Canvasback Music recording artist Briston Maroney has released new single “It’s Still Cool If You Don’t” and officially announced his forthcoming debut album Sunflower, set for release on April 9th. The album pre-order is live now here, featuring merch and exclusive colored vinyl. The single itself is joined by an official video starring the Nashville-based artist alongside some of his closest friends – watch it now below.
As with the forthcoming album, today’s release was produced by John Congleton (St. Vincent, Angel Olsen). In addition to the acclaimed producer, Maroney also co-wrote with the likes of Manchester Orchestra’s Andy Hull and venerated songwriter Dan Wilson (Leon Bridges, Adele, The Chicks) on the creation of Sunflower. Recorded between the summer of 2019 and early 2020 in Los Angeles, the album is a culmination of the past decade of the now-23-year old’s life.
Maroney shares: “Coming to terms with the full scope of who the hell I am has been the most difficult thing I have ever had to do. It’s also the only thing has allowed me to fully experience true joy in my life. Sometimes processing everything emotionally the way I do, has kept me from understanding things logically, the way other people seem to so effortlessly. This has allowed me to see so much beauty, and has at times also made me feel so far away from reality.
‘Sunflower’ is my attempt at a record about all of those moments, terrifying and serene alike. The times when I’ve felt connected to people and the world, the times I’ve loved, the times I have felt despair, the times I’ve been sure that I’ll never understand and am proved wrong. I am so thankful for the chance to let anyone kind enough to listen know that I love the hell out of life, for better or for worse. I hope it can be a friend to anyone who feels the same way!”
With the announcement comes the news that Sunflower will arrive alongside a companion full-length feature film envisioned by Maroney and longtime visual collaborator Joey Brodnax, with each song bearing its own cinematically stunning accompaniment. Watch the trailer for the visual album HERE.