New Single From Matt Berninger
Matt Berninger has unveiled a new taste of his forthcoming solo album, Get Sunk, with the single “Breaking Into Action.” Check it out below.
Upcoming Album Details
The album is slated for release on May 30 through Book/Concord and represents Berninger’s second solo project following his debut serpentine print from 2020. Click here to pre-order it.
So far, he has released the single “Bonnet of Pins” and debuted new material at a recent live show in Lids.
Now, he returns with a melancholic track, showcasing the manual habits of Meg Duffy, co-written with producer Sean O’Brien.
The song introspects on the artificial nature of performance, featuring lyrics that reflect: “Your mouth is always full of bags of bags / you burst into the game / I completely understand” accompanied by poignant acoustic guitar.
Reflecting on the track, Berninger shared: “It’s a song about being on stage and the emotions tied to performance. I write the script, but when I go to record or perform, I morph into an actor. It’s enjoyable, yet it can become strange to switch on and off, forgetting you’re not that character. Meg Duffy’s input turned it into a subtle gem.”
Check out the song and music video directed by Hopper Mills below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjalkeetcde
Exploring Themes of Identity
Get Sunk promises a blend of rich soundscapes and sharp lyrics, offering a close examination of the complexities of human experience, as noted in the press release. Alongside Duffy, contributors include Julia Lowe (Ronbo), Kyle Renik (The National, Beirut), Garrett Lang, Buker T Jones, and many more.
The album’s tracklist emerged from a “long period of self-examination and writing,” which Berninger navigated after 2020, delving into themes of shifting identity and self-worth. “Our hearts resemble old wells filled with pennies and worms,” he remarked. “I can’t resist diving deep to see what else resides there, but sometimes you can get stuck.”
The album also draws from the emotional landscape introduced in his debut solo effort, continuing to explore his journey to becoming the person he is today.
“Berninger is a master at capturing the essence of losing courage, and Get Sunk reflects this like waves lapping against the shore,” the new description states. “It’s about the realization that you are not alone but interconnected with countless others: parents, friends, siblings, spouses, exes, college neighbors, childhood best friends, cousins, children, and even strangers.”
Discussing his solo venture in 2020, Berninger told NME: “Most of my songs explore self-love or my own defenses. They’re songs aimed at my own soul, written as if Karin were speaking to me: ‘I hope my daughter understands me,’ ‘My mother knows how I feel.’ They’re not just about me; they’re about the people who have shaped me.”
In a September 2023 interview, Berninger spoke again with NME about his writing process and its intersection with mental health. “I don’t believe in ghosts,” he said, “but I do believe in the power of believing in them. The same goes for God. I don’t truly believe in her, but I acknowledge her power.”
In addition to his new solo album, Berninger has hinted at new music from The National and expressed hopes for an inspired punk rock album from the band.
“The guys constantly send me rock tracks, but I can’t fake it. People can sense inauthenticity; it becomes painfully apparent if it feels forced. I need to be in the zone and truly connect with it,” he mentioned.
“Everything should be organic with us. God bless. I wouldn’t know how to approach writing a song from a strategic career perspective. Whatever happens, I have to write it.”
He also provided updates on a sitcom he’s been working on with his brother Tom titled Das Apes. “Das Apes is alive, and that’s all I can say,” he told NME in 2023. “Nothing has developed since the writers’ strike, but we’ll see. I’m not looking to juggle too many projects like I did before, but this is one I genuinely want to see happen.”
In other news, Berninger is set to perform a series of intimate solo shows across the UK, Europe, and North America later this year. For the list of dates and availability of tickets, check here.
https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-nationals-matt-berninger-previews-new-solo-album-with-melancholic-single-breaking-into-acting-featuring-hand-habits-3856080?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-nationals-matt-berninger-previews-new-solo-album-with-melancholic-single-breaking-into-acting-featuring-hand-habits
