Photo Credit: Addie Ray Tittle

Today, J.D. Westmoreland, singer-songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist member of the Rumpke Mountain Boys, releases his solo video debut for his original song, “Delivery Man,” exclusively on his YouTube channel, at 2 p.m. ET. The video–a collaborative effort between Westmoreland and director/editor Billie Worley–represents a formal foray for Westmoreland into more solo opportunities parallel to his continuing efforts with the Rumpke Mountain Boys.

“I love the art and medium of film, and using it to tell a story. This video is another way for me to share my music with as many people as possible, but not just my musical endeavors,” Westmoreland says. “It can also showcase my interest in conceptual story ideas and production.”

Westmoreland counts such luminary producers as Willie Mitchell and Jim Dickinson as early and influential mentors. Portions of the video were shot on the streets of Memphis–Westmoreland’s homebase–as well as at Mitchell’s famed Royal Recording Studio in the city. Westmoreland credits Mitchell’s son, Grammy-winning producer Boo Mitchell, with invaluable performing, engineering, and co-production on the track.  

With and apart from Rumpke, Westmoreland is also a familiar face in the peripheral circles around jam scene legends Phil Lesh, Bob Weir, Warren Haynes, and the late Col. Bruce Hampton. His J.D. Westmoreland Band, in that spirit, is described as having a “laid back psychedelic sound,” with imprints of classic Memphis and Delta Blues soul. The video’s debut precedes the eventual release of the song’s audio as a standalone single, with the potential for an album and touring to follow.

“I will always be in Rumpke,” says Westmoreland. “But, as a solo artist, I’m a free agent, open to working with new people, as well. I have a lot in my mind, and I’m looking for opportunities to show it.”

Watch Westmoreland’s “Delivery Man” video below.