Trace Mountains, has shared the single “Hard to Accept” from his forthcoming LP Into The Burning Blue, available September 27th via Lame-O Records. For the album, Trace Mountains worked with Craig Hendrix (Japanese Breakfast). Written as Benton grappled with the end of an 8-year romantic relationship, songs were pouring out of him in quick succession, often urgently before he had logically processed the emotions himself.

The song “reflects on those moments when communication breaks down in a relationship and we’re left to piece everything together,” says Benton. “When I brought the song to Craig, I was excited to collaborate with him because of his impressive work on the Japanese Breakfast records. I thought his arranging instincts would be a good match, and we quickly got to work crafting the rhythm section arrangement. In our first recording session together, munching on dried mango and blueberries, Craig and I breathed new life into “Hard to Accept” with a vibrant, danceable quality while being careful to maintain its emotionality. He really took his time with my vocal, capturing breath and air in the recording that made the performance sound more intimate. I think we were able to strike a balance between the heavy feelings and a more upbeat, cathartic vibe—combining tears, laughter, and a sort of defiant, night-drive-blasting-music, “No, really… I’m good” attitude.”

TRACE MOUNTAIN 2024 TOUR DATES:

10/9 – Washington, DC @ Comet Ping Pong
10/10 – Wilmington, NC @ Reggie’s
10/11 – Durham, NC @ Rubie’s
10/12 – Boone, NC @ Lily’s Snack Bar
10/15 – Atlanta, GA @ Altar
10/16 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement
10/17 – Columbus, OH @ Space Bar
10/18 – Cincinnati, OH @ MOTR
10/19 – Chicago, IL @ Sleeping Village
10/20 – Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
10/22 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s
10/24 – Brooklyn, NY @ TV Eye
10/25 – Boston, MA @ Deep Cuts
12/3 – Seattle, WA @ Madame Lou’s
12/4 – Portland, OR @ Mississippi Studios
12/6 – Arcata, CA @ Miniplex
12/7 – San Francisco, CA @ Thee Parkside
12/10 – Los Angeles, CA @ Gold Diggers
12/11 – San Diego, CA @ Soda Bar
12/12 – Phoenix, AZ @ Linger Longer Lounge

order tickets for Trace Mountains HERE