Prepare to be moved by the latest release from Norwood, the New Hampshire-based multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter who has once again pushed the boundaries of alt-indie-folk with his new single, “Hunger”. Taken from the upcoming album ‘Rain is Always an Opportunity’, this first preview is an emotional journey that delves deep into themes of longing, self-reflection, and the human experience.
Following the introspective musings of his debut album ‘Miss the Point‘, which grappled with existential dread and gratitude, Norwood’s “Hunger” marks a bold step into more experimental territory.
Recorded over nine days, the album represents the power of collaboration and the joy of creating music in a supportive environment. Norwood worked closely with Jeremy Gustin, Ryan Dugre of Toth, and special guests like Will Graefe and Delicate Steve. The sessions were filled with beach walks, musical evenings, and the culinary delights provided by Ryan’s wife, Wing, creating a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere that is palpable in the music.
The first single from the album, “Hunger”, encapsulates the essence of the entire project. At its core, the track features Norwood’s signature acoustic guitar sounds, seamlessly integrated with electronic production elements that give the song a unique, contemporary edge. The drum groove, in particular, stands out, marrying traditional and modern sounds in a way that feels both innovative and timeless.
Norwood shared some insights into the creation of “Hunger”:
“Hunger” came to me a day or two before I actually had to travel to Maine and record with Jeremy and Ryan for the first time. I had tried making other demos, but they ended up being extremely esoteric (one was about the poet Ezra Pound, I think) and random. I had this melody stuck in my brain and the Sylvester the Cat phrase “sufferin’ succotash” in my head for some reason, and I was thinking about how similar the character was to Tantalus from Greek mythology, who was doomed to never eat or drink again. In a similar fashion, I felt (still feel) something that many people may relate to, which is a sort of spiritual or material hunger. No matter what I achieve, there is always corporate or social messaging suggesting that I am somehow lacking, and that something’s out of reach. When I got to Maine and met them, I was mildly terrified (here are two amazing career musicians from Toth that have found great success, vs. me, a kind of street cat they found) but everyone there was super supportive at the time and into it. Even though I was self-conscious about my singing, they really gave me the confidence to make the rest of the record and to really try anything– and in that sense, I’m definitely not lacking in good friends!
With his off-kilter, indie-folk style, Norwood invites listeners into a world of introspection and emotional vulnerability. Make sure you follow Norwood on Instagram so you don’t miss the upcoming album release.
