Sam Burton Shares Mesmerising Single ‘I Don't Blame You’.
Ahead of his Partisan Records debut album 'Dear Departed'.
Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Sam Burton has unveiled a captivating new song and accompanying video titled "I Don't Blame You," taken from his upcoming album 'Dear Departed' set to release on July 14th via Partisan. The track's delicate fingerpicking creates a timeless atmosphere that transcends boundaries, building up to a cinematic climax of lush strings, ethereal backing vocals, and crashing cymbals. Burton's velvety vocals remain the anchor throughout, guiding listeners on a journey of self-discovery and rebirth.
Reflecting on the song's inspiration, Burton shares"This song was one that stuck out to me when I was writing the songs for this record. I felt like I found a hypnotic rhythm that transported me and it felt inspired by the landscape that I was staying in. I started to see imagery in my mind and I tried to capture the spirit of it. This song brings me back to that place in Northern California and makes me see the forest and the rivers. I think it’s so important for a writer to have an inner world they can go back to to reconnect with themselves and this song revealed that place to me."
Produced by Jonathan Wilson (known for his work with Angel Olsen, Father John Misty, and Margo Price), 'Dear Departed' was recorded at Wilson's Topanga Canyon studio, featuring some of the finest studio musicians in Los Angeles. The album's ten tracks exude a timeless quality, blending Burton's core compositions with Wilson's production expertise. The result is a sound that transcends mere nostalgia, evoking a dream-like essence from the past. Listening to the album feels like being transported to a bygone era, with Burton and his band conjuring the atmosphere of a smoke-filled bar's corner stage. Drawing comparisons to the likes of Campbell, Orbison, and Nilsson, Burton showcases his innate ability to craft pure Laurel Canyon AM gold. 'Dear Departed' expands Burton's sonic palette compared to his acclaimed 2020 debut 'I Can Go With You,' infusing his emotions with heightened urgency and intensity.
"I Don't Blame You" follows the album's previous highlights "Long Way Around" and "Maria," building anticipation for what 'Dear Departed' has in store. Alongside the album release, Burton has announced a series of headline shows on the West Coast and internationally. Fans can catch him live at the End of the Road Festival in the UK later this summer and enjoy a pair of hometown release shows at Gold Diggers in LA (ticket information below). In the past year, Burton has toured with Loving, José González, Weyes Blood, and Indigo Sparke, further solidifying his presence in the music scene. Notably, he recently completed a three-week residency at the esteemed LA club TeeGee.