September 20, 2024 - Nashville, TN - “This song is probably the most personally special track off this record,” says songwriter Benjamin Tod of his latest single, “One Last Time.” The album-closing number from Tod’s upcoming LP, Shooting Star, “One Last Time” was written about the trials of love and, in his words, “Having to sometimes take the burden of responsibility for things that may not be your fault.” A lot of the discussion around Tod’s new music takes that kind of tone; that of a clear, thoughtful mind fueled by accepting love and happiness. With Shooting Star, the self-proclaimed “proprietor of misery” finds himself transcending into a life of gratitude, patience, and stability.
This replenished version of Tod shines brightly in both his songwriting and performances. Joined by the ever-enchanting Sierra Ferrell for the 6/8-time “One Last Time,” Tod’s voice takes on a new character. His long-fiery delivery—evident in the years of material released as the frontman of Lost Dog Street Band—is as strong as ever but feels clean and pure; like the truth behind the words clears his throat to escape. “I can’t be defeated, as long as I’m needed. I live on that hope in your eyes,” sing the pair in the tune’s first chorus. “That line sums up a lot of the emotion tied together in this song,” says Tod. “It conveys that failure is not an option because there is a higher duty in order and states clearly what the reward is.” Words of a man who has overcome lifelong personal demons, one who has finally become liberated—not only in his personal life but also in his music.
On October 18th via Thirty Tigers, Tod will release his all-new solo LP, Shooting Star, a ten-song venture into country music’s last six or seven decades. “The original idea for this album was for each song to be placed in a different production period in country music history,” says Tod. “Obviously, there’s no way to cover everything so my preference shines through. A tune goes as far back as the mid-50s and spans up to the early 90’s.” The album—which Tod sees as a musical homecoming of sorts—was written in about two weeks. “It spilled out seamlessly,” he says. “I wanted to prove to myself and the industry that I could write an elite country record with ease. If I didn’t accomplish that goal, I sure as hell came closer than anyone on pop country radio either way.”
