Nashville, Tenn. — Devotion, stoicism and heartache spin a powerful metaphor in country artist and songwriter Skip Ewing’s haunting new release, “Windmill,” available today, Friday, March 22. Rounding out the releases leading up to his full-length album, Road To California, due out this spring, “Windmill” is a nod to the classic country Skip has made his name on and the painful journeys love can take us on. Listen to the brand-new single “Windmill” here.
Known for carefully crafting lyrics and melodies that unfold like short stories, “Windmill” is a prime example of finding inspiration in the simplest of scenarios. “Between the little towns of Crowheart and Kinnear, Wyoming, there’s a lone windmill, a silent sentinel in the sagebrush,” Skip described to PopCulture. “I was taken by all of the elements that may have led to its presence there. What came to my mind was a powerful metaphor. As I wrote, I realized that along my own somewhat turbulent journey I had been that windmill. I had also been the wind. I know how both of their hearts ache. I respect the windmill for its stoicism, devotion, and vulnerability. Yet, I have compassion for the wind. The energy is powerful when they meet, and empty for them both when the wind moves on.”
The picturesque setting gives way to yet another introspective single from the Wyoming resident who released “Knots,” the first single off of Road To California, earlier last year. Shining a light on themes of PTSD, suicide prevention and the aspiration to remain faithful to oneself, Skip’s songs often hide deeper meaning right below the surface of his catchy melodies and clever lyrics. This overarching theme was prevalent in “Wreck of My Heart” which was inspired, in part, from a terrifying accident Skip was in that provided him newfound clarity on life and love. He also released the light-hearted song “Road Dog,” alongside an accompanying music video that featured hundreds of photos from fans across the globe.
Skip’s artistry has continued to reach new heights over the years as evidenced by reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson recording a ‘Lost’ version of his and Dean Dillion’s song, “I Would If I Could.” The song was featured in Apple Music’s ‘Lost & Found’ project, which spotlights Nashville songwriters by showcasing some of the best country tracks that have never been released. Lainey shared her excitement to record the demo with People Country back in December, “When you listen to the first line of the song, it is classic… And it feels like a song that should already be a song. Two of the most incredible songwriters that have ever existed, I look up to them a whole lot.” The song will once again take on new life as ERNEST teams up with Lainey for a duet of the song that will be featured on his new album, NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, available April 12.
With the release of “Windmill” Skip has provided a sneak peek into the inner workings of his songwriting and what listeners can expect from his upcoming project. Full of heart and unafraid to stray away from life’s toughest questions, Skip proves storytelling is still the backbone of great country music.
Stream/Purchase “Windmill” HERE.
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