San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore

• 05‑22 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

• 05‑23 Pioneertown, CA – Pappy & Harriet’s

• 05‑24 San Diego, CA – Music Box

• 05‑26 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom

• 05‑27 Santa Fe, NM – The Bridge at Santa Fe Brewing

• 05‑29 Kansas City, MO – Uptown Theater

• 05‑30 St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall

• 06‑02 Chicago, IL – Metro

• 06‑04 Detroit, MI – Saint Andrew’s Hall

• 06‑05 Toronto, ON – History

• 06‑06 Montreal, QC – Théâtre Beanfield

• 06‑07 Boston, MA – Royale

• 06‑09 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer

• 06‑10 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel

• 06‑12 Washington, DC – Lincoln Theatre

• 06‑13 Charlotte, NC – The Underground

• 06‑14 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse

• 06‑16 New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s

• 06‑18 Houston, TX – The Heights Theater

• 06‑19 Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall

• 06‑20 Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater

Europe

• 07‑02 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso

• 07‑03 Beuningen, Netherlands – Down the Rabbit Hole

• 07‑04 Lille, France – L’Aéronef

• 07‑05 Hérouville‑Saint‑Clair, France – Festival Beauregard

• 07‑06 Paris, France – Salle Pleyel

• 07‑08 London, England – Troxy

• 07‑09 Manchester, England – The Ritz

• 07‑10 Brighton, England – Chalk

• 07‑11 Bruges, Belgium – Cactusfestival

• 07‑12 Cologne, Germany – Even Flow Festival

• 07‑14 Zurich, Switzerland – Rote Fabrik

• 07‑15 Galzignano Terme, Italy – Anfiteatro del Venda

• 07‑16 Feldkirch, Austria – Poolbar Festival

• 07‑17 Vienna, Austria – Simm City

• 07‑18 Munich, Germany – Technikum

Album purchase

Little Wide Open is available on vinyl for $35 at Rough Trade.

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Walden Green is a music writer and cultural critic who joined Pitchfork in 2024. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, his work has appeared in Dirt, The Fader, and Philadelphia. He lives in New York.