While the weather has been unseasonably warm, Swifties are experiencing a collective chill over the forthcoming new album release from Taylor Swift.
Announced during her Album of the Year Grammy win for Midnights, Swift’s new album The Tortured Poets Department (TTPD) will hit streaming services on April 19.
The moody-yet-minimal album art gives fans a lot to wonder about the sonic vibe of TTPD. What we do know is that this is a breakup album and that hometown music legend Aaron Dessner of The National contributed to five of its 16 tracks, including the highly anticipated "So Long, London."
Dessner's instrumental gravitas mixed with Swift's lyrical genius is bound to make TTPD a painful listen (in a good way, hopefully). For some, this album is meant to be heard in your headphones on the bedroom floor, while others need the Swiftie community to power through their first listen of TTPD.
Luckily, there are a handful of Cincinnati-area businesses that are opening up their doors for TTPD listening parties this Friday. From cozy bars with serious Swiftie history to a coffee shop with a bookish feel, these businesses will be here for you on Friday when you're down bad.
One Night Stans TTPD release party at Joseph Knox Distilling at the OTR StillHouse
2017 Branch St., Over-the-Rhine
April 19 from 8-11 p.m.
This release party won't be all doom and gloom — expect dance remixes, music videos, a Swift-inspired photo booth, merch from local artists and more. Guests can even win a deluxe vinyl by dressing in their favorite Swift look from any era. Must be 21 or older to attend, buy tickets here.
Moonflower Coffee Collective TTPD listening party
10938 Reading Road, Sharonville
April 19 from 3-6 p.m.
This cozy Sharonville coffee shop is keeping its doors open later than usual on Friday for a special TTPD listening party, complete with crafty friendship bracelets. Moonflower is encouraging guests to dress in their finest dark academia attire to sip on coffee or tea and let TTPD wash over you in peace. For those who want to keep the poetic vibes going, Cincy Book Bus will also be extending their hours until 6 p.m. to serve up more poetry next door. No tickets required.
Cobblestone OTR TTDP listening party
1132 Race St., Over-the-Rhine
April 19 at 8 p.m. Cobblestone OTR once transformed its space into the immersive "Cornelia Street" pop-up, an ode to a song from Taylor Swift's Lover album. They're at it again with a TTPD listening party. While the known details on this one are slim, one only needs to review the lengths Cobblestone went to last summer to make Swifties feel seen, heard and at home. Must be 21 or older to attend. No tickets required.
Mt. Lookout Tavern TTPD release party
3209 Linwood Ave., Mt. Lookout
April 18 at 9 p.m.This one is for the girls who want to experience the first moments of the new album drop with their fellow Swifties. Mt. Lookout Tavern will host a TTPD release party complete with singing, dancing and, yes, Swift-inspired signature cocktails the night of the album's official release. No tickets required.
Alice OTR "Taylor Swift vs. The World" party
1432 Main St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
April 18 10 p.m. - 2 a.m. DJ BOYWIFE, the literal best DJ in town, knows how sacred April 19 is to Cincy Swifties, which is why the banger-after-banger DJ is bringing a night of Taylor mania to Main Street. The "Taylor Swift vs. The World" set will start at 10 p.m. and carry you and your gang all the way to close. Be sure to order Alice's F'ing Espresso Martini — the cold brew and smoked lavender bitters will keep you dancing in a lavender haze all night long.
If you're really chomping at the bit to find your Swiftie community, Braxton Brewing in Covington will be hosting a Swift-themed trivia night on April 16 starting at 7 p.m.
