Dead Oceans Signed Philadelphia Band Star Moles

The indie label welcomed the local group alongside the release of their new single, Born Again.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Alternative

Graphic editorial illustration with sharp blue and charcoal geometric shapes evoking urban soundscapes and rhythmic indie-rock energy. — Dead Oceans has signed the Philadelphia-based band Star Moles, coinciding with the group's release of their new single, Born Again. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Dead Oceans has officially signed the Philadelphia-based band Star Moles. Coinciding with the announcement, the group released their new single titled Born Again.

Why it matters

This partnership marks a significant label expansion for the band as they prepare for a broad tour. The move connects the Philadelphia group with the prominent indie imprint's global distribution network.

The band has scheduled 22 tour dates to support their latest work. The single Born Again was recorded in a Historic New Jersey studio.

The players

Star Moles

This musical group is based in Philadelphia and records with the Historic New Jersey collective.

Dead Oceans

Dead Oceans is a prominent independent record label known for its diverse roster of alternative artists.

Kevin Basko

Kevin Basko is the musician responsible for recording the single Born Again.

Lucky Marvel

Lucky Marvel is a director who oversaw the creation of the music video for the single Born Again.

The details

Kevin Basko recorded the new single, which is accompanied by a music video directed by Lucky Marvel. The artist creates music in collaboration with the Historic New Jersey collective.

October 7, 2026: The label signing and single release were announced.
October 9, 2026: The tour begins at the Good Moon Festival in Durham.
January 22, 2027: A performance is scheduled at Schuba's in Chicago.
March 5, 2027: The band plays a show at The Empty Bottle in Chicago.
April 1, 2027: The tour concludes at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville.

Industry Dynamics

The move aligns with the broader strategy of indie labels bolstering their catalogs with regionally established talent. It highlights the continued importance of physical festival circuits in building momentum for niche alternative acts.

Fans can now access the new single Born Again through digital music platforms linked to the label. Those interested in seeing the group live can purchase tickets for the upcoming tour, which includes major stops in Chicago and New York.

The takeaway

Securing a spot on an established label like Dead Oceans provides significant support for an independent artist's long-term touring capabilities. Listeners should watch for how this shift impacts the band's production quality and wider accessibility in coming months.

What happens next

The band will embark on a 22-date tour beginning October 9, 2026, at the Good Moon Festival in Durham, continuing through a final performance at the Big Ears Festival in Knoxville on April 1, 2027.