Flobots ready for tour, put finishing touches on sophomore album

Screw what Thomas Wolfe says: You can go home again. Flobots have done just that, as the Denver hip-hop collective has been in Fort Collins at Blasting Room studio, putting the final touches on its sophomore album. Tentatively titling the album Survival Story, the group has been hard at work with producer Mario Caldato Jr. (of Beastie Boys fame) and has attracted some big-name collaborators, including Rise Against singer and guitarist Tim McIlrath, and singer/songwriter Matt Morris.

“In 2008 we were gone virtually all year, and we listened to people all over the country, and even internationally, explain how our music fits into their personal stories,” Flobots' MC Jonny 5 says. “It was everything from ‘When I heard your song, I joined the army’ to ‘Obama is going to win Indiana, and it’s all because of you guys!’ Its interesting to be a symbol for developments in other peoples’ lives."

While the new songs may be influenced by the band’s travels across the wide world outside of Colorado, Flobots find just as much inspiration at home and have no plans of uprooting anytime soon. “This year we’ve pretty much been in Denver the whole time, which has been amazing,” Johnny 5 says. “We’ve been able to reconnect with the loved ones that inspire and challenge us, people who see us for who we are outside of the band. It’s humbling on so many levels to see all the cool stuff people are doing here, in terms of art, music, and activism. When people from Denver say they’re proud of us, it’s the best feeling in the world.”

To help celebrate the completion of the new album, Flobots are taking the new jams on the road, including five dates in Colorado. Flobots full tour schedule can be found on their website.