Fred Brown – Distraction: Acclaimed singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Fred Brown announces his debut EP and releases the title track ‘Distraction’.
Recorded at Louis Grace’s studio (renowned for his work with the likes of Mura Masa & kaeto), the new single features Brown himself on drums, Joey Crouch on bass and engineering duties, and Henry Arrowsmith on piano.
Blending muted guitar tones, delicate keys, unhurried drums, and fragile, heartfelt vocals, Distraction exudes an emotional sincerity and intimacy, wrapping its melancholic warmth around a rich, downtempo soundscape. As comparable to Elliott Smith as it is to Duster, Teethe and even early Bon Iver, the track showcases the indie-folk writing that stylises the upcoming EP.
Speaking about the track, Fred explains: “The song is about seeing myself as a distraction for others around me. In a both positive and negative way. When writing the words this wasn’t clear to me at first, and I then found it to be that entertaining others also distracts myself from bigger things inside. The things I want in life, and being afraid to try my hardest at them.”
Brown has quickly gained momentum since his debut single, gaining support from tastemakers including Atwood Magazine, Earmilk, Notion and Backseat Mafia among others, and performing live with Guy Garvey at The Roundhouse London (on guitar, as well as also singing a duet of Scott Walker’s the old man’s back again). His previous work with the band automan gained widespread support across editorial playlists on Spotify, Rough Trade’s curated selections, BBC Introducing and support across Amazing Radio (playlist) to name a few, as well as performing at a BBC Introducing x Roundhouse Rising Show.
With the debut EP on the horizon, Fred Brown is already earmarked as one to watch as he continues to showcase heartfelt, inventive songwriting.
Fred Brown – Distraction
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