Indie pop project Retrosaint released their latest single which pays homage to their Nashville home base, called “False Start”. Fronted by singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist David Ross, the upcoming track has an unexpected vein of Americana to it that makes it a bit of a departure. Out on August 27th, fans should expect the unexpected. Retrosaint formed in 2020 with Ross at the helm and backed by Jonny Lutz on electric guitars, bass and drums. Lutz also produced “False Start,” while Frances Takemoto provided the fiddle-style violins. Ross has been a musician most of his life, as he is a classically trained pianist and appeared on the reality show American Supergroup for its pilot season. Ross struck out on his own soon after as Retrosaint and released his first self-titled album in 2022.
In said EP, the Retrosaint style was straight up and down alt rock, with Ross citing Ben Folds Five and Relient K as major influences. There was always a tinge of blues there as well in songs like “Tango Tongue”, and it’s been developed further in “False Start”. It’s also a very personal song for Ross.
Sometimes good relationships come to an end, for whatever reason. And sometimes, we think we’ve reached some big milestone in life when in fact, the journey hasn’t even started yet. That’s what “False Start” is about. (No, it’s not a song about football. Har har) I was still processing a breakup, while also witnessing a loved one’s marriage fall apart. Writing this song was the best response I could come up with.
The raw emotions of the lyrics are enhanced by the Americana and rock elements Ross added to the song, and since it’s so personal, it may also be why he decided to conscript minimal help in writing and producing it.
This song is the first commercial release to come out of my home studio (still yet-to-be-named) in Nashville, a project that was several years in the making. Besides the mastering, the only people involved in creating it were close friends of mine–a departure from my past approach to the recording process. I’m super proud of this fact!
Despite minimal intervention, the end product that is “False Start” has come out even more polished than previous Retrosaint work, so it’s clear Ross is onto something. The pop elements to the song will also likely make its subject matter even more relatable. Ross can expect his exposure and fan base to grow even further, so the track will be anything but a “False Start”.
Websites:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/retrosaintsongs
Instagram: instagram.com/retrosaintsongs
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3Qr6BTnmi7XVrCHDY8fy69?si=oHpZSq3VS5KBRahsavQG_A
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-625753796
Youtube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/@retrosaintsongs
Musician Names/Instruments:
David Ross – Songwriter, Vocals, Acoustic Guitar, Keyboards
Jonny Lutz – Electric guitars, Drums, Bass
Frances Takemoto – Violin
Producer Name(s):
Jonny Lutz – producer, mixing
Evan Thompson – vocal engineer
Richard Dodd – masterin
Artist Biography:Retrosaint is the moniker adopted by singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist David Ross. Since launching with the single Love Tremors in 2020, Ross has developed a distinctive sound characterized by melodic tenor vocals, rhythmic rock piano, and emotive lyricism. Writer Andrew Daniels (Hearst Magazines) describes Ross’ initial release as “The War on Drugs fronted by Billie Joe Armstrong,” likening Love Tremors to “A ‘Boys of Summer’ for millennials.”
Ross’s journey to Retrosaint began long before 2020. After studying music business at Belmont University in Nashville, Ross threw himself into the city’s music scene, providing drums, keyboards and vocals for a handful of local acts. In 2016, he dipped his toe in reality television, appearing on the pilot of ‘American Supergroup’, a battle-of-the-bands competition filmed in Nashville. Ross recalls earning praise from celebrity judge Jennifer Nettles after a performance of Squeeze’s ‘Tempted’, sending his heart into a frantic aerial routine.
While bandleading at a local church, a congregant introduced him to Ken Coomer, the original drummer of legendary indie outfit Wilco. The serendipitous intro proved to be a turning point, as Coomer would produce Ross’ debut single and later his self-titled EP, featuring drumming from Coomer himself.
Today, Ross continues to develop his sound in collaboration with producer and multi-instrumentalist, Jonny Lutz. Lutz lends his electric guitar, bass and drum chops to a number of Retrosaint tracks, including the latest ‘False Start’, set to release in late August 2024. With this track, Ross pays homage to his adopted hometown and musical heart of Nashville with subtle Americana vibes running through it. Forging ahead, Ross as Retrosaint continues to deliver authentic tunes that speak to the human heart and soul.
