TRUMAN SINCLAIR’S ‘DUSTLAND’ IS A REMINDER TO KEEP FIGHTING THROUGH THE UNCERTAINTY
In the middle of what feels like constant turmoil and chaos of the world, it takes finding something worth fighting for to hold onto hope. In his latest single “dustland,” Truman Sinclair conveys this exact feeling through folk melodies with his own story of growth. The rugged vocals combined with the lively guitar send the listener back in time, giving the song the feel of a true American folk classic.
Truman Sinclair has been involved with music from a young age. Originally from Chicago, he was performing in bands at the age of eight, and was heavily present in the famous local metal and emo scene. After moving to Los Angeles at age 14, Sinclair found a new love within folk music.
While in Los Angeles, he formed the group Frat Mouse. The group has played over 300 local shows and released four full albums. While working with Frat Mouse and other local artists, Sinclair’s love for folk music grew. He began to expand his career as a solo artist, releasing his debut EP Friends & Family & Enemies in 2022, and his first full-length album American Recordings earlier this year.
“dustland” starts with energetic drums and smooth guitar, easing the listener into a lively, summertime atmosphere. The opening lyrics transport you back in time, yet bring a sense of reality to our current climate.
Graphic by Rosi Martens (Crave Music Magazine)
“You bought an old dress from 79’ / The coal is burnin up we’re out of time / There’s nothing to lose / And nothing to find / In the dustland, baby, I will make you mine”
Sinclair draws the listener into a lull of comfort and relatability; in this world filled with unknowns and impossibilities, the one thing we are certain of is the people we hold close to us. We want to keep them with us for as long as we can, no matter the storms we endure.
“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”
When presented with trials and tribulations, you turn to your loved ones for answers, and that is what Sinclair conveys in this song. While the world seemingly falls apart, and you feel a sense of loss and dread, you look for any way out and that often comes by relying on your person for a push to make a drastic decision.
“The waters gone and the radio’s silent / And we are layin bathing in the moonlight and / You keep me ringing when my river runs dry / In the dustland baby, I will make you mine”
The song’s melody remains consistent and smooth, the makings of a classic folk tune. Sinclair’s vocals convey a message of melancholy, feelings of hope for the future with the person you’ve been dreaming of spending your life with, alongside the looming uncertainty of what the future as a whole has for the world. “dustland” is a much needed reminder to keep holding on to your loved ones in times of chaos, and is truly reminiscent of folk songs of the past.
Keep up with Truman Sinclair:
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