Tommy Prine’s “Purple Paint” Is a Masterclass in Finding Strength in Love
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
Tommy Prine is no stranger to deep, heartfelt songwriting. With his 2023 debut album, This Far South, he carved out a space that was both a testament to his own experiences and a powerful step out of the long shadow cast by his father, the legendary John Prine. Now, with the release of his new single, “Purple Paint,” Prine once again proves his knack for turning a deeply personal story into a universal anthem of devotion.
This isn’t a song about grand gestures or dramatic declarations. Instead, “Purple Paint” is a quiet, profound reflection on the kind of love that builds a life, brick by brick, or in this case, a relationship, stroke by stroke. Prine, a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, has always been known for his emotional honesty, and here he reaches new depths. The track is a heartfelt tribute to his wife, a person he credits as the unwavering force behind his own growth as a man and an artist. He explains it himself with a simple, profound truth: “My wife is the real reason I am who I am today.” This sentiment is the core of the song, which explores the quiet strength that comes from having a partner who not only supports your dreams but actively helps you build them. The “purple paint” in the title is more than just a color; it’s a symbol of the small, shared moments that form the foundation of a lasting bond.
Musically, the track is a beautifully crafted piece of art that sets the stage for his upcoming EP, Love Circle, due out on August 20th. It showcases the soulful introspection that defines Prine’s unique sound, a blend of influences that he’s openly shared, from the storytelling of Gillian Welch to the eclectic energy of Outkast and the indie-rock flair of The Strokes. This diverse palette of sounds, combined with his raw lyrical style, creates something fresh and entirely his own.
“Purple Paint” arrives at a pivotal moment for Prine. The single comes ahead of the one-year anniversary deluxe release of This Far South on June 21, 2024. This deluxe version, featuring reimagined tracks and a brand-new song, is a celebration of the album that cemented his place in the music world. The fact that “Purple Paint” is the first taste of new music since his acclaimed debut shows a clear evolution in his artistry. While This Far South dealt with the loss, love, and growth that defined his twenties, “Purple Paint” feels like the next chapter—one rooted in stability, partnership, and the quiet joy of building a future with someone you love.
In a world full of fleeting trends and loud noises, Tommy Prine continues to forge a path that’s sincere, grounded, and always reaching for something real. “Purple Paint” is a moving testament to the idea that true strength is often found not in solitude, but in the steadfast love of another person. It’s a beautiful reminder that the most enduring legacies are often built on the simplest, most personal foundations.