Nashville-based singer-songwriter Sam Lewis showcases an affecting folk sound on new single “Juan Garcia,” capturing Lewis’ penchant for poignant social commentary within warming, approachable folk productions. The track was written by ESL teacher John Mann, inspired by the real-life story of one of his students, a young migrant. Per Lewis, the track “highlights many of the hurdles many migrants face when trying to get to the southern border of America.”
While Lewis’ most recent album, last year’s Superposition, stirred in its more textured and psych-touched dreamy folk, “Juan Garcia” stirs in its more intimate folk arsenal. Introspective vocals, comforting acoustics, and a slight organ backing complement the tonally consistent vocal delivery — exuding a sense of perseverance in the “they never did get the best of you,” heartrending conclusion.
Lyrical depictions of crossing “into El Paso,” and how there’s not much difference between “the sand and the concrete,” capture the physical and mental struggle of migrants as they continue on their journey. “I’ve heard more than I need to hear,” a weary vocal tone presents, furthering into a title-touting allure. “Juan Garcia” is a moving folk success from Sam Lewis.
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The track is also featured in the genre-based, best-of Spotify compilation Emerging Indie Folk.
We discovered this release via MusoSoup.
