In the summer of 2018, a chance encounter at a show in Venice, CA reunited Brendan Willing James with producer and friend Erin 'Syd' Sidney. After having parted ways with Grizfolk, Brendan left Los Angeles for a spell to write and restore in the highlands of Ojai, CA.

Earlier this year, during a week-long live-tracking session, he finished 9 new songs with Syd, co-producer Daniel Wright, Mikael Jorgenson of Wilco, and Scott Hirsch of Hiss Golden Messenger. The album, which will be his second full length release, also features appearances by Karl Hunter and Andy Rowley of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on sax and baritone sax, Jesse Siebenberg on lap and pedal steel, and Graham Patzner on violin and cello. Curveball will be the second single to be released from the session, following the release of Easy Mistake earlier this year. The easy flow of this Americana track is perfect for fans of Brent Cobb, and breaks down the uncertainty that can come from looking for love, and finding a cold shoulder. James' delicate vocal performance pairs well with a gorgeous lap-steel track, analog synth, and the feeling that life is beautiful, even when we are lost.

This song is featured on our Roots Collection playlist.