His solo debut.
Today, Lukas Nelson announced his new album American Romance, which is his first big project since he and his former band Promise of the Real went on an indefinite hiatus last year. Of course, Lukas is the son of the great Willie Nelson, and most recently released an album called Sticks & Stones in 2023.
The album will be released in June in partnership with Sony Music Nashville, and he’s giving fans a preview of what’s to come on the 12-song tracklist with the lead single “Ain’t Done.” It’s a beautiful song full of hope that encourages the listener to believe that there is so much good in store for their life:
“I went through this period of self-reflection and George Harrison’s song, ‘All Things Must Pass,’ was part of what got me through that moment. It gave me that understanding that it’s not for us to know what comes next. Everything changes and nothing stays the same.”
What makes it even better is that the record was produced by the great Shooter Jennings, who is the song of the late, great Waylon Jennings and an extremely talented and well-respected producer… it’s so cool to see them working together.
Solidifying Lukas as a solo artist, American Romance showcases his incredible, very honest talent for songwriting that is unlike anyone else in country, but music in general. Lukas definitely has a sound that’s a country/rock fusion, but it seems as though he’s ready to full lean into the country aspect of his roots on this project and I cannot wait.
American Romance includes duets with Stephen Wilson Jr. and Sierra Ferrell, who he’s worked with many times… if you haven’t listened to their bluegrass cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You,” please change that now. You’re missing out. In terms of the project as a whole, Lukas says it’s the start of a “new era” and serves as a “love story to the country that raised me”:
“This album is the first chapter in a whole new era of my life as an artist. It’s a love story to the country that raised me. Diners and highways that carried me through the joy and pain that led to the music you hear now.”
His former band member Corey McCormick (bass) will appear on this album, and while Lukas is definitely a highly-respected favorite in the Americana/independent section of country, I’m excited for many in the the mainstream to be introduced to him as a solo artist because he really is incredible.
His live shows are some of the bets I’ve ever seen, and don’t let the fact that he’s the son of one of, and in my opinion the, best songwriters and artists of all-time make you skeptical of the music… he’s got talent in spades and is completely his own artist. It’s pretty rare for the child of a legend to be on the same level of talent as their parent, but I have no problem saying I think that’s the case here, and I can’t wait for the world to officially meet him with this album.
If you haven’t listened to his music before, POTR was one of my favorite bands, and I’d highly recommend at least checking out their self-titled 2017 album to get familiar… it’s a work of art.
American Romance is due out everywhere on June 20th, and I’ll be counting down the days.
You can listen to the “Ain’t Done” here:
“Ain’t Done”
American Romance tracklist:
1. Ain’t Done
2. Pretty Much
3. Make You Happy
4. Outsmarted
5. Disappearing Light (feat. Stephen Wilson Jr.)
6. Born Runnin’ Outta Time
7. All God Did
8. Montana
9. Friend in the End (feat. Sierra Ferrell)
10. The Lie
11. American Romance
12. You Were It
LUKAS NELSON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES:
May 6—Morrison, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre*
May 7—Santa Fe, NM—Lensic Performing Arts Center
May 9—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren
May 10—Flagstaff, AZ—Orpheum Theater
May 11—Tucson, AZ—Rialto Theatre
May 15—West Des Moines, IA—Val Air Ballroom
May 16—Kansas City, MO—Knuckleheads
May 17—Bentonville, AR—FreshGrass
June 26—Milwaukee, WI—Summerfest 2025+
August 1—Big Sky, MT—Wildlands Festival#
August 2—Big Sky, MT—Wildlands Festival#
August 8—Park City, UT—Canyons Village at Park City
August 10—Alya, WY—Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival
September 19-21—Bristol, TN—Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
*with Shane Smith & The Saints
+with Lainey Wilson
#with Dave Matthews
