Sam F. Kiszka of Greta Van Fleet Producing Langhorne Slim Record
Langhorne Slim has always straddled the line between rough-hewn Americana and thoughtful singer-songwriter artistry, but now he’s fully embracing the ethos of rock & roll. The Nashville-based musician has revealed The Dreamin’ Kind, a 12-track album set to be released on 16 January through Dualtone Records, with production credits going to an unexpected collaborator – Sam F. Kiszka from Greta Van Fleet.
In anticipation of the album, Langhorne Slim has dropped two singles: the bold “Rock N Roll” with an accompanying music video, and the powerful “Haunted Man” filled with rich harmonies. These tracks offer a glimpse into an album that departs from his traditional stripped-down folk sound and delves into a realm of driving power chords, 70s-style riffs, and layered harmonies. “It felt like I was shaking things up to make room for new growth,” Langhorne Slim remarks, encapsulating the essence of evolution evident in his latest work.
The evolution in sound can be attributed in part to the influence of Sam F. Kiszka, renowned for his role as a bassist and keyboardist in Greta Van Fleet. With his experience producing the music of his own band, known for their arena-sized sound, Kiszka brought a sense of grandeur and dynamism to The Dreamin’ Kind. Greta Van Fleet burst onto the scene in 2017 when their debut single “Highway Tune” soared to the top of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart. Since then, their subsequent releases have solidified their position as torchbearers of the modern classic rock resurgence.
Kiszka’s skills as a bass player, drawing on the influence of Motown legend James Jamerson, and as a keyboardist conjuring the lush textures of the 1970s, seamlessly translate into Langhorne Slim’s latest project. The collaboration between Slim and Kiszka blossomed after Langhorne Slim opened for Greta Van Fleet in Connecticut, leading to a creative partnership that saw them engaging in spontaneous writing sessions at Kiszka’s home in Nashville. Drummer Danny Wagner from Greta Van Fleet also joined the sessions, infusing the music with an added energy and edge.
Returning to Nashville, Langhorne Slim began crafting a new sonic identity that was raw, raucous, and electric. Reflecting on the experience, he notes, “When I’m at home, I’m usually strumming an acoustic guitar on the couch, with limited opportunities to plug in and rock out. Working with Sam and Danny gave me the chance to turn up the volume.” The resulting body of work formed the foundation of The Dreamin’ Kind, recorded over a year in between Langhorne Slim’s touring commitments, family obligations, and his involvement in the recovery community.
Diverging from his usual approach of rapid-fire studio sessions, The Dreamin’ Kind embraced a spirit of experimentation. “I’ve never dabbled in the art of production before,” Langhorne Slim admits. “Typically, I’d book a studio for a short period and aim to complete an entire album within that timeframe. This time was different. We had no restrictions, and the outcomes were incredible.”
The Dreamin’ Kind is slated for release on 16 January 2025 through Dualtone Records.