We hope you can join us for a special in-store performance with Tommy Prine on Friday, June 23rd at 5:00 PM to celebrate the release of his new album, This Far South. He’ll be performing alongside a number of special guests and we just know this is the kind of event where some Music City Magic will be on full display. After his set, Tommy will be signing records for those in attendance. Customers who preorder the album for local pickup from Grimey’s, via our link here or in the record store, will receive a wristband for Prine’s album signing. Wristbands are required for the signing, however those 12 and under do not need a wristband if attending with an adult who has a wristband of their own. Space is limited and wristbands guarantee entrance.
Tommy Prine’s debut album “This Far South'' coming June 23, 2023 is not only a long awaited introduction but a testimony to Prine’s 20’s and the loss, love, and growth that has defined them. Co-produced by close friend and kindred musical spirit, Ruston Kelly, and beloved Nashville engineer and producer, Gena Johnson, the album is rich and dynamic from cathartic jams to nostalgic storytelling. It wasn’t until Prine reached his mid-twenties, though, that he considered a career of his own in music and began to share with others the songs he wrote in private. His songs were quickly met with excitement and enthusiasm, which sonically brings together a colorful patchwork of musical influences and lyrically explores existential questions and emotional experiences.
The album’s title track, “This Far South'' marks a turning point in Prine’s life as he found himself struggling to escape a dark, aimless period. He ultimately found the courage to act on choices that would see him to the other, brighter, side. “There were several years where I felt without purpose, spent all my time partying, and just existing. I found myself at a fork in the road and chose the better path, and in that moment, I swore I would never be This Far South again.”
Grief is a major throughline of Prine’s current work. In 2017, Prine lost his best friend to an overdose. “Since then, I have lost some more friends and have others who are still navigating the ups and downs of struggles with drug abuse.” His song, “Letter To My Brother”, was written as a message to the friends he’s lost, those in Recovery, and to friends who are still struggling. And Prine still grapples with the passing of his father in April of 2020. “The world lost one of the greatest songwriters of all time, but I lost my dad.” Prine bears the loss of his father and the memories he carries for others on the track, “By The Way”.
“When I'm playing certain songs, I can literally look out in the crowd and tell who else has lost their dad,” he says. “I can immediately tell which people have experienced, specifically, losing their father. They'll come up and tell me afterwards, and I'll be like, ‘Yeah, like, I figured that this conversation was going to happen,’ because I could see their reaction. It’s been really powerful to see real-deal evidence that grief is a shared experience, and that suffering is a shared experience between humans.”
Prine capped off 2022 with his first solo tour across the United States and was heavily involved with You Got Gold, an event series in Nashville honoring the life and songs of John Prine. He also performed at AmericanaFest as an official showcasing artist. We cannot wait to have Tommy perform here at Grimey’s on this happy occasion & record release celebration. Join in on the fun and be sure to preorder a copy of the This Far South in the record shop or on our webstore now, so you can guarantee your space at our event.
IMPORTANT PARKING INFORMATION! Our parking lot is shared with other rad businesses and it is a finite space, so parking is limited. In addition to our lot, there is an inexpensive paid parking lot behind Elegy Coffee and Mickey's on Gallatin Road that is a short walk from the shop. Please use EXTREME CAUTION if parking on the nearby, narrow neighborhood streets. Too many cars make these roads impassable and result in angry neighbors, the police being called, and cars being towed. (This is no fun at all.) If possible, please consider carpooling, ride-sharing, walking, biking, scooting, roller skating, or taking the bus to attend Tommy Prine’s record release celebration.
