With a very unique vocal affect, and a production style that reminds me of one half Richard Ashcroft, and the other half Pete Yorn, this is the first I've heard of Walter The Producer, but I'm certain that it won't be the last. Slightly throwback, and fully modern, that lazy chop on the electric guitar is both timeless and emotionally resonant. The lyrics flow from that restless place we all know so well, encapsulated truly in a single line from this disarmingly blunt retrospective:

How many miles have I wasted drivin' someone that don't exist?
I mean please doctor, please don′t tell me it was all in my head

As we all come to terms with the level of fantasy inherent to our own aspirations, we revisit that vital connection from one to another on the premise of sexual attraction, in a haze of blazing youth; and the fall that so often follows. This is, perhaps, a worthy soundtrack to that divine temporary connectedness–in all its awkward and unpredictable glory.

Inspired by artists like Tame Impala, Steve Lacy, and Childish Gambino, Walter The Producer was born and raised on the south shore of Massachusetts, and goes by the name of Reid. "Tell Me Again" was coproduced with Ryan Linvill, giving us a taste of vintage cool and a retelling of an old story. Sometimes the past feels like a dream. With support from KEXP, KCRW, and Apple Music’s Zane Lowe, the vibe is very positive for this young artist who left a mark with his "No Substance Mixtape" in 2023, and is following up on his viral success with another swing for the fences.

Visit Walter the Producer on Instagram.

Photo credit: Giulio Rose Giannini