John Fullbright isn't afraid to be alone.
Growing up in a remote area of the United States, the songwriter learned to burrow deep within himself. Using music to express himself, it's this gift which has gently coaxed him out of his shell.
"I didn’t grow up around musicians or like-minded songwriters, but I grew up around records," he explains. "One of the most fulfilling things about the last two years is that now I'm surrounded by like-minded people in a community of peers. You don't feel so alone anymore."
Returning with new album 'Songs', the American artist seems to be using this hard worn freedom to focus on the act of songwriting itself.
Turning to some bona fide legends for inspiration, Fullbright names one artist in particular as a real touchstone. "When I discovered Townes Van Zandt, that's when I went, 'You know, this is something to be taken pretty damn seriously’" he says. "You can write something that's going to outlast you, and immortality through song is a big draw."
Stripped from the upcoming album, 'Happy' finds the singer ruminating on his newfound stability. Learning that he had previously shied away from happiness, it manages to be probing, insightful and hugely contagious.
Rough hued Americana with starry wisdom in its eyes, you can check out 'Happy' first on Clash.
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