A by John Armistead

John Armistead is a songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. He crafts emotional, story-telling lyrics with an alt-country feel reminiscent of Tom Petty or John Prine. Armistead's new release, "A," is an ambitious effort grappling with the grief of a bereaved father. Far from being somber though, "A" gently guides listeners through a journey of complex emotions. "Telephone of the Wind" and "Little Things" open the EP with upbeat folk melodies as messages to lost loved ones. "Classified Ad" offers a story of denial in country-western waltz form. "Black Ice" shows deeper imagination, offering advice in a ballad to a snow-playing child. The EP's finale stands out: "Selah" praises the life-saving work of Selah Carefarm in Sedona, Arizona—a grief retreat center on an animal sanctuary, built by the bereaved for the bereaved. It was there Armistead found his footing after his trauma and rediscovered songwriting.

The quality of "A" of course is due in large part to the stellar work of his backing band. Ethan Ballinger on mandolin (Selah, Classified Ad), Noah Denney on drums and bass, Dom Sirkin on keys, and Starbird Sound's Mike Fahey (Chris Stapleton, Trey Anastasio) all threw their hearts into this emotionally daunting effort. The results could not have gone better, considering the circumstances.

Thanks to the life-saving work of Selah Carefarm, Armistead has offered to donate all proceeds of sales from "A" to the MISS Foundation in support of Selah Carefarm.

Whatever you choose to pay, he will cover the Bandcamp fees and pass that onto the foundation. Of course you are always welcome to download the album for whatever price you want and donate directly here: https://www.missfoundation.org/selah-carefarm. Thank you.

This EP is dedicated to bereaved parents everywhere and the memory of their little ones.

John Armistead is a songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. He writes Americana music for healing with emotional, story-telling lyrics like Tom Petty or Willie Nelson.

His upcoming release, "Heartache, USA" tells the story of writing a postcard to a lost love.

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