Kurt Vile & The Violators

The album, which Vile produced largely on his own, is his most personal and authentic to date—built on an organic sound, strong melodies, and distinctive guitar work, while paying tribute to the city that shaped both his musical and life journey.

Released in the “Year of Our Lord” 2026, when America commemorates the 250th anniversary of its founding—and also in the city of Philadelphia, where Kurt Vile hails from—the album *Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me* captures one of today’s most distinctive songwriters at a moment when he is returning to his roots. “It’s my album about coming home to Philly,” says Vile. “I’m treating it as if it were my last. I put everything into it. It features my best vocals, my best electric guitar playing, and the most natural sound I’ve ever recorded—it was created in the environment where I feel most at home.”

The album, which Vile produced largely on his own, is his most personal and authentic work to date—it builds on an organic sound, strong melodies, and distinctive guitar work, p
The album was produced largely by Vile himself, with contributions from Adam Langellotti, keyboardist Matthew Jugenheimer, drummer Kyle Spence, guitarist Jesse Trbovrich, and longtime collaborator Rob Schnapf. The record reflects Vile’s perception of music as a dialogue between people across time and space. The title track is a tribute to his hometown and an indirect nod to Tom Petty and his musical homage to California. The energetic “Chance to Bleed” features guest appearances by Natalie Hoffman and Greg Cartwright and is accompanied by a music video filmed at Philadelphia’s Kung Fu Necktie club, which also features local legend Schoolly D. The track “You Don’t Know Cuz It’s My Life” presents Vile’s version of a stadium anthem, building to a relaxed yet triumphant chorus of “I’m from Philadelphia,” which is easy to imagine being sung by an enthusiastic crowd.

Philadelphia’s Been Good to Me is clear proof that Kurt Vile is returning in top form—with perspective, ease, and at the same time a strong determination to represent his hometown. The year 2026 will be exceptional for Philadelphia not only because of a significant anniversary and the hosting of select World Cup matches, but also because of this album. “There’s one more thing,” Vile adds. “I have to be the third one. Because I am Philadelphia. I have to own it and rise to the occasion.”

Advance ticket sales begin on April 10 at 10:00 a.m.