Toto set to release first album in ten years and world tour!

One of my longtime favorites, Toto is set to release their first studio album in ten years and will follow with a world tour.  TOTO XIV is set to release on March 20th in Europe and the UK and Oceania on 3/23, and North America on March 24. Configurations include CD, with a deluxe edition available featuring a “making of” documentary on DVD, expanded booklet that includes an in depth story and interview about the new album alongside exclusive pictures in ecol-book packaging. Additionally Toto XIV will be available as a 2LP vinyl set, and a Super Deluxe limited edition which includes the Deluxe CD/DVD edition, 2LP vinyl, an exclusive poster, t-shirt (large size only), and lithograph.  The album will be available via all digital retailers.  A pre-order has gone live via Amazon for the LP (http://geni.us/TotoXIVLPAmz), CD (http://geni.us/TotoXIVRegAmz) and Deluxe Edition (http://geni.us/TotoXIVDlxAmz).

“This is opposite of going through the motions.  We are treating this like it is Toto V, our follow-up to TOTO IV.  We just want to be the best version of ourselves that we can be.  Be true to ourselves and make the best music we can.  Entertain people which is what we were put on this Earth for.”  Keyboardist David Paich reflects, “I think of TOTO as a unit and a band that carries a responsibility when it goes out there in to the public consciousness.   There is so much negativity and darkness that I think you have to be as Quincy Jones puts it, ‘beams of light that blast through the darkness’.”

“When you put us in a room, and everybody brings in their pieces, the next thing you know it all fits together. Everybody’s performances are top notch.  We are really bringing our best out, forcing ourselves to make personal best choices, what’s best for the music.  I’m really excited to hear what people think.” 

“We are talking about a band where everybody is a writer, and everybody is a lead singer, and everybody is a player.  All involved brought this trio to the table where it could just live on its own.”

“No one plays like David Hungate.” Drums were performed by Keith Carlock who’s commitments to Steely Dan prohibit him from participating in the 2015 World Tour.  Shannon Forest will be behind the kit, who was a part of the band’s 2014 North American run. Luke offers, “Shannon is a world class drummer and we are honored to have him back with us.”

The sessions were co-produced by CJ Vanston. You can check out a video featuring more insight from the band on the making of the album.