Listen: Craig Finn Previews New Album ‘Always Been’ with “People of Substance,” Produced by Adam Granduciel
Photo Credit: Dan Monick
Craig Finn has officially announced Always Been, his eagerly anticipated sixth solo studio album. Set to release on April 4 via Tarmac Recordings/Thirty Tigers, the singer-songwriter and The Hold Steady frontman’s first independent full-length since 2022’s A Legacy of Rentals is a lyrical and sonic feat, delivering an ambitious narrative focus with the inimitable sound of producer Adam Granduciel. To preview the new project, Finn has shared the single “People of Substance” and unveiled a tour supporting Bob Mould.
“I believe this to be the most narrative record I have made,” Finn shared in a release. “Most songs concern a protagonist who pursued a career as a clergyman despite a lack of faith. The record tells the story of his rise and fall and redemption, while also filling out the details of his travels and the world in which he lives. I am very proud of what we made, I hope you enjoy.”
“People of Substance” shows Finn at the peak of his songwriting prowess, racing a captivating story of ruts and recovery along a hypnotic uptempo highway. With his direct and unaffectedly cool delivery, the artist scatters potent true-life details—like “the toy section at this drugstore” and “that fight in the taxi”—out the window while Granduciel and his The War on Drugs bandmates steer a euphoric backing track. Finishing touches from three-time Grammy-winning engineer Jonathan Low make the song an enticing first look at Finn’s next venture.
Finn will take Always Been on the road this April with a 13-stop tour alongside Hüsker Dü and Sugar frontman Bob Mould. As a special guest, Finn will make appearances throughout the West Coast, Mountain region and Midwest, highlighted by stops at Pioneertown, Calif.’s Pappy & Harriet’s, Los Angeles’ Teragram Ballroom, Portland, Ore.’s Wonder Ballroom and Denver’s Marquis Theater. For tickets and more information, visit craigfinn.net.
Always Been is available for pre-order now. Listen to “People of Substance” below, and read on for the album’s complete tracklist.
Always Been – Craig Finn:
Bethany
People of Substance
Crumbs
Luke & Leanna
The Man I’ve Always Been
Fletcher’s
A Man Needs a Vocation
I Walk With a Cane
Clayton
Postcards
Shamrock (digital only)
