Violent Femmes leader Gordon Gano is working on a solo album and according to the L.A. Times, he's getting lots of high profile help. The paper reports that the record will include Lou Reed and Reed's former Velvet Underground bandmate John Cale, along with Polly Jean Harvey, Frank Black and Mary Lou Lord. Also onboard is Cynthia Gayneau, who is Gano's sister. Gayneau is the original spelling of their surname. Brother Glenn is also a singer-songwriter based in Alaska, but he takes after brother Gordon with the 'Gano' spelling.

The Femmes are without still without a label deal at the moment, the release of their new album, "Freak Magnet," has been postponed, but the band notes on their official website that the record has not been canceled as rumored. They say they didn't think Interscope was the right label for the project and are currently shopping for another contract.

"If any adoring fan has an extra million dollars that they would like to give the band to expedite the release of this fabulous album please contact us thru this website," posts the band. "Serious replies only."

The lack of a label hasn't stopped them from playing live, however. Pending dates are as follows:

  • 06/21 - Birmingham, AL @ City Fest
  • 06/26 - Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest -headlining, 10 PM)
  • 07/11 - Brewery District Pavillion, Columbus, OH
  • 07/30 - Atlanta, GA @ Newport Folk Fest
  • 08/1 - Philadelphia, PA @ Newport Folk Fest
  • 08/2 - Jones Beach, NY @ Newport Folk Fest
  • 08/18 - Washington DC @ Newport Folk Fest
  • 08/20 - Indianapolis, IN @ Newport Folk Fest
  • 08/21 - Chicago, IL @ Newport Folk Fest
  • 08/22 - Detroit, MI @ Newport Folk Fest
  • 08/23 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Newport Folk Fest