The iconic indie artist shares a single from his forthcoming album

Critically acclaimed and multi-award-winning artist Father John Misty, real name John Tillman, has returned to the music scene with a comeback single Funny Girl; the first of four singles planned for release before his newest album drops. The follow-up to the successful album God’s Favorite Customer and cover EP Anthem +3, Chloë and the Next 20th Century is slated for release on the 8th of April. Revealed by Father John Misty’s label sending out vinyl to fans in December, the album will be promoted with two symphonic concerts in February and the night before release in April. 

Funny Girl sounds like a classic noir film score dream, with an orchestral arrangement filled to the brim with silky sounds that bring starlight to Misty’s signature voice. From the moment the song begins, its charm sweeps you off your feet, wisting you away into almost four minutes of elegance. Father John Misty’s knack for drawing you into his songs has been part of what makes him successful, alongside making him a great artist. If Funny Girl is a preview into what his next album has to offer (and given the grand title sounds like it could’ve been a film, it’s a safe bet), fans and casual listeners alike are in for a treat. 

The jazz-inspired number centres around the titular Funny Girl, whom Misty (or whoever he’s writing from the perspective of) has quite the affinity for. She’s a star, and perhaps one that resembles the actresses of the golden years of cinema.

The Funny Girl has an undeniable charm to her that no one expects: “Funny girl, you look so unassuming / Right up until the room you’re captivating / Starts to fill with gut-busting laughter / And you’re transformed into a five-foot Cleopatra”. He’s vying for her attention, one he never ends up getting. Perhaps she’s not for him as a casual civilian (“Could you pencil in an industry outsider?”), but he sure wishes he was. 

With three singles already slotted for release, what comes next from Father John Misty is sure to be pleasing. After four years of waiting for a full-length project under Tillman’s better-known moniker of Father John Misty, the 21st century should embrace another 20th with open arms; especially if Misty is the one who holds the reigns.