Since their formation in 2010, Low Cut Connie has become known for delivering accessible yet never predictable rock and roll with plenty of substance. Today, the Philadelphia-based act revealed plans to release a new album that directly addresses the uncertain, often frightening political and cultural landscape of modern America.
Set for release on July 3 via Contender Records, Livin in the USA is a modern protest album that feels like a natural progression from their most recent single, last year’s incredibly moving “Settle Down.” The official music video for that track featured imagery from protests and ICE raids in cities across the country, which now feels all the more eerie to revisit.
The album’s title track, also released today, is a vibrant, anthemic exploration of feelings many Americans grapple with each day while navigating the chaos of a never-ending, growingly frightening news cycle. “Livin in the USA” addresses the painful reality of life as we go through our daily routines, while citizens are taken off the streets and families are ripped apart with no safe futures guaranteed.
“Livin on the street, there’s people dying out there every day / Screamin in the midnight, don’t you take my child away / You can pay some people to tell you what you want to hear / Get a good lawyer, gonna make em all disappear.”
In the statement below, Low Cut Connie’s Adam Weiner shares what inspired the song and album, the experiences that led him there, a message for listeners, and a look at some of the albums that helped light a creative spark while making what became Livin in the USA.
I made a protest album
about the times we are living through
in America 2026
It’s called Livin in the USA
I made it because I am disgusted to see our country descend into
an authoritarian hell
a moral vacuum
and a place where art does not lead the cultural conversation
This album, believe it or not, is also a party album
because I refuse to let these motherfuckers steal our art and steal our joy
It is time to reclaim it
This country goddamn right invented rock n roll, hip hop, jazz, R&B..
Music with soul communicates on a level that no algorithm or tech bro
or artificial intelligence or political machinery can ever understand or contain
America created these table-flipping artforms
Rock n roll is a table-flipping artform
It’s time to flip the table again
1 year ago I was one of the first artists to cancel a show at the Kennedy Center
I saw the regime take over
what had previously been a non-partisan arts institution
they elected an artless maniac as Chairman
so I quit
The money would have been nice for a middle-class working musician like me
but my soul was better for quitting
Shortly after that, I released a quiet acoustic song “Livin in the USA”
in which I spoke about the atrocity of ICE, authoritarianism, racism
and a general lack of moral character in America
This got me in a lot of trouble
I received violent threats
and show cancellations
A county commissioner in Pennsylvania called my music “propaganda”
I had to consult with security for my safety
But my tour went on
and frankly all the people I met all over the country
reminded me of how soulful the American spirit really is
despite the daily persecutions and criminality we witness
Many people told me just to stop singing “Livin in the USA” last year
so as to not ruffle too many feathers
FUCK THAT!
I decided to sing it LOUDER
LOUDER, Motherfuckers!!
I made this album Livin in the USA to say fuck you to this regime
to the brutality and inhumanity of our political and tech leaders
They are assholes with no class, taste, morality
or art in their bodies
I made this album to reclaim patriotism –
this regime in anti-American!
my album is PRO-AMERICAN!!
So much of America is built on diversity, creativity, hard work
and freedom of expression
These fuckers don’t understand a goddamn thing about the spirit of America – especially not our art!
I made this album to reclaim fun and joy and human connection
our individuality and creative expression is a revolutionary act
Sing and dance yer asses off you beautiful American weirdos!
Just because the world is collapsing
doesn’t mean we can’t go skinnydipping this weekend
I made this album because
these algorithms that have defined this age
are so fucking BORING!
They push our culture towards the generic every day
We don’t even remember our own beauty and creativity
America is weird and wonderful
these technologies don’t understand a damn thing about it
I made this album on 1 inch tape
Every song was recorded in one hot take
This was to capture lightning in a bottle and not rely on technology to fix things
no auto-tune, no click track
just blurt it out, capture it and put it out
That’s how rock n roll was born
that’s how I tried to do it
I love rock n roll
It truly is a great artform
I made this album while thinking about some of my favorite records ever
Records that spoke to the times while entertaining the fuck out of us
Sign o’ the Times – Prince
Stand – Sly & the Family Stone
There’s a Riot Goin On – Sly & the Family Stone
What’s Goin On – Marvin Gaye
Born in the USA – Bruce Springsteen
Willy & the Poor Boys – Creedence Clearwater Revival
I made this album because my little voice is what I have to offer to these fucked times
I hope this record Livin in the USA can make some positive difference somewhere
The release begins Sunday nite at midnite
Stay strong
and
never lose the spirit
—————————-
Adam Weiner / low cut connie
South Philadelphia PA
Fans across the U.S. can enjoy an evening of emotional catharsis through song by catching Weiner out on the road in the coming months. From early February through the end of April, he’ll be on the road performing at music festivals in between dates of his previously announced Livin in the USA solo tour.
Tickets for all concert dates listed below are now on sale. You can learn more about the shows and explore ticketing options by visiting Low Cut Connie’s official website.
Listen to “Livin in the USA” below:
Low Cut Connie’s 2026 Tour Dates
Feb. 11 – Dallas, Texas @ Jambaloo
March 3 – Chicago, Ill. @ City Winery $
March 5 – Ann Arbor, Mich. @ The Ark $
March 6 – Davenport, Iowa @ Raccoon Motel $
March 7 – St. Paul, Minn. @ Turf Club $
March 12 – St. Louis, Mo. @ City Winery $
March 13 – Nashville, Tenn. @ City Winery $
March 20 – Pittsburgh, Pa. @ City Winery $
March 21 – Elkton, Md. @ Elkton Music Hall $
March 27 – Northampton, Mass. @ Back Porch Music Festival
April 3-7 – Little Steven’s Underground Garage Cruise
April 10 – Plymouth, Mass. @ Spire Center for the Arts $
April 11 – Portsmouth, N.H. @ The Press Room $
April 12 – New York, N.Y. @ City Winery $
April 17 – Lancaster, Pa. @ West Art $
April 18 – Atlantic City, N.J. @ Anchor Rock Club $
April 30 – Baltimore, Md. @ Third Space at Shaarei Tfiloh
$ – Livin in the USA solo tour dates
