Marshmellow Overcoat Channels Classic Rock Spirit on New Album ‘Beat a Dead Horse’

Bradford, Pennsylvania rock band Marshmellow Overcoat has released their new studio album, 'Beat a Dead Horse,' arriving alongside lead single "Wrote a Letter to You." Formed by singer-songwriter Tyler Calkins in 2008 to blend the songwriting instincts of the sixties, seventies and nineties with a modern rock edge, the band has spent more than a decade building a devoted following across Western Pennsylvania and New York State, becoming one of the Southern Tier's most consistently popular live acts.

"Wrote a Letter to You" carries real personal weight for Calkins. He had the bones of the song in his head for over a year before finishing it the day a close friend passed away, using the guitar as a way of reaching out one more time. Calkins has noted the lyrics also read as though they could be about his wife, giving the song a layered, dual meaning that runs through its every line. The track was recorded live at GCR Audio in Buffalo, New York, with Calkins on a Yamaha grand piano he has called one of the finest he has ever played, drawing on influences including John Lennon, Billy Joel, Warren Zevon, The Band and The Wallflowers.

'Beat a Dead Horse' rounds out "Wrote a Letter to You" with fellow singles "Walkin' Tonight" and "Castles They Live In," alongside seven additional original songs from the full band, Tyler Calkins on lead vocals, piano and guitar, Dave Verbocy on vocals and bass, Alan Hancock on guitar and Anthony Cavallaro on drums.

The album was recorded at GCR Audio and Mammoth Recording Studio in Buffalo, with sessions finished at Calkins's home studio, mixed and mastered by Brad Lauchert, and engineered by Michael Bridges and Joey Bastian. Artist Kevin Kurecki provided the album's artwork and collages.

Marshmellow Overcoat will bring the new album to audiences across Pennsylvania and New York throughout the summer, including a July 26 performance at the Kids and Cancer Benefit in the band's hometown of Bradford, where the group will donate half of its album and merchandise sales from the day.

With 'Beat a Dead Horse' now available on all digital platforms, as well as vinyl and CD, Marshmellow Overcoat continues to deliver on its promise of classic rock and roll for today.

Marshmellow Overcoat Co. Tour Dates

July 25, 2026 – Kids and Cancer Benefit – Bradford, PA (2:00 PM) – MMOC Full Band

July 26, 2026 – Dam Inn – Wilcox, PA (4:30 PM) – MMOC Full Band

July 30, 2026 – The Ram Sports Bar & Grill – Johnsonburg, PA (7:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins & Jim Copeland

August 2, 2026 – Kinzua Wolf Run Marina – Clarendon, PA (3:30 PM) – MMOC Full Band

August 7, 2026 – Kettle Creek Music Festival – Cross Fork, PA (1:30 PM) – MMOC Full Band

August 7, 2026 – Seneca Gaming & Entertainment – Salamanca, NY (5:00 PM) – MMOC Full Band

August 8, 2026 – Italian American Progressive Club – Bradford, PA (5:00 PM) – MMOC Full Band

August 9, 2026 – Swedish Fest – Mount Jewett, PA (1:30 PM) – Tyler Calkins

August 15, 2026 – Bent Run Brewing Company – Warren, PA (6:00 PM) – MMOC Full Band

August 19, 2026 – Quaker Amphitheater – Salamanca, NY (7:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

August 21, 2026 – Moonwinks – Cuba, NY (7:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

August 22, 2026 – Tony's Napoli – Olean, NY (6:00 PM) – MMOC Full Band

August 29, 2026 – Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc. – Kane, PA (7:00 PM) – MMOC Full Band

August 30, 2026 – Ellicottville Distillery LLC – Ellicottville, NY (2:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins & Jim Copeland

September 5, 2026 – A&W West End Grill – Coudersport, PA (7:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins & Jim Copeland

September 12, 2026 – Big Inlet Brewing – Mayville, NY (5:00 PM) – MMOC Full Band

September 17, 2026 – The Gin Mill – Ellicottville, NY (8:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins & Jim Copeland

September 18, 2026 – Moonwinks – Cuba, NY (6:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

September 20, 2026 – Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc. – Kane, PA (1:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

October 3, 2026 – Pine Acres Country Club – Bradford, PA (3:00 PM, time TBA) – MMOC Full Band

October 9, 2026 – Moonwinks – Cuba, NY (6:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

October 29, 2026 – The Gin Mill – Ellicottville, NY (8:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins & Jim Copeland

November 8, 2026 – Wilds Sonshine Factory, Inc. – Kane, PA (1:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

November 13, 2026 – Moonwinks – Cuba, NY (6:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

November 19, 2026 – The Gin Mill – Ellicottville, NY (8:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins & Jim Copeland

December 11, 2026 – Moonwinks – Cuba, NY (6:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins

December 18, 2026 – Big Inlet Brewing – Mayville, NY (6:00 PM) – Tyler Calkins