Last night GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter Marcus King exclusively debuted his new song “Delilah” on NBC’s The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon. A remarkable track from his forthcoming Rick Rubin-produced album Mood Swings, released on April 5 via American/Republic Records. Watch the video HERE.
Playing piano for the first time on live TV, and accompanied by 3 part harmony vocals, King went full Elton on a seismic performance of his new piano rock track “Delilah,” claiming his crown with one of the greatest TV performances in recent music history.
Discussing the forthcoming song, which will only be available via The Tonight Show until album release, King stated, “it’s a coming-of-age tale about learning how to love and how to allow yourself to stay still long enough to be loved.” On performing on piano and letting his vocals be the focus rather than guitar, he quipped, “There was no hiding behind the guitar at all.”
Pre-order Mood Swings HERE.
Mood Swings is King’s magnum opus, an eclectic symphony of soul that is uniquely timeless and current. Drawing on King’s darkest moments, it became a beacon of hope for King as he created it, and will be a refuge for anyone going through similar challenges in their lives. Legendary producer Rick Rubin who has worked with everyone from Adele to Johnny Cash, was instantly drawn to King’s guitar playing, singular voice and songwriting, and after witnessing a King live performance, one day randomly cold-called him to float the idea of working together.
Rick Rubin stated, “I love the way listening to this album makes me feel. I can’t think of another project quite like this one. Marcus’s playing and singing are from another planet.”
Despite its often bleak subject matter, Mood Swings is an album with a message of hope. Rubin helped King find a new personal and sonic approach and instead of crumbling under the weight of his anxiety, Rubin inspired him to shift his perspective. “He helped me view mental health as a writing partner in a way,” recalls Marcus. “I’ve learned it can give me that creative spark.” On the album, we find King gracefully standing in his own truth, accepting the challenges he’s faced and coming out the otherside a man renewed. It is a rebirth of both his sound and of his mind.
King is a GRAMMY® nominated fourth generation musician from Greenville, SC, who started playing guitar at 8 years old following in the footsteps of his guitarist Father and Grandpa. Logging thousands of miles on the road as “The Marcus King Band,” he established himself with unparalleled performance prowess and a dynamic live show. His solo debut El Dorado, garnering a GRAMMY® Award nomination in the category of “Best Americana Album.” In between packing venues on his own, he performed alongside Chris Stapleton, Greta Van Fleet, and Nathanial Rateliff in addition to gracing the bills of Stagecoach and more with one seismic show after the next. He has been open about his challenges with mental health in his songs and throughout his career, and has launched various mental health initiatives, most recently a guitar auction collaboration with MusiCares.
TRACKLIST
Mood Swings
F*ck My Life Up Again
Soul It Screams
Save Me
Hero
Delilah
Inglewood Motel (Halestorm)
This Far Gone
Bipolar Love
Me Or Tennessee
Cadillac
