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Song

True Black

Artist

Jay Buchanan

Jay Buchanan backstory

The frontman and primary lyricist of Grammy-nominated classic rockers Rival Sons was born in San Bernardino, California.

Raised between the High Desert and the mountain town of Wrightwood, Jay Buchanan developed an early connection to wilderness and music that continues to shape his artistic voice.

Since joining Rival Sons in 2008, he has released a slew of critically acclaimed albums including Pressure & Time (2011), Great Western Valkyrie (2014) and Feral Roots (2019).

Buchanan has collaborated with Massive Attack, Barry Gibb, Jason Isbell, The Bloody Beetroots, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Kaleo.

New solo album Weapons of Beauty marks his 10th recording with producer Dave Cobb.

Buchanan appeared in Scott Cooper’s film Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, performing as the frontman of the Stone Pony house band.

He contributes vocals on three of the soundtrack’s songs: Lucille, Boom Boom and I Put a Spell on You.

In Jay Buchanan’s own words

“True Black is such a contrast to [lead single] Caroline. It’s a burner for sure.

“Time to get up!

“As music continues to be choked out by technology, I wanted to draw pictures in the dirt.

“This approach is right with me and I’ve just come to a point where there is no longer a choice.

“Weapons Of Beauty is the sound of these plates shifting within me, too loud to ignore.

“Surprisingly, I’ve never known a vulnerability to feel so empowering.” 

The verdict on True Black

True Black might just be Jay Buchanan’s true calling.

One of the 21st century’s most visceral rock voices is stripped back to its most soulful and affecting.

Producer and long-time collaborator Dave Cobb allows every nuanced note to make its mark.

And Buchanan rises to the task, revelling in the pressure to take his compelling storytelling to the next level.

Perhaps Cobb could have allowed the quietened keys and subdued strings greater prominence in a bold mix that’s deliberately in thrall to Rival Sons’ charismatic frontman.

There’s some seriously impressive musicianship that’s almost lost altogether in the understated background.

But then this is all about Buchanan and his generational tone.

True Black’s truly moving.

What’s next for Jay Buchanan

Weapons Of Beauty is released on February 6 on Sacred Tongue Records via Thirty Tigers.

Further solo dates in support of Buchanan’s solo record are set to take place later this year.