Matt Tarka turns his attention towards institutional power and the responsibilities of the press on new single ‘Letter to the Editor’.
The Lancaster, Pennsylvania singer-songwriter wrote the track in response to The Washington Post's decision not to endorse a presidential candidate ahead of the 2024 US election. For the frontman, that decision conflicted with the publication's stated commitment to democracy, inspiring one of his most direct pieces of social commentary to date.
Produced by longtime collaborator Jarrett Nicolay at Mixtape Studios in Alexandria, Virginia, the song opens with an appropriately ominous touch. Nicolay had recently acquired an old school bell which happened to match the track's key, allowing it to become part of the recording.
Ultimately, ‘Letter to the Editor’ channels anger into a stubborn refusal to surrender hope.
Have a listen to 'Letter to the Editor' in the player below.