Fred Brown Unveils Debut EP With Heartfelt Title Track ‘Distraction’ – Backseat Mafia

Acclaimed singer-songwriter and instrumentalist Fred Brown shares the title track from his upcoming debut EP ‘Distraction’.

Recorded at Louis Grace’s studio (renowned for his work with the likes of Mura Masa & kaeto), the new single features Brown himself on drums, Joey Crouch on bass and engineering duties, and Henry Arrowsmith on piano.

Blending muted guitar tones, delicate keys, unhurried drums, and fragile, heartfelt vocals, Distraction exudes an emotional sincerity and intimacy, wrapping its melancholic warmth around a rich, downtempo soundscape. As comparable to Elliott Smith as it is to Duster, Teethe and even early Bon Iver, the track showcases the heartfelt, intimate indie-folk writing that stylises the upcoming EP.

Speaking about the track, Fred explains:
“The song is about seeing myself as a distraction for others around me. In a both positive and negative way. When writing the words this wasn’t clear to me at first, and I then found it to be that entertaining others also distracts myself from bigger things inside. The things I want in life, and being afraid to try my hardest at them.”

Having performed live with Guy Garvey at The Roundhouse London—playing guitar and joining Garvey for a duet, Fred has also cut his teeth as part of the band automan, garnering widespread attention through editorial Spotify playlists, Rough Trade’s curated selections, BBC Introducing, and Amazing Radio, alongside a performance at the BBC Introducing x Roundhouse Rising Show.

With his debut EP on the horizon, Fred Brown is already earmarked as one to watch—an artist carving out his place with heartfelt, inventive songwriting.

Listen below:

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