Since bursting onto the scene with the viral hit “Straight and Slender” in 2022, Sam Barber has established himself as a outstanding determine within the country-folk style. His distinctive, raspy voice and skill to craft shifting, self-critical tracks have resonated with listeners. With a mode that blends components of early Zach Bryan and folks bands like The Lumineers, Barber has persistently delivered spectacular releases.
Following the success of his debut album, Stressed Thoughts, which featured the certified-platinum hit “Indigo” with Avery Anna, Barber launched a brand new EP, Music for the Soul, on August 1st. The EP included seven tracks, together with the pre-released single “Man of the Yr,” which has already garnered 27 million streams on Spotify. Regardless of the EP’s latest launch, Barber has introduced an extra observe, that includes folks star Likelihood Peña.
Barber took to Instagram to share the information, saying, “Including one other observe to the EP with Likelihood Peña. I have been a real fan for a very long time and it is an honor to have him on the report.” He additionally shared an Instagram DM he despatched to Peña in November, praising him and expressing his want to collaborate. This new observe, “Higher on the Ground,” is a notable addition to the EP, showcasing the pair’s vocal chemistry and sonic kinds.
For these unfamiliar with Likelihood Peña, he is a rising star within the different folks scene. After inserting ninth on Season 9 of The Voice in 2015, Peña gained traction with viral hits like “i’m not who i used to be” and “In My Room,” in addition to tracks from his 2024 debut album, “Is What It Is” and “Montana.” Along with his distinct, highly effective voice, Peña has rapidly turn into a outstanding determine within the different folks neighborhood and is ready to affix The Lumineers on their present tour.
The tune “Higher on the Ground” is a standout collaboration between Barber and Peña, exploring the theme of codependency in a broken relationship. The lyrics, penned by the duo, supply a candid take a look at the complexities of such a relationship. As they sing, “And I imagine that you just at all times shelter / And I want saving from the storm / You and me, we weren’t made for one another / That’s simply one thing we’ll ignore.” The refrain reinforces this theme, with the pair singing, “Perhaps sometime I’ll bleed alone / However for now, you’re the place I’ll go / I do know, I do know that you just’re higher off alone / However for me, your arms are higher than the ground.”
Total, “Higher on the Ground” is a compelling addition to Music for the Soul, demonstrating the pair’s vocal chemistry and sonic compatibility. The observe’s fashionable folks manufacturing and stellar vocal performances make it a spotlight of the EP.
Sam Barber’s upcoming tour dates embody:
August 15 – Forest Grove, OR
August 16 – Eugene, OR
August 18 – Sacramento, CA
August 20 – San Francisco, CA
August 22 – Los Angeles, CA
August 23 – San Diego, CA
August 27 – Flagstaff, AZ
August 28 – Santa Fe, NM
August 29 – Denver, CO
