Seán Barna has released his new EP titled ‘Internal Trembling’ via KRS Nashville. With the bulk of the EP featuring Nashville based Hawktail, there is a wide breadth of Americana and roots based originality, with ‘Firefly’ featuring Brooklyn-based producer, Kyle Joseph. This alone gives a sonic diversity that shows the songwriting and collaborative skillsets of an already accomplished musician and artist.
The songwriting is what clearly sticks out among the best, in my opinion. A wide scope of music that is intricate and delicate in all the right spots while leaving enough to the introspective imagination and appreciation from any music fan.
About Seán Barna & ‘Internal Trembling’
Recorded at the legendary Blackbird Studio in Nashville, four of the five songs feature the Nashville-based, traditional bluegrass supergroup, Hawktail. A fifth song, “Firefly,” is a collaboration between Seàn and Brooklyn-based producer, Kyle Joseph. The result is emotional, driving folk-pop, with a slow, relentless build.
To celebrate the EP’s release Seán Barna is unveiling a new video for his single “Firefly.” Like the other four songs of the EP, “Firefly” features Mirah. The video, which was directed by Diego Molina, debuted today at Rainbow Rodeo along with an exclusive interview with Seán.
On the song, Seán Barna reflects:
“I fell in love with someone. He fell in love with me. We exchanged sweaters and the sweetest kisses. Together, we shared deep vulnerability and sensuality. In the midst of overwhelming love for each other, we navigated some tough circumstances without the grace or the kindness that such love deserves. I certainly did not treat him with the reverence I have for him. It was and remains immensely painful. From that well of love we eventually found forgiveness and gratitude. I won’t say more, only that I remain deeply in love with him. He knows it, and he’s heard the song. He knows he’s my favorite thing, and I’m not sure if I’ll ever be in the same room with him again. I am sure I will never be the same again.”
“Firefly” follows the EP’s lead single, “Wallflower,” released last month. On the inspiration behind “Wallflower,” Seán explains:
“In late November 2022, Daniel Davis Aston, Kelly Loving, Ashley Paugh, Derrick Rump, and Raymond Green Vance lost their lives to gunfire while enjoying an evening out at a gay bar in Colorado Springs, CO. I speak their names in this song, recognizing and respecting their hallowed place in queer history and the fight against hate. The icon, Ms. Marsha P. Johnson, makes an appearance, as does my friend, Andy Fafoutakis, who was working at a Hell’s Kitchen bar when its window was broken by a man wielding a brick. Andy is fine. The others are not.”
“The day after the shooting, I felt a responsibility to respond on social media as a “public” queer artist. Then I remembered that I, too, deserve time and space to process the tragedy. This song recognizes my need to do that, but more so celebrates and mourns these beautiful, inspiring people—my chosen family. Thank you—I know I will never forget you.”
Seán is no stranger to queer nightlife, but it’s his time spent living in and visiting the most remote and stunning areas of rural western Colorado that infuses Internal Trembling with its heart. Featuring Hawktail, the EP explores a more stripped-back, folk-inspired sound, without the glam or roots rock influences of Seán’s previous releases.
Hawktail – consisting of Paul Kowert (Punch Brothers, Dave Rawlings, Gillian Welch), Brittany Haas (Punch Brothers, Steve Martin), and Jordan Tice (Yola, Dave Rawlings, Steve Martin) and Dominick Leslie (Molly Tuttle) – provides the traditional bluegrass influence that complements Seán’s evocative songwriting.
The visceral, intense performances Seán has become known for are animated by the evocative honesty of his songwriting and rooted in a vulnerable, intimate relationship with the audience. On Internal Trembling, Seán demonstrates just how comfortable he’s become with the evocative honesty that defines him as a songwriter.
In May 2023, Seán Barna released a rock LP, An Evening at Macri Park, on the iconic indie label, Kill Rock Stars, to widespread critical acclaim from outlets such as NPR, Pitchfork, FLOOD Magazine, and Billboard. In their review of the LP, Pitchfork offered comparisons to Leonard Cohen, Harry Nilsson, and Rufus Wainwright, writing, “this is raucous, messy, and emotionally rich music, as any art about queer nightlife ought to be.”
Seán’s previous releases include Pictures of an Exhibitionist (2014, LP), Margaret Thatcher of the Lower East Side (2020, EP), CISSY. (2018, EP), Cutter Street (2012, EP), and the single, “Straight Motherfuckers and Their Famous Friends.” In 2021, Seán opened for Counting Crows on their 22-date national tour. His most recent single is a refreshing cover of the song, “Mr. Jones” — a surprise birthday present to Counting Crows frontman, Adam Duritz.
Featured image by Diego Molina.
LINKS:
https://seanbarna.com/
https://x.com/seanbarna
https://www.instagram.com/SeanBarna/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xKcObyMhutFPBsLagOXLG