It’s an absolute pleasure to premiere the latest single from legendary singer-songwriter Steve Forbert. ‘Sound Existence’ begins with Forbert’s bright, rhythmic strum, backed by the hanging notes of Rob Clores’ keys, a fine player who has worked with the likes of Jesse Malin, The Black Crowes and Tom Jones. Further musical textures are added by a talented group, including Aaron Comess (Spin Doctors), who delivers flowing, upbeat drums, and brilliantly melodic bass from Byron House (Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Al Green, and Robert Plant’s Band of Joy). Over these layers, Forbert’s gravelly vocal performance is typically characterful, his wonderfully distinctive voice full of warmth. Known for his wry humour and observational lyrics, Forbert delivers an engaging perspective: “It’s all going to keep you happy if they don’t turn on the news // If getting by’s the new successful, who needs lots to lose?” The accompanying video follows a woman going through her day, living out the ‘sound existence’ described in Forbert’s words.
Steve told AUK about the song: “‘Sound Existence’ a portrait of someone’s suburban retirement years in a comfortable neighbourhood. To my mind this orderly picture is always in contrast to the many trouble spots outside of the US—Ukraine under attack from Vladimir Putin, Israel’s retaliatory war with Hamas, gang rule anarchy in Haiti, flooding in Afghanistan, famine in war torn Sudan, a major earthquake in northern Syria.” These are, of course, weighty ideas that Forbert addresses from a delicate, sensitive angle.
Best known for his Billboard Chart-topping ‘Romeo’s Tune’, from his excellent second album ‘Jackrabbit Slim’, Forbert has continued to delight fans with a huge body of work over the years. ‘Sound Existence’ is from ‘Daylight Savings Time’, due for release on 16th August 2024 via Blue Rose Music. Incredibly, it’s Forbert’s 21st album in a remarkably consistent musical career, and the third on which he has worked with well-regarded producer and engineer Steve Greenwell (Joss Stone, Gavin DeGraw). The new album promises to be one of the key releases in 2024, with Steve Forbert demonstrating, once again, that he possesses that magical ability to create new music that sounds both fresh and familiar at once. ‘Sound Existence’ sounds like it’s already one of your favourite songs. Enjoy.
