LA-based Gregory Ackerman, who was once signed by V2 off of a cold email back in 2018, is following 2023’s EP Mhm Okay with another folky gem: the Brand New Life EP. The record was produced by Dillon Casey (Weyes Blood, Jack Symes) and mastered by Mark Chalecki (Mavis Staples, John Mayall). The EP explores newfound love, as well as future prospects, tending towards nostalgic and vintage vibes and feeling warm and comfortable all the way through. The record’s tracks are built on an acoustic guitar accompaniment by the singer-songwriter, met with laid-back and relaxed vocals exploring meditative, lyrical ground.
Ackerman says, “The title of this EP… signifies a change, a fresh start, and represents a snapshot of the current moment of my life. The title track is a love song about a girl I had just met at the time of writing, a girl who I [married] in April before the release of this album. I say girl, but she is most definitely a strong, brave, and beautiful woman. The moment I met her, I realized something had changed inside of me. I understood that I was walking along a new path, hand-in-hand, with her. I had started a brand new life — or rather, we had, together. We now have a home together… I believe there is a sonic change in my music that reflects this personal change as well. A fresh breath of air has found its way into my writing. My songs seem to have a new life to them in and of themselves, with a little bit more spirit, perhaps a little bit more attitude, a little bit more honesty, and with a delivery that signals the message is coming from a more stable ground.”
“Laid-back and engrossing.” – Clout
“Brimming full of magnificently retro tones, whether in the touches of strings that are used or when Gregory Ackerman displays his consistent great ear for melodies.” – Up To Hear
“Over a bed of slow-tempo vintage-flavoured goodness, the record layers Ackerman’s casual and vibrant vocals, delivered with immense charisma and understated elegance.” – Mesmerized
FCC Clean
Recommended Tracks: Track 1, “Brand New Life,” Track 2, “Breaking My Heart, Track 3, “When I Get Up”
RIYL: M. Ward, Jack Symes, The Eels, Damien Jurado, She & Him, Dawn Brothers, Kurt Vile
Goes For Adds 6/4
Label: Polymoon
