Norwood, the multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter hailing from New Hampshire, is excited to announce the release of his latest single, “Hunger,” from his upcoming album, “Rain is Always an Opportunity.” Known for his distinctive indie-folk style, Nordwood mixes organic instrumentation with innovative production, creating a unique sound.
Following his deeply personal debut album “Miss the Point,” which explored themes of existential uncertainty and gratitude, Norwood ventures into more experimental territories with his new project. With over two decades of experience in the music industry, he has honed his craft, resulting in an album rich in diversity and creative ingenuity. Collaborating with Jeremy Gustin and Ryan Dugre of Toth, along with special guests like Will Graefe and Delicate Steve, the recording process was defined by a sense of joy and camaraderie. Beach walks, musical evenings, and the culinary contributions of Ryan’s wife, Wing, added to the collaborative spirit. Over nine days, the group recorded 11 tracks, capturing the spontaneity and joy of the moment.
“No matter what I achieve, there is always corporate or social messaging suggesting that I am somehow lacking.” Norwood
“Hunger” captures the essence of Norwood’s songwriting style. This song is for those who appreciate music that subtly winds its way into the listener’s consciousness, with occasionally crooked tones meandering together to form a rough yet harmonious soundscape. It can be music that stimulates your thoughts, flowing into your mind in unexpected ways. And also the story behind the song, as Norwood explains, is a reflection on spiritual and material hunger, inspired by a melody stuck in his brain and the Sylvester the Cat phrase “sufferin’ succotash.”
Norwood shares the inspiration behind: “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!”
photography by Annette Wong
Follow Norwood for more:
www.instagram.com/norwoodband
