Justin Townes Earle to Release ‘Single Mothers” Sept. 9th
The wait by both Justin Townes Earle and his fans for new music is finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel. Justin will be releasing his 5th studio album Single Mothers on September 9th on Vagrant Records—the California-based label that is also home to artists like Black Joe Lewis, Blitzen Trapper, Edward Sharpe, and PJ Harvey. The album will be the first from Justin since his last and final record with Chicago-based Bloodshot Records, Nothing’s Gonna Change The Way You Feel About Me Now released in March of 2012.
After the resolution of Earle’s five-album Bloodshot contract, the son of Steve Earle and the namesake of Townes Van Zant found himself in the midst of an intense battle with the British-based label Communion Records owned in part by Ben Lovett, otherwise known as the accordion and keyboard player of Mumford & Sons. According to Earle, the company expected him to turn in 30 songs per his contract, which the label could then par down into an album release. The result was a December 15th Twitter tirade where Earle said, “I have now learned that you can never trust a bunch of babies that ain’t worked a day in their lives. May Shane McGowan kick their asses. The only thing I hate about business is that it’s frowned upon to pistol whip the competition. Tweets are gonna be angry for awhile. Just found out I won’t be making a record for a while due to a bunch of pussies in an office. Never working with another record label.”
Later, on December 18th, Earle continued, ““So I am being told that I agreed to write 30 songs and let the label “help” make the record. That for sent even sound like me! Like I would ever let some little twit fucking comb through my work. And calling me a liar well them is fighting words. Anytime bitch’s! … Let me make this clear! I have not, and never will write 30 songs in a year. That isn’t art it’s vomit. I write a record. Quality matters not quantity! I deliver records in sequence and have a pretty good record so far. I don’t need the new kids giving me tips. Lady’s and gents. I will find a way to get new music out very soon. Will write and record a solo EP. Then Find some grown ups to work with.”
Justin Townes Earle recently played the title track to Single Mothers on NPR’s Mountain Stage.
Earle has received critical acclaim for his music and songwriting since releasing the Yuma EP in 2007. In 2009 he won the Americana Music Award for New and Emerging Artist of the Year, and won Saving Country Music’s Album of the Year in 2009 for Midnight At The Movies, as well as SCM’s 2011 Artist of the Year.
Justin Townes Earle was also recently married.
Single Mothers Track List:
1. Worried Bout The Weather
2. Single Mothers
3. My Baby Drives
4. Today And A Lonely Night
5. Picture In A Drawer
6. Wanna Be A Stranger
7. White Gardenias
8. Time Shows Fools
9. It’s Cold In This House
10. Burning Pictures
June 3, 2014 @ 12:24 pm
The name of the new record is “Single Mothers”. He mentions it during his recent NPR Mountain Stage set:
http://www.npr.org/2014/04/16/303768966/justin-townes-earle-on-mountain-stage
June 3, 2014 @ 12:44 pm
When I spoke to Vagrant Records this morning, they seemed to not want to confirm that “Single Mothers” or anything else would be the official title. It very well may be, but I can’t confirm that, so I don’t want to put out wrong information. Also, even though he calls the song the title track, I’m not 100% sure that “Single Mothers” is be the name of the song, (though it very well could be). AND because his label situation is kind of screwy, he still may owe an album to Communion, I don’t know.
I have made this mistake before. Willie Nelson for example was saying for a while that his album “Heroes” was going to be called “Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die”. Dale Watson’s last album also went through a last minute title change.
Nonetheless I just put the info and a link to the Mountain Stage performance in the article, so people can deduce what they want. I’m guessing we’re going to get an official press release in about a week or so with more information (and that it likely will be called “Single Mothers”).
June 3, 2014 @ 12:32 pm
According to an NPR recording of JTE’s Mountain Stage appearance, the new album is going to be called “Single Mothers.” I think he performs some of the songs that will be on the record during the performance.
http://www.npr.org/2014/04/16/303768966/justin-townes-earle-on-mountain-stage
At any rate, I’m really pumped that his new album is finally underway. He’s definitely on my Mount Rushmore of contemporary songwriters.
June 3, 2014 @ 12:33 pm
Whoops, feel free to delete my previous post. I see Kent beat me to it.
June 3, 2014 @ 12:45 pm
No worries, this is good information for people to know. I’m going to wait for official confirmation, but “Single Mothers” may very well be the title.
June 3, 2014 @ 12:47 pm
This is great to hear! I’m looking forward to the new music. I’ve been combing through his old material and I’m impressed. Earle, along with The Mavericks and hopefully Whitey Morgan, coming out with new music within the next year. I love it!
June 3, 2014 @ 1:07 pm
Would Vagrant be considered a step up from Bloodshot? What advantages does Vagrant have? Better distribution or promotion, maybe?
I know Vagrant wasn’t JTE’s original plan. I’m just curious about what led him to leave Bloodshot once his obligation was fulfilled, and I hope he’s satisfied with the way this turned out.
June 3, 2014 @ 2:33 pm
That is kind of hard to say. Bloodshot is a very hip label and looms large in many people’s minds because they’ve launched so many artists like Justin Townes Earle. But their also historically a stepping stone, and they’d be the first to admit that. Bloodshot just wants to find cool artists, and if they leave after their contract, they’re fine with that.
My knowledge of Vagrant is mostly through their artists. I know they have a big presence on the West Coast and I’ve seen them working with a lot of festivals, but I’m not sure if to call them a step up from Bloodshot or not. It feels a little bit like a sideways move, but they may be able to offer Justin things Bloodshot couldn’t.
June 3, 2014 @ 1:54 pm
Can’t wait to hear the album! And I for one am happy that JTE no longer has any connection with that hack from mumford and sons.
June 3, 2014 @ 3:10 pm
Good for JTE and us.
I hope the new CD is released soon, irrespective of its title.
He and his daddy, and for that matter his namesake, are all gems.
June 3, 2014 @ 3:53 pm
Mr. Triggerman(KYLE), Sorry for the thread hijack, lol. I think U might find this interesting.
My family new Paycheck during “Ride on Sonny” days. Before I was born & then I never met him. Grew up on country though.
There is a Taylor Swift protest that has been in the works. R her prerformances actually a form of softcore pornographic stage theatre? Kids here in Cali call her “Hot Pants”, “Pu**Y Pants”, NO JOKE!!! “Sorry 4 language” dirtytaylorswift.tumblr.com
Criminal charges 4 porn in presence of children are being constructed now in UK for her O2 arena performances. In the UK, U are GUILTY until proven innocent. This will be breaking headline news 2 say the least.
Imagine if a few org. got together & had a rep. file police reports here in the states 4 every single concert of RED tour. Canada, Ger, Aus, NZ have all been contacted & seem to be very compliant with criminal charges if someone wants to file them.
Mr. Kyle(Triggerman), Think Jim Morrison 1969 times 100, world wild. This would become 1 of the biggest music scandals in history. 1 Jim Morrison concert made 27 stadiums shut down Doors & Morrison became a registered sex offender.
I am no troll, this is no joke, I am NOT making threats. I’m simply a “Messenger”
This is simply the 1st step. R U interested?
Please Keep my personal email private. I will be back later or in morning tommorrow. Please respond to me sir. If I don’t respond back to U it’s cause I’m new user of U’re site & try again, I will respond. U R most passionate about “Saving Country Music” & if U would like U can be 1st news reporter correspondent of ALL protest.
Thank U for your time in advance Sir., your friend, JediJason13
June 3, 2014 @ 4:32 pm
1) Your missive would be a lot easier to take seriously if it didn’t look like you typed it with your thumbs.
2) If some international effort was hatched to tear down Taylor Swift for perpetuating porn in the presence of children (which there never will be), I would come out in full-fledged solidarity with Taylor Swift against the fascist theocratic moral police championing such a ridiculous notion.
3) Such idiotic notions are exactly what steer people away from the true business of saving country music.
Your apology is not accepted for hijacking my thread. Have a nice day.
June 3, 2014 @ 6:19 pm
Where do people like you come from? How about you get charged for sedtion? Miley, Gaga, Beyonce, Rihanna are the bad girls and you think you can protest against our good girl Taylor. You are an idiot.
June 3, 2014 @ 7:28 pm
This is one of the weirdest posts I’ve read online in 2014.
June 3, 2014 @ 5:30 pm
Ha! Well said, Trig. I was thinking the same thing, exactly.
June 3, 2014 @ 9:56 pm
I saw him recently in Houston where he said he’s going to release a 20-song double album.
June 4, 2014 @ 2:23 am
Thanks for update as always Trigger, this is great news! Hopefully the new album comes out this year – a really talented artist.
June 4, 2014 @ 7:16 am
I’m really stoked to see this – I have been going back and listening to some of his earlier stuff and he is just a hell of a songwriter / musician / etc etc etc….I just heard a line this morning that really hit me in the heart….also I hope that his personal life is going well – anyone who has been through a similar situation definitely knows how hard recovery / breaking cycles etc can be, much less when you’re in the spotlight like he is….
Regardless really glad to see some new music coming out of him – it looks like we should be up for some great new music in the near future (JTE / Whitey Morgan / Hayes Carll / Etc) which I am very much looking forward to! Will have to see if he’s coming through my parts anytime soon…
June 4, 2014 @ 9:18 am
Mr. Triggerman. Million mothers org. is one. How many members do they have sir? R they across America?? R they world wide? They also have many many associates, only certain sections of them are preparing, when 1st paper is filed,it will be sent to all, YOU WILL SEE Sir.
Million moms has protested celebs like Ellen Degeneres with no real results. How can they make a real impact & be heard? Well, something Massive that people would laugh at.
Little girls for wearing Taylor Swift shirts have had their crotches grabbed while the boys say “P**SY PANTS” & trouble trouble trouble or never ever ever, then run away. Little girls have been body rolled. Letters have gone to Taylor Swift with no response.
I just sat down & typed, didn’t prepare a type “speech”, Did again.
You will see one of the “PROTESTS” you don’t believe of on the premiere of Harvey Weinstein’s film “The Giver” starring Taylor Swift in Hollywood coming up. LA Times, KTLA, Etc. Etc. will reporting, You will see Mr. Klye.
I will be back later or tomorrow again.
JediJason13
June 5, 2014 @ 12:50 pm
And such protest will be laughed at for it’s intolerance. I’ve heard of such an organization. It sponsors hate and intolerance more so than integrity. They will be the laughing stock, not Taylor.
June 4, 2014 @ 10:01 am
Vagrant is such an odd place for him to go. They were huge in the 00’s as an emo label and helped launch Dashboard Confessional, The Get Up Kids and Saves the Day to MTV, but havent done much since then. They did little in promoting Hold Steady, and have been notorious to talk up a release until it comes out and then let it drop flat.
July 23, 2014 @ 12:44 pm
I hope he chooses to come back and do a show in Indianapolis. I realize he probably is not a fan of Indianapolis, but he still has fans here. 🙂