Craig Finn Reveals Upcoming Album “Always Been” and Releases First Single “People of Substance”

Craig Finn, lead singer of The Hold Steady, has revealed details about his upcoming solo album, “Always Been,” along with the release of its first single, ‘People of Substance.’ The album, scheduled to drop on April 4 through Tamarac Records/Thirty Tigers, showcases Finn’s signature storytelling style and Americana-infused sound.

Describing the album as his most narrative-focused work to date, Finn shared, “Most songs revolve around a protagonist who pursued a career as a clergyman despite a lack of faith. It’s a story of his rise, fall, and redemption, with all the messy details of his life in between. I’m really proud of what we made—I hope people enjoy it.”

The production of “Always Been” was handled by Adam Granduciel from The War On Drugs at his studio in Burbank, California. Additionally, members of The War On Drugs lent their musical talents to the album, enhancing Finn’s textured sound. Guest vocals from Kathleen Edwards and Sam Fender further enrich the musical landscape of the record.

This collaboration with The War On Drugs isn’t new to Finn, as they joined forces back in 2022 for the Drugcember To Remember tour, where they covered songs by iconic artists like Warren Zevon, John Hiatt, and Bob Seger. Granduciel’s recent production work on Sam Fender’s upcoming album, “People Watching,” further highlights the musical synergy between the artists.

The tracklist of “Always Been” promises to deliver Finn’s characteristic blend of literary songwriting and expansive Americana influences with songs like ‘Bethany,’ ‘Crumbs,’ and ‘Luke & Leanna.’ As Finn’s sixth solo album following “A Legacy of Rentals,” released in 2022, and The Hold Steady’s critically acclaimed album, “The Price of Progress,” launched in 2023, “Always Been” solidifies Finn’s position as a distinctive voice in modern rock—a skilled storyteller drawing inspiration from various sources.

With the announcement of “Always Been” and the release of ‘People of Substance,’ fans can anticipate another thought-provoking and musically rich experience from Craig Finn. Stay tuned for the album’s full release on April 4 to immerse yourself in Finn’s storytelling prowess and Americana-inspired soundscape.