Photo Credit: Alysse Gafkjen

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats have announced South of Here, the genre-bending Americana ensemble’s fourth studio album. Set to release on June 28 via legendary soul label Stax Records, the band’s first full-length offering since 2021’s The Future exudes the same sort of poignant, candid and hard-rocking storytelling that has earned the Rateliff widespread acclaim, exemplified by preview single “Heartless,” which shows the singer-songwriter at peak performance within a pitch-perfect sonic landscape opened by producer Brad Cook.

“Heartless” pours over with heart, testifying to Rateliff’s mastery of reflecting the knotty wholeness of life through personal narrative and sonic storytelling. In four tight verses, the bandleader winds through a trail lined with hardship and heartache to a clear and sunny vista, looking forward with renewed resolve and digging up tenderness from a hard place. The result is potent and inspiring, while remaining locked in Rateliff’s unique brand of gritty, anthemic blues-rock. This stunning picture develops under the keen eye of Cook–known for work with Waxahatchee, The String Cheese Incident, Bon Iver and more–who draws out a full, colorful arrangement that feels welcoming and warm as a home away from home.

“Brad was a great producer to write alongside,” Rateliff shares on teh process behind the duo’s third collaboration. “This album is a look into my own struggle with anxiety, insecurity and also stories of my life. He encouraged me to take responsibility for my own narrative in the songs and to write about what’s happening in my own life,” Rateliff notes. “These recordings were done together in a room with my closest friends. I hope these songs and stories give you an opportunity to better understand your own struggles whatever they may be.”

South of Here is available to pre-order now. Listen to “Heartless” below and read on for the album’s complete tracklist.

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats’ South of Here:

1. David and Goliath
2. Heartless
3. Remember I Was a Dancer
4. Get Used to the Night
5. South of Here
6. Everybody Wants Something
7. Center of Me
8. Cars in the Desert
9. I Would Like to Heal
10. Call Me (Whatever You Like)
11. Time Makes Fools of Us All