Sometimes, when you’re named after someone that has been garnering quite a lot of backlash in America society, you need a change and an update to your persona to avoid ties to controversy. So goes the decision of Indianapolis-based funktronica band Cosby Sweater, so christened due to the iconic sweaters America’s sweetheart Bill Cosby donned in his heyday. David Embry (production and vocals), Nicholas Gerlach (tenor sax) and Jeff Peterson (drums) have decided to update their band name, and it’s sure to be a hit with their fans.

Fans of the band loved the moniker, attending shows in Cosby-esque sweater tributes as Cosby Sweater climbed to the top of the music scene. The band has accomplished a lot in their years on the scene, playing music festivals, touring the US, and also releasing four albums- all since their debut in 2012.

However, due to recent sexual abuse allegations brought against Cosby, one cannot blame Cosby Sweater for wishing to distance themselves from the controversy. While being named after an American icon once conjured up feelings of nostalgia and warmth, now there’s a bit of a bitter taste associated with the name of once-revered Dr. Huxtable.

As of January 2015, Cosby Sweater is changing their clothes- into Turbo Suit! The band has continued to evolve musically on their journey, and so it makes perfect sense to start off the new year with a fresh new name to reflect their growth as a band. Along with their fresh, totally cool new name, Turbo Suit will be debuting their fifth album “Out There” this year, featuring a plethora of guest musicians including Jake Cinninger, (Umphrey’s McGee), Natalie Cressman (Trey Anastasio Band), Zion I, and ProbCause.

Turbo Suit has also announced their 2015 winter tour as well, with dates listed below. “Out There” will be available spring 2015.

“Out Here” Tour Dates

January 14 | Allston, MA – Wonder Bar
January 15 | Philadelphia, PA – North Star
January 16 | Plains, PA – River Street Jazz Cafe
January 17 | New York City, NY – B.B. Kings Blues Club^*
February 5 | Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern~
February 6 | Detroit, MI – Elecktricity~^
February 7 | Traverse City, MI – Winter Microbrew Festival
February 13 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
February 14 | Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Brewery^^
February 18 | Lacrosse, WI – Popcorn Tavern
February 19 | St. Cloud, MN – Red Carpet Nightclub
February 20 | Fargo, ND – The Aquarium
February 21 | Duluth, MN – The Rex Bar
February 26 | Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights**
February 27 | Madison, WI – The Orpheum**
February 28 | Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall**
March 4 | Urbana, IL – Canopy Club**
March 5 | Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room**
March 6 | Live Oak, FL – AURA Music & Arts Festival
March 12 | Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s
March 13 | Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
March 14 | St. Louis, MO – 2720 Cherokee*
March 18 | Covington, KY – Cosmo’s
March 19 | Lexington, KY – Cosmic Charlie’s
March 20 | Louisville, KY – Zanzabar
March 21 | Carbondale, IL – Hangar 9
April 9 | Knoxville, IL – International
April 18 | Austin, TX – Stubb’s Jr. Indoors ^
May 15 | Stewart, OH – Colordance Music & Arts Festival
May 22-24 | Chillicothe, IL – Summer Camp Music Festival

**with Lotus
^Umphrey’s McGee after party
*featuring Joel Cummings on keys
~ Post Cherub
^^Digital Sweater (Digital Tape Machine + Turbo Suit)
~^with Michel Menert

TOUR POSTER

Visit www.TurboSuit.net for more information on the band’s upcoming album and tour dates.

Interview with the band about the name change: