I’m happy to officially announce (thought it hasn’t really been a secret) that I’m playing a couple of shows in the USA as part of Chickfactor‘s “For The Love of Pop” 20th Anniversary celebrations at the start of next month.

These will be my first solo shows in the US since 2008 – though the plan is to come back later in 2012 and do a more extensive run of shows.

This time it is just me plus guitar, but in keeping with the nature of the shows, the set will span the songs from when I first came across Gail and Chickfactor shortly after Belle and Sebastian released their first albums, through to more recent songs from my solo album. It is a real thrill to be playing with such a selection of great bands (and solo acts) and I’m looking forward to it greatly.

The first show is in DC at the Ballroom, Artisphere, Arlignton on the 6th April and also features me alongside Frankie Rose, Honey Bunch and Dot Dash. Tickets can be purchased for either the night on its own or as a pass for both the DC Chickfactor shows.

The second is in New York on the 12th April and features me, Honey Bunch, The Softies, The Pines and special guests. It is at the Bell House in Brooklyn and tickets are already on sale.

Hopefully see some of you there.