North Dakota–based Americana singer-songwriter Chase Long has taken a bold step onto the international stage with his latest album, Out of the Shadows, now under consideration for Best Americana Album at the 68th GRAMMY® Awards. The record, which balances raw storytelling with refined musicianship, was tracked at the legendary Windmill Lane Studios in Dublin, Ireland, giving the project both roots authenticity and world-class production value.
From the opening track to the closing notes, Out of the Shadows unfolds as a journey through memory, resilience, and discovery. Central to its sound is Dario Rodighiero, who handled keyboards, arrangements, and production, weaving a warm and dynamic sonic palette throughout the record.
Each song carries its own character. “Dog Years” shines with an intimate, dark atmosphere, heightened by Sal Pagliaro’s evocative guitar work. “Ghost Notes” and “The Wondering Wanderer” stand out as lyrical and musical highlights, featuring special guest Julyo on guitar and arrangements, paired with lyrics by E.T.M. Their interplay elevates the tracks into soulful reflections on identity and time.
Other highlights range from country rhythms to hushed acoustic ballads, each capturing Long’s ability to straddle tradition and innovation. Rodighiero’s nuanced production ensures the record retains the grit of Americana while embracing cinematic breadth.
For Long, Out of the Shadows is more than an album title; it is a mission statement. Emerging from the regional circuit of North Dakota, he now finds himself in global conversations, with a GRAMMY® nod as validation of his artistry. Whether through the intimate storytelling of “The Wondering Wanderer” or the textured resonance of “Ghost Notes,” Chase Long affirms that Americana remains a living, evolving tradition.
With Out of the Shadows, Chase Long has delivered a work that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, an album poised to leave a lasting mark.
