Boulevards, the moniker of North Carolina’s esteemed cosmic soul artist Jamil Rashad, has released the highly anticipated new studio album, Carolina Funk: Barn Burner on Tobacco Road out today via the New West Records imprint Normaltown Records. The 10-track collection follows the 2022 release of Electric Cowboy: Born in Carolina Mud, which received critical acclaim by SPIN, No Depression, PopMatters, Bandcamp, FLOOD, and more.
As Boulevards, Rashad’s pursuit of authenticity drives every aspect of his creative endeavors. For over a decade, the homespun talent has captivated audiences with his rare brand of exceptional showmanship and heartfelt delivery; a striking combination that shines fiercely on Carolina Funk: Barn Burner on Tobacco Road. With support from an impressive cast of collaborators including LA-native Gentle Nature, J.J. Whitefield of German funk group Poets of Rhythm, producer Sergio Rios––whose repertoire includes projects with Neal Francis, Say She She, and Orgone––and musical accompaniments Dan Hastie (keys), Dale Jennings (bass), and Sam Halterman (drums), the latest Boulevards offering is an adventurous potpourri of uptempo, “southern fried funk” that lives harmoniously alongside more tender, introspective arrangements.
“After Electric Cowboy was released, I thought hard about my intentions for the next album,” shares Rashad. “The objective was to make a record that echoes the spirit of my live shows and reflects the truest ‘me.’ Working with Sergio Rios as a producer allowed me to refine my vision while preserving the raw, infectious sound that feels most authentic to me.”
On Carolina Funk, Rashad’s lyrical prowess is complemented by richly layered instrumental compositions that draw influence from funk, soul, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and gospel varieties. This diverse musical palette is prominently displayed throughout the record, where high-octane dance anthems like “Do It Like A Maniac” and “Run & Move” bookend brass-tinged numbers like “Honey” and “What We Live For,” the latter of which feature the handy work of Mike Buckley (Daptones, Budos Band, Jalen Ngonda), who composed the horn parts. Other songs, like “My Town” and “Way of Life,” capture Rashad’s ethos as an artist who seeks vulnerability despite its inherent discomfort. The resulting record is an unequivocal testament to Rashad’s versatility and willingness to explore the depth of human emotion through music. Crafted with palpable care and conviction, Carolina Funk: Barn Burner on Tobacco Road is a one-of-a-kind sonic expedition that firmly cements its status as Jamil Rashad’s most impactful work to date.
Carolina Funk: Barn Burner on Tobacco Road, the fifth studio album from Boulevards, arrives June 28, 2024 on Normaltown Records. To pre-save the album, click here. To view tour dates, purchase tickets, and learn more about Boulevards, click here.
Carolina Funk Track List
1. My Town: Introduction to Carolina Funk
2. Boulevards Theme: Way of Life
3. Who Am I
4. People Talking
5. Be Careful
6. Do It Like A Maniac
7. Honey
8. What We Live For
9. Straighten Up
10. Run & Move
Boulevards Tour Dates
07/20 – Painesville, OH – Painesville Party in the Park
08/02 – Asheville, NC – AVLFest
08/15 – Boston, MA – CX Summer Nights
09/26 – Chicago, IL – Schubas
10/03 – Asheville, NC – Asheville Music Hall
10/04 – Bristol, VA – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
10/05 – Atlanta, GA – 529 EAV
10/06 – Nashville, TN – Analog
10/18 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
10/19 – Red Bank, NJ – Triumph Brewing
