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Stay for the Ending

by District 97

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    Bill Bruford: Quality, expertise and passion - Stay for the Ending is a massive piece, of which District ’97 should feel justly proud

    • The culmination of everything this Chicago-based prog rock ensemble has worked toward in its 15 years of existence.

    • Recorded, mixed and mastered by Noam Wallenberg (Alan Parsons, Mac Miller).

    This new release sees the band significantly upping their game in the areas of composition, performance, arrangement, production and sonics.

    Running the gamut from the relentless thrill ride of the title track to the tender, dynamic ballad ‘Life Cycle’, the album traverses a vast array of themes and musical influences. The songs explore the human experience: unity, division, deceit, obsession, detachment, resilience and transcendence.

    Track Listing:

    1 Stay For The Ending
    2 Mirror
    3 Many New Things
    4 Crossover
    5 Divided We Fall
    6 Life Cycle
    7 X
    8 X-Faded
    9 Deck Is Stacked
    10 The Watcher

    Includes unlimited streaming of Stay for the Ending via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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  • Full Digital Discography

    Get all 17 District 97 releases available on Bandcamp and save 10%.

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality downloads of Live in Europe 9-9-2023 (HI-RES 24/48), Stay for the Ending (Hi-Res 48kHz​​​/​​​24​​​-​​​bit), Stay for the Ending, Hybrid Child, Trouble with Machines, In Vaults (hi-res 96kHz​/​24​-​bit), In Vaults, SCREENS+: LIVE IN HIGH DEFINITION, and 9 more. , and , .

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1.
Stay for the Ending (Lawrence/Hunt) Ooooh, I see ya Shy of a million miles away, here any day Another extinction Dodging a bullet that can mutate You’re cutting yourself to size Preparing to weaponize But what good is your disguise If seen with my naked eyes Another explosion Add another and walk away WAY… FROM… the flame that came before ya SAFE… FROM… the one still burnin’ for ya LAY… DOWN… and take a load off, won’t ya STAY… FOR… THE… END… ING Ooooh, I told ya Shy of a million bright red flags It’s taken you down a size Before you can demonize But what good are all the lies If seen with my naked eyes Another possession Add another and walk away… WAY… FROM… the ghosts that came before ya SAFE… FROM… the end of me that haunts ya LAY… DOWN… and take a load off, won’t ya STAY… FOR… THE… END… ING AWAY… FROM… the ghosts that came before ya SAFE… FROM… the end of me that haunts ya LAY… DOWN… and take a load off, won’t ya STAY… CAUSE… the end is all I owe ya. STAY… ‘CAUSE… I’ve got a spoiler for ya STAY… FOR… THE… END… ING
2.
Mirror 08:28
Mirror (Seisser/Hunt) Turn to me, open to see What once was will always be Visions changing your insight Refracted back in the light The mirror’s in control Streaming you your picture show Reflecting truth you see The inner workings laid to be Blinded by this familiar light You take up arms and fight the sight Of your exposure vanity The mirror will have its way, you’ll see Turn to see, open to me What is now can always be Bathing your visions in light Retracting your last insight The mirror’s in control Streaming you your picture show Reflecting truth you see The inner workings laid to be Blinded by this familiar light You take up arms and fight the sight Of your exposure vanity The mirror will have its way, you’ll see Gaze in me, unlock your mind When we’re intertwined It’s hard to separate us from What the mirror made us Blur your eyes, remove the lines Those are yours and these are mine For just a minute ‘cause None of this is infinite The mirror always shows The one who’s really in control
3.
Many New Things (Tashjian) I have changes to enact when I come back With flames and everything packed, fully detached - sorrys in sacks. I’ll take offers for a pound… the best that I’ve found… and I’ve looked around. Life changes in a snap. problems unpack, worries intact I’m learning many new things That I’m really dying to show you Everything we tell ourselves Of the world around us Too similar to ignore Simple kind so you won’t put up a fuss With so much to tell I’ll never have enough courage to tell you Everything you ever loved... Has it really loved you? Everywhere you put your trust... Have you made it safer or more valued? It’s too much to ask I could never ask you Such a tale to tell No courage to turn to With so much to ask I could never ask you With a tale to tell I’ll never have enough courage to turn to I’ve learned so many new things That I’m really dying to show you
4.
Crossover 05:22
Crossover (Schang/Hunt) One step at a time ’til it’s a new design … in the sand, a line don’t crossover to my side One line at a time If you deserve it, fine I’ll make your reasons rhyme But that don’t mean they’re mine One step over the line It happens all the time … with a changing mind you’ll crossover to my side Once you realize That all the water’s fine I’ll wash away that line And take your hand in mine I’m not the first and I won’t be the last to Fall prey to you Can’t deny and Can’t refuse you, though I Keep trying to Legs buckle under me Eyes roll up in my head You hold my insides So safely in your hands Walk wherever you like This is a new design … ‘cause I saw your side It’s not so different than mine I have seen the light Without a line, there is no fight All we want is a good life … Not …just for me and mine
5.
Divided We Fall (Seisser/Hunt) Caught in the wake of the claim you stake Cannot break out till it’s broken Terms and conditions apply But it’s been awhile since anyone has spoken And all your takeaways perpetuate the same truth ‘Cause you only hear what’s best for you But it grows in corners And creeps up the walls It’s closing in until No light can get in at all And the only way out Is to look within Or grab another lens And look for a while through it More than what’s best for you Now you poked a hole or two Now you see the whole view Not just what is best Grab a hold and don’t let go Even though you’re gonna wanna throw It far away from here Keep it near for moments the Fearful blind folded try to steer It is bone-on-bone friction within you It’s a life-or-death question That you haven’t thought through And I’m beginning to understand the ways You’re stuck in a loop ‘Cause you only hear what’s best for you But it’s growing stronger It’s hard to ignore Cannot identify the wolf at the door no more Split down the middle This is do or die Seems like the same number of states do and don’t unite Grab a hold and don’t let go Even though you’re gonna wanna throw It far away from here Keep it near for moments the Fearful blind folded try to steer And all your takeaways perpetuate the same truth ‘Cause you only hear what’s best for you
6.
Life Cycle 06:43
Life Cycle (Schang) Drifting down silently To black out the sunlight Every day they assured us, their only aim: Show us how to live in harmony, peacefully Everything began anew Ghostly memories fade Of past lives no longer Relevant to the new world they opened wide What drives them to give so openly So endlessly? When will be the time to know? It's a question for all Have they answered our call? Or are we just nothing but a means to an end? No more spending our days Watching time slip away The only thing that we may lose is our humanity We have all we could dream And still we grow restless Waiting to feel the passion that used to burn There must be a force that's waiting to collide with us Children know but they can't say It's a question for all Have they answered our call? Or are we just nothing but a means to an end? No more spending our days Watching time slip away The only thing that we may lose is our reality The sun, the sky, the earth All melt away Now it's time for you to see There's a new reality That's bigger than the both of us combined We came here to guide you through The separation of the glue That held you firmly within space and time Earth no longer can provide A home for what you have inside Unleash what lies beneath your flesh and bone Transformation for all Now you answered our call Your arrival signified our childhood's end We begin a new phase Leave behind our old ways We are one with the beating heart of our humanity
7.
X 01:13
(Seisser) (instrumental)
8.
X-Faded 04:21
X-Faded (Seisser/Hunt) the smell of fire all around me trapped on all sides by a rising sea two extremes that feed this opposing force that’s fearless conserve your favorite, throw away the rest running dry is for the best we can pivot as we see fit we’re building castles in the sandpit one wave away from the ending ripping apart while mending these two actions at the same time what a mess to leave behind for the lives we’re forced to keep with no regard for the living protect the pre and the post and if you’re stuck here, learn to cope Just get crossfaded Turn off, don’t wait cause Life’s short, I’ll make it Drunk, stoned, elated Bottoms up, inhale it Burned out and jaded Don’t get frustrated Line up and take it two slits for eyes is the new way squinting to see what is far away rosy glass colored ceiling the hail is far more appealing one man is trash, one’s a treasure chest in-between to measure best either for or against it to be or not is the question only the choir in attendance you say your piece, they nod their heads if they don’t happen at the same time what a fatalistic crime get someone to represent no regard for the offense protect and serve your own and if you’re not one, learn to cope Just get crossfaded Turn off, don’t wait cause Life’s short, I’ll make it Drunk, stoned, elated Bottoms up, inhale it Burned out and jaded Don’t get frustrated Line up and take it That’s life, don’t waste it I’m not frustrated Just get crossfaded Eyes red and shaded I’ll get crossfaded Turn off, don’t wait Life’s short, I’ll make it Drunk, stoned, elated
9.
Deck is Stacked (Seisser) - Pedal down, smoke up, gas stop, full cup, soundcheck, backstage, opener’s a buddy - Van sleep, lost keys, trailer latch, CD’s, GPS, backtrack, tour life’s cutty - Encore, VIP, march table, meet n’ greet, hotel, BNB, it’s a lil’ nutty - Hangover, lobby call, long line, bathroom stall, train-car-airport, always in the running Limping along, Can’t do no wrong, Singing our song (The) Deck is stacked, Sweat equity won’t buy your break (The) Game is rigged, Stream away no cents (sense) to make (The) Fix is in, The dream in grasp we’ll never wake (The) Deck is stacked, but we’ll still play - Fast food, long lines, rest stop, no time, chug down, post up, crashin’ in the study - Label rep, contract, dotted line, first act, last call, half stack, sound’s kinda fuzzy - Interview, Q&A, radio, travel day, room key, sneak away, beat down and bloody - Plug and play, everyday, other way, still the same, sticking’ out, never fade, rock n’ roll n’ party Songs overlong, never belong, struggle so strong (The) Deck is stacked, Sweat equity won’t buy your break (The) Game is rigged, Stream away no cents (sense) to make (The) Fix is in, The dream in grasp we’ll never wake (The) Deck is stacked, but we’ll still play
10.
The Watcher 09:23
The Watcher (Schang/Hunt) Just like my father And his father before him I see you all Nothing gets by me Watching waiting patiently 657 calls to me I AM THE WATCHER What gives you the right To do as you please? Welcome to the neighborhood You’ll be so happy here If you hear otherwise, they’re all just liars Welcome to the Boulevard Just sign your name right here It’s up to you if I Let you survive or Bury you within these walls I've collected my thoughts I've put them in writing And after all I think of you always Writing watching constantly 657 calls to me I AM THE WATCHER Welcome to the neighborhood… Are you not happy here under my watchful eyes? You’re lookin tired… Whispers on the Boulevard Is that your name I hear? I really can’t decide To let it die Or play along a little more ‘Cause you’re starting to bore me That’s what I cannot withstand You don’t mean much You’re just another plaything Taking bullets from my pen Where are you going? We’ve barely just begun You can’t protect your little ones Their innocence is gone The damage has been done The more you lost, the more I won I AM THE WATCHER

about

Chicago prog rockers District 97 have announced that they will release their brand new studio album Stay For The Ending through Spirit Of Unicorn Records on October 20.

The album is the follow-up to 2019's Screens and has been recorded, mixed and mastered by Noam Wallenberg, who has worked with Alan Parsons. You can watch a video trailer for the new album below.

"After 15 years of leading District 97 I'm thrilled that we continue to push ourselves to new heights in every realm of music making," says drummer Jonathan Schang of the new album. "This is the strongest collection of sings we've ever assembled."

“This record presents us at our most collaborative and dynamic.," adds singer Leslie Hunt. "We tried some new things and chased different aesthetics than we have in the past and I think the result is our best sounding album to date with some of our strongest compositions."

Stay For The Ending has also impressed prog royalty, with former Yes and King Crimson drummer Bill Bruford stating, "Quality, expertise and passion - Stay For The Ending is a massive piece, of which District 97 should feel justly proud."

credits

released October 20, 2023

Leslie Hunt-Vocals
Andrew Lawrence-Keyboards
Jim Tashjian-Guitars, Vocals
Tim Seisser-Bass Guitar
Jonathan Schang-Drums & Percussion

Produced by District 97
Executive Producers: Pamela & Jeff Stroberg. Charles Snider/Strawberry Bricks, Richard Schilder
Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Noam Wallenberg
Recorded at Rax Trax Studios, Chicago, IL November 2022-May 2023
MIDI Programming by Andrew Lawrence & Jonathan Schang
Drum Programming on Many New Things intro by Jim Tashjian & Pete Tashjian
Art Design by Killustrations
Leslie and Mannequin photos by Greg Panciera at Water Dog Studios
Band Photos by Jennifer Lee Knuth/Milk Punch Photo
Photo Location: Reggies Rock Club, Chicago, IL
Doll Head Collection photo by Dan Kane

Tim Seisser plays LowDown bass guitars
Jonathan Schang plays Tama Drums, Paiste Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, and Promark Drumsticks

(you have logos)

Jonathan Schang is published by Schangathan Music (ASCAP)
Leslie Hunt is published by Written on the Face Music (BMI)
Jim Tashjian is published by jimpact smash music (ASCAP)
Tim Seisser is published by Tslice Songs (BMI)
Andrew Lawrence is published by Andrew Lawrence Publishing (ASCAP)

Special thanks to Noam Wallenberg, Sam Ashworth, Martin Darvill & all at Spirit of Unicorn Records, Pamela & Jeff Stroberg, Mike Ullegue, Nicklas Dickerson for chanting with us on Deck is Stacked, Dan Kane, Ed Clift, EKD, Cruise to the Edge, Jen Knuth, Reggies Rock Club, Ellen Cox, Martin Kornick, and all Kickstarter backers/Inside the Vault Club members!

See tour dates, news, and join the Inside the Vault Club at www.district97.net
For booking/other inquiries, contact Jonathan at info@district97.net.

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