Out now is Quinn Sullivan’s Salvation album, via the Provogue/Mascot Label Group and in celebration, a lyric video for ‘Once Upon A Lie‘ has been released that you can check out here at RAMzine.
It’s a breezy number the singer/songwriter and guitarist has called his favourite on the album. “I’ve had this song for six years but just never finished it until now,” Quinn said, adding succinctly, “Turn it up!”
Imagine an amalgamation of Earth, Wind & Fire and The Little River Band, with The Doobie Brothers‘ Patrick Simmons playing the guitar solo. Don’t think it’ll work? Check out the video now.
Over the past few years, Sullivan has not only captured the attention of the music world with his guitar prowess but has also established himself as a compelling storyteller and songwriter. His evolution from a blues prodigy, touring with Buddy Guy, to a mature artist capable of conveying deep emotional truths through his music has been remarkable. With each release, Sullivan reaffirms his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his craft, blending his blues-rock roots with a more introspective songwriting approach.
It was with the release of the single ‘Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray)’ at the tail-end of last year, that fans sensed a major new work was imminent from Sullivan, and when that was followed in 2024 by ‘Dark Love‘, a song that encapsulates the allure and turmoil of a fraught love affair, news of a new album was also revealed.
“‘Dark Love’ is about those toxic relationships you can’t seem to leave,” Quinn said. “It’s a story of two people who are so wrong for each other, but there’s that fire that keeps them together, even though they know it’s bad. We’ve all been there.”
Quinn’s journey in music has been marked by a steady progression and a deepening of his artistic expression. Known for his exceptional guitar talent from a young age, Sullivan has earned acclaim for his performances and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. His previous album, Wide Awake, showcased his ability to blend his musical influences and skills in a way that pushed his creative boundaries. The album was well-received, highlighting Sullivan’s capacity for storytelling and musical exploration.
Since Wide Awake, Sullivan has continued to evolve, taking his music on the road and gathering new experiences that inform his work. His recent involvement with the new ensemble Trouble No More, sanctioned by The Allman Brothers to carry on their live-performance legacy and introduce their music to a new generation, has further enriched his sonic palette. This collaboration infuses his work with a taste of the timeless soul and depth of classic rock.
Tracks featured on the new album are: ‘Dark Love‘, ‘Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray), ‘Rise Up Children’, ‘Don’t Wanna Die Today’, ‘Once Upon A Lie’, ‘Better In Love’, ‘Leave No Love Behind’, ‘I Can’t Stay (& You Can’t Go)’, ‘Nothin’ Gonna Change My Mind’, ‘Eyes On Me’ and ‘Half my Heart’.
That last album track came out as a single too. The song stands out as a cornerstone of the album, capturing the essence of heartbreak and resilience in the wake of a lost love. Sullivan described ‘Half My Heart‘ as one of his personal favourites, a track that delves deep into the sorrow of separation, with poignant lyrics that resonate with anyone who has faced the despair of a failing relationship.
“‘Half My Heart‘ is about that profound sense of loss when someone you’ve shared your life with drifts away,” said Quinn. “The line ‘You didn’t have to steal ‘cause you had the key,’ really embodies the whole song for me. It’s a reflection on how painful it can be when you’ve given everything to someone, only to be let down. It’s a feeling many of us know all too well.”
Salvation is an album that prior to its release has already garnered acclaim for its raw honesty and musical sophistication. Recorded in the wake of personal tragedy, Salvation has been described as a testament to Sullivan’s growth as an artist and his ability to transform grief into a source of strength and inspiration. With ‘Half My Heart‘, Sullivan continues to explore the themes of love, loss, and redemption that permeate the album.
Available on streaming services, you can check out the video to ‘Half My Heart’ here at RAMzine.
Another previous single ‘Salvation (Make Me Wanna Pray)’, was described as a “compelling blend of rich vocals and masterful guitar work”. The single subtly incorporates the warm, swirling tones of a B3 organ and the expressive cries of a wah-wah pedal, enhancing the track’s texture without overwhelming its modern sensibility with Sullivan honouring the roots of rock and soul while forging his own path forward.
It delivers a clever twist on the journey of personal awakening, set against the backdrop of an irresistible romance. With a vintage sound that harkens back to the colourful era of ’60s and ’70s rock, the song uses the metaphor of spiritual discovery to delve into the impact of a captivating love. It’s a tune that speaks to the transformative power of an intense connection, inviting listeners to explore the depths of devotion through the lens of romantic infatuation. Sullivan’s narrative weaves this duality to strike a universal chord with those who have been moved by the profound force of love.
More recently came ‘Rise Up Children’ where the vibrantly upbeat catchy melodies inspire a spirit of togetherness and resilience, inviting listeners to connect through the universal language of music, as you’ll find by checking out the lyric video here at RAMzine and streaming it digitally.
“I wrote ‘Rise Up Children’ when I was reflecting on the world we live in today,” said Sullivan. “It’s a song about young people taking control of their future, which is happening more and more every day.”
All singles are available digitally through Provogue/Mascot Records here, you can check out the videos for them right here at RAMzine. In support of his new album, Sullivan is set to embark on an extensive tour across the USA.
