Ben Queller Reveals First Album Following Son’s Passing and Unveils New Single “Optimystic”

Ben Queller’s Upcoming Album

Ben Queller has revealed his first album since the tragic passing of his son, titled Cover the Mirrors, and has unveiled a new single, Optimystic – listen below.

The album is set to be released on May 30, 2025, marking his first significant work since his 16-year-old son Dorian Zev lost his life in a car accident in 2023. My son is now 19 years old.

Cover the Mirrors, which is Kweller’s seventh album, will showcase contributions from MJ Lenderman, Waxahatchee, The Flaming Lips, and Coconut Records.

In conjunction with the album announcement, Queller dropped a gritty new single titled “Optimystic,” featuring dynamic guitar riffs and vibrant lyrics. Listen below.

Queller’s Reflections on the Album

Kweller expressed his thoughts on the album in a press release, sharing: “This is the most personal, emotionally raw project I’ve ever worked on. After Dorian’s death in 2023, I felt an overwhelming urge to create music.

“I didn’t care about the consequences for myself because it was the only avenue through which I could find solace in my profound grief. It’s difficult not to dwell on everything I’ve lost, yet amidst my sorrow, I discovered that I had gained something. The only way I can describe it is as an added layer on the spectrum of understanding.

“My highs are higher and my lows are lower. My love is deeper, and my calling is stronger. Cover the Mirrors helps me navigate my new reality, and these songs are part of that healing process.”

Additionally, Kweller will be touring across North America to promote the new album, stopping in cities like Chicago, Boston, and Vancouver. Tickets are available for purchase Here – while supplies last.

New album New tour! Pre-sale tickets continue https://t.co/F2k0QLwBhm. Go reserve yours now. I can’t WAIT to see you all again. 💀🍓 #tourdates #singersongwriter #austinmusic #bankweller #austintx #indian #austintexas #drippingsprings #originalmusic #antifolk #yallternative… pic.twitter.com/KATGEQ7z9S

— Ben Kweller (@benkweller) December 11, 2024

Ben Queller North American Tour Dates 2025:

APRIL

15 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade Purgatory
16 – Nashville, Tennessee – East Basement
18 – Washington, DC – Union Stage
19 – New York, New York – Bowery Ballroom
21 – Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts
22 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
24 – Cleveland, Ohio – Grog Shop
25 – Ferndale, Michigan – A Loving Touch
26 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
28 – Minneapolis, Minnesota – Fine Line
29 – Madison, WI – High Noon Salon
30 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway

MAY
2 – Dallas, TX – The Echo Lounge & Music Hall
3 – Austin, Texas – Scoot Inn

JULY
9 – Aspen, Colorado – Belly Up
11 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theater
12 – Fort Collins, CO – Aggie
14 – Salt Lake City, Utah – Urban Lounge
17 – Seattle, Washington – Neimos
18 – Vancouver, British Columbia – Biltmore Cabaret
19 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
21 – San Francisco, California – Independent
23 – West Hollywood, California – Troubadour
25 – San Diego, California – Kasbah
26 – Phoenix, Arizona – Crescent Ballroom

In 2023, after the loss of Dorian Zev, Queller and his wife Liz published their son’s obituary and initiated a GoFundMe page to establish a memorial fund.

“Dorian was a spiritual soul who grasped the deeper significance of existence,” the statement read. “He was sincere, kind, and generous. He recognized the good in everyone and was never ashamed to be himself because he was confident in his identity.

“In his brief life, Dorian exuded positivity and shared it with everyone he encountered. He was courageous, adventurous, and lived each day to the fullest. (…) We are certain that his remarkable light and music will continue to bring happiness and peace to this world.”