James Vincent McMorrow releases new single ‘Never Gone’ and announces upcoming album Wide Open, Horses
James Vincent McMorrow image via Rich Gilligan
Irish maestro James Vincent McMorrow returns with a poignant symphony in the form of ‘Never Gone,’ the lead single from his highly anticipated seventh album, Wide Open, Horses, set for release on June 14.
In the serene wilderness, James Vincent McMorrow breathes life into ‘Never Gone,’ a tender composition adorned with finger-picked guitar, soft tambourine, and rhythmic handclaps. The track serves as the beating heart of the upcoming album, encapsulating the artist’s quest for meaning and acceptance of the fleeting beauty in life. ‘Never Gone’ is a heartfelt ode to embracing the present moment, a soulful anthem resonating with McMorrow’s profound musical evolution.
James Vincent McMorrow says of the track:
“It’s the anchor of the record,” he notes. “It sums up the whole album; you’re just trying to fight meaninglessness. I always felt like I’ve been trying to find meaning so I could be remembered. When you don’t find it, it doesn’t feel good. I got to a point where I was like, ‘I fucking love this. I don’t care. If my friends, family, and people who know me as a musician love it, then I’m happy’. I regretted missing so many beautiful moments because I’d get off stage like, ‘What’s the next opportunity?’ I’ve come to terms with the fact that when I die, I’ll be forgotten, and it’s okay. We all will. It felt ridiculous to fight it. Embracing it was very freeing. ‘Never Gone’ is just about appreciating what’s here for you in the moment.”
Following an unconventional experiment where McMorrow performed the entire album live before recording, Wide Open, Horses emerges as a testament to vulnerability and authenticity. The record, slated for a June 14 release, is a musical journey exploring themes of life’s transience, self-acceptance, and the pursuit of meaning. Each track is a brushstroke contributing to the larger canvas of McMorrow’s sonic masterpiece.
“I literally performed the album before it was recorded,” he explains. “The whole point was to expose the flaws and also highlight the special little moments. It was an odd experiment, but it worked great. The notion is so simple, ‘Write songs and perform them live’. Without cameras, they were the best shows I’ve ever played—which is interesting because no one knew the music! Everyone was just experiencing it though. I had friends in the lobby talking to strangers. Who talks to strangers anymore? It was lovely. It was a heartening experience for everyone involved.”
‘Never Gone’ is available today. Wide Open, Horses, is slated for June 14, 2024.
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