Sugar Ray Fourth Album On The Way

When Sugar Ray's self-titled fourth album is released amidst a sea of mainstream, family-friendly fanfare early next month, it?ll be almost impossible to remember that this was the same band who once peppered live shows with rants about infamous Maple Leaf John Kordic.

This, along with remarks that certain audiences look like people they screwed in prison.

Six years and three albums after the band landed on the alternative scene, it seems that the former mean machines aren't looking back as they continue the journey to uber-glamor and fame that began with the catchy and omnipresent "Fly."

The new album features tracks including "Stay On" (featuring guest vocals from 311's Nick Hexum), "Answer The Phone" and the first single, "When It's Over." It will be released on June 12.

But it's beginning to seem like the main attraction will be all of the promotional hoopla and corporate-eriffic tie-ins surrounding the release. To kick it all off, "When It's Over" will be released to multiple radio formats this week. This will soon be followed with a video directed by the man behind Charlie's Angels, McG, that the band just wrapped shooting.

With the single newly rooted in the public's consciousness, the boys will take to the media with featured segments on Access Hollywood (May 12) and CNN's Showbiz and World Beat. They'll also be performing on The Rosie O'Donnell Show (May 14), The Late Show With David Letterman (June 11), The Today Show (June 15 in a special outdoor summer concert) and ABC's upcoming Walt Disney World Summer Jam Concert (date to be confirmed). They'll also be a part of an internet-only animation clip for "When It's Over" in conjunction with the cartoon network.

Sugar Ray will also be buddying up with malls and their minions across the States as part of a cross-promotional campaign with Candies in tandem with TransWorld and Gadzooks and Journeys. With this promotion, all consumers that purchase Candies shoes or a copy of Sugar Ray will receive a VIP laminate that entitles them to some groovy consumer perks, including a chance to see the band perform in concert.

On a more rock 'n' roll level, the lads of Sugar Ray will be hitting the road with labelmate Uncle Kracker after the release of the new disc. The five-week tour will see them venturing all over North America and is slated to begin in mid-July. Dates are expected to be announced shortly, so stay tuned for details.