Hamilton Leithauser, frontman of The Walkmen, has dropped new single “This Side of the Island,” the track is out today via via Glassnote Records. Co-produced by Leithauser, Aaron Dessner (The National, Gracie Abrams); and Hamilton’s wife Anna Stumpf, “This Side of the Island” showcases Leithauser’s unrelenting optimism and biting humor amongst a polarized social and political world. It is the first song Leithauser is releasing from a forthcoming full-length EP in 2025.

“”This Side of the Island” is a song about disillusionment, acceptance, and resolve. The foundation of the far lower east side of Manhattan where I used to live was actually constructed out of garbage from the 1600’s all the way up to the 1970’s—a decent metaphor for the fundamentally-flawed relationship I was in when I lived there; and more broadly, for the modern collective identity of the United States. In the last decade, I think our country has more publicly and flagrantly revealed its true colors—an ugly side that was always there, but has now transformed our mainstream character. But there are still great people, great ideas, and great accomplishments all around us, and it is important not to lose sight of that. Sometimes when I see what I consider to be things barreling in the wrong direction, I feel totally helpless. But I am an optimist, and while I might not have any grand solutions (yet!), no matter what happens, as long as I’m breathing, I can still sing ‘I just want you to love me the way I love you.’ I don’t know if that’s a lot or a little, but I do know it’s true.” – Hamilton Leithauser.

Order “This Side of the Island” HERE