Following a triumphant weekend of back-to-back sold-out performances in Austin, Shakey Graves has released “When the Love is New,” an intimate avant-garde folk rock single that showcases the artist’s evolving sonic palette. The track arrives with a self-directed video, with Alejandro Rose-Garcia (Shakey Graves’ given name) handling directing, production, and editing duties.
Stream: https://ffm.to/sg-whentheloveisnew
The release coincides with the annual Shakey Graves Day celebration, a beloved Austin tradition launched by the city’s mayor on February 9, 2012. The hometown hero used the weekend to honor his dedicated fanbase with exclusive merchandise and the return of his charitable “pay-what-you-want” Bandcamp offering, with proceeds benefiting the Health Alliance for Austin Musicians (HAAM).
“When the Love is New” finds the DIY singer-songwriter exploring themes of fleeting romance and emotional transformation. Known for blending folk, blues, and roots rock into visceral, raw performances, this one doesn’t disappoint. Rose-Garcia’s production choices create an atmospheric soundscape that enhances the song’s meditation on love’s ephemeral nature and the bittersweet space between connection and loss.
The single reinforces Shakey Graves’ reputation as one of America’s most inventive independent artists, unafraid to push creative boundaries while maintaining the authenticity that has earned him a devoted following.