Press release
Singer-songwriter Roger Street Friedman shares “I Think We Know,” the second single from his upcoming album Long Shadows, due out January 24, 2025. Born out of a moment of despair around the current state of the world, the song serves as a prayer for unity and resilience. The track was praised by Rock and Roll Globe for “continuing to transcend the americana handle.”
“I wrote this song right after October 7, 2023,” Friedman says about the track.
“I had a visceral feeling of hopelessness, of horror piling upon horror, the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, upon climate change, upon the “alternate truths” of dictators and wannabe dictators.” As he began to express his feelings through songwriting, the process became cathartic. The lyrics transform Friedman’s feelings of dread and disillusionment into a message of hope and solidarity. “It was one of those songs that just flowed out of me,” says Friedman. “It turned into a kind of prayer that we will all, somehow, make it through.”
On Long Shadows, Friedman turns his eye towards past events, some close to home and others a world away, and in the tradition of the great storytellers before him, he focuses on raw emotions – love, anger, dismay, fear, isolation and ultimately, hope – in ways that make his points relatable to any listener.
“I Think We Know” track follows the release of “Rolling In Again,” the album’s lead single, which explores the complexities of relationships, and the constant emotional highs and lows. Recorded at his home studio in Sea Cliff, New York, Friedman began working on the record in an effort to combat post-tour depression..
With the help of drummers Justin Guip (Levon Helm Band) and Jim Toscano, bassists Andy Hess (Gov’t Mule, The Black Crowes) and George Rush and keyboardist Jeff Kazee (Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes) the new album began to take shape. Long Shadows also marks the first time Friedman has taken the reins as producer, following his work with GRAMMY-winning producer Larry Campbell (Bob Dylan, Levon Helm) on previous records.
Terrified of failure, Friedman put aside music for 25 years. However, a series of extremely emotional events, including the death of both his parents, getting married, and the birth of his daughter all in the span of two years, led him back to songwriting, culminating in his 2014 debut, The Waiting Sky. Since returning to music, he has released four full-length albums, garnering praise from No Depression, Goldmine, and more. His most recent release, LOVE HOPE TRUST, impressed the likes of Relix and American Songwriter, who wrote “ With LOVE HOPE TRUST, [Friedman] finds all the attributes and emotions expressed in the title, and far more.”
Long Shadows Tracklist:
1. Rolling In Again
2. I Think We Know
3. Give It All Away
4. Banks of Brazos
5. Just How It Feels
6. The Land Of The Leaf Blower And The Mighty SUV
7. The Kitchen Window
8. Without A Fight
9. Snow Blind
10. Lo and Behold
