To a standard-bearer like Peter Himmelman, writing, recording, and releasing new music is an essential part of living. For example, former Rolling Stone senior editor Parke Puterburgh recently referenced his consistent output in Stereo Review. Himmelman “is on the same plane as Elvis Costello, Graham Parker, and Bruce Springsteen and nudging his way to ‘Dylanhood’”.

Himmelman’s latest, 2020’s Press On, captures the immediacy of Himmelman’s new songs. Further, it leaves his fervent vocals and guitar front and center. There, the recording process for Press On took just under four days. However, writing the songs, refining them, and deciding which of his more than forty new songs would make the final cut, began over three years prior.

For Himmelman, songwriting has long been a process of self-discovery. “There are technical tricks one needs to master. But for me the real work lies in transcending the mechanics of songwriting, and inhabiting that space beyond the rational mind,” he says.

The music on Press On is both emotionally and musically varied, from R&B-flavored piano ballads to incessant New Orleans funk. At times, Himmelman’s steely Telecaster is reminiscent of two of his principal influences — Howlin’ Wolf and John Lee Hooker. There, it threads itself through lyrics that seem culled from our current moment.

“Press On is tellingly titled and deeply considered, a further example of Himmelman’s ability to go below the surface of any circumstance and find wisdom, revelation, and empowerment in the process.” — American Songwriter