Craig Finn, longtime frontman of The Hold Steady, has announced Always Been, his sixth studio album set for release on April 4th. He’s also shared a new song, “People of Substance.”
Always Been was produced by Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs, and features guest vocals from Kathleen Edwards and Sam Fender. Various members of The War on Drugs also play on the album, which was produced in Granduciel’s Burbank, California studio.
“I believe this to be the most narrative record I have made,” Craig Finn said in a statement. “Most songs concern a protagonist who pursued a career as a clergyman despite a lack of faith. The record tells the story of his rise and fall and redemption, while also filling out the details of his travels and the world in which he lives. I am very proud of what we made, I hope you enjoy.”
“People of Substance,” the album’s first offering, showcases Finn’s full-bodied baritone and his penchant for evocative, detailed storytelling. Reflecting on his old ways and committing to change, Finn addresses an prior flame named Dana and sheds light on his personal journey. “Dana, I don’t drink nearly as much/ One or two nights of the week at the most/ I know I used to be such a monster/ And this city’s still lousy with ghosts,” he sings over a quick, motorik beat typical of Granduciel’s work in The War on Drugs. Listen to “People of Substance” below.
Finn will be heading on tour this spring to open for Bob Mould; the tour kicks off in San Diego on April 1st and runs until its concluding show in Milwaukee on April 18th; see Finn’s full list of tour dates below and get tickets here.
Always Been Artwork:
Always Been Tracklist:
01. Bethany
02. People of Substance
03. Crumbs
04. Luke & Leanna
05. The Man I’ve Always Been
06. Fletcher’s
07. A Man Needs a Vocation
08. I Walk With a Cane
09. Clayton
10. Postcards
11. Shamrock (digital only)
Craig Finn 2025 Tour Dates:
02/19 — New Britain, CT @ Torp Theatre, Central Connecticut State University
04/01 — San Diego, CA @ Music Box *
04/02 — Pioneertown, CA @ Pappy & Harriet’s *
04/04 — Los Angeles, CA @ Teragram Ballroom *
04/05 — San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore *
04/07 — Seattle, WA @ Neptune Theatre *
04/08 — Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom *
04/09 — Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory *
04/11 — Denver, CO @ Marquis Theater *
04/12 — Fort Collins, CO @ Washington’s *
04/14 — Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room *
04/15 — Maquoketa, IA @ Codfish Hollow Barn *
04/16 — Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre *
04/18 — Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall *
* = w/ Bob Mould