Truman Sinclair Makes His Capitol Records Debut with Soul-Stirring New Single “Dustland” — A Poetic Journey Through Chaos and Coming of Age
Indie-rock/folk artist Truman Sinclair makes his major label debut with “dustland,” out now via Capitol Records. The new tune captures the qualities that fans love about the Los Angeles-based and Chicago-born singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer — slack vocals, vivid storytelling, and a recording approach that splits the difference between intimately informal and sharply detailed.
Though he’s a buzzing solo artist, Truman is also known for founding cult-beloved farwest emo outfit Frat Mouse. From his bedroom studio, he recorded and produced all four of the band’s LPs, while honing his skills across 300+ live gigs. His attention to craft also earned him work as an assistant engineer to Grammy-winning producer Dave Sardy (Johnny Cash, Oasis, Slayer).
“dustland” carves a hypnotically catchy rhythm out of a shuffling drum beat and an acoustic guitar riff. With a little twang in his grainy voice, Truman spills raw poetry that goes down easy: “Now you’re sitting at the military fair and / They’re cutting off all your golden hair / You look at me with a thousand-yard stare and / You tell me, ‘Baby, take me anywhere.’” The whole thing feels like something to slap the side of your car about while cruising down the highway.
The “dustland” video was filmed in L.A. by Truman’s good friend (and fellow bandmate in their alternative band Fat, Evil Children) Nic Skrabak. The intimate clip not only brings the song to life as Truman performs it with palpable heart, it also captures off-the-cuff backstage footage of the unassuming young troubadour as he prepares to take the stage.
“‘Dustland’ is about coming of age and finding something to fight for in the chaos,” says Truman. He also shared a poem about the new song.
Earlier this year, Truman solidified his solo status with his debut indie album, American Recordings, released via R&R, also home to Dijon and Mk.gee. With smart, folk-fueled singles like “Black Train” and “Joel Roberts,” the 10-song set is a clear step forward, showcasing the 23-year-old’s talent for writing and performing songs that feel as achingly earnest as they do worthy of playing on repeat.
Performing and writing music since the young age of 8, Truman first cut his teeth in Chicago’s emo and metal scenes. After moving to Laurel Canyon at 14, he developed a deep connection to folk music, heartland rock, and lyric-driven songwriting that he’s now exploring in earnest — and to growing acclaim. Stay tuned-in to Truman Sinclair as he shares more homespun hits.
