Brian Gerald Bulger has always been one for a deeply personal listen, the kind of Americana-tinged folk artist whose smooth, familiar voice guides you through stories of love, grief, and trauma with unflinching sincerity. But with the imminent release of his new EP and accompanying memoir, 'Thank God I’m Far From Heaven,' set for January 2026, the Kansas City singer-songwriter is inviting us even further into his world.
The second single, '2007 Ice Storm', dropping on December 4th, feels like another crucial piece of the puzzle, a snapshot of the emotional weather that has shaped the man and his music. The EP and book, co-produced by Bulger alongside Grady Philip Drugg and Ephriam McFarland (who also helps out lo-fi folk artist Hudson Freeman), sound like a cohesive project, a multi-faceted expression of one artist's journey.
Bulger is going all-in on the narrative this time, stressing that he's "starting 2026 with an emphasis on myself as a writer first, then a singer." This dedication to the written word is evident in the fact that the project is built around a memoir of the same name, which includes poems and stories about losing his siblings, leaving religion, and finding stability after trauma. Bulger says he wants the project to be "a balm to those who have experienced grief of any kind," and his past work, which reviewers have called "comfortable and warm" yet dealing with "a sense of loss," certainly suggests he can provide that comfort. His ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with a musical backdrop that swells and subsides, featuring acoustic guitar, piano, and killer harmonies, has always been his calling card. It's a bittersweet sound that fits like an old, familiar sweater.
The news of a tour with Hudson Freeman, starting in March, is also a treat for fans of intimate, honest folk. Freeman, who has been blowing up recently with his moody, resonant lo-fi folk, is a perfect pairing for Bulger’s warm Americana. Both artists share a similar DNA—a knack for melody and a willingness to confront life’s complexities head-on, with Freeman being unafraid to tackle "modern identity, digital disconnection, and faith."
It’s shaping up to be a stunning journey of introspection, both in the literary and musical sense, culminating in a community art event and record release show in Kansas City that promises to be just as emotionally resonant as the work itself. We'll be keeping a keen eye on '2007 Ice Storm' to see where this incredible story leads next.
For more Brian, be sure to join him on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
