Sonny Gullage prefers living in the moment to worrying about what might be on his latest single Things I Can’t Control — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
The latest single from the NOLA singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s upcoming debut LP Go Be Free — due Aug. 23 on the legendary Blind Pig Records label and produced by Grammy winner Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Susan Tedeschi) — Things I Can’t Control makes it obvious Gullage has nothing to worry about. A thick gumbo of slinky guitar, punchy horns, funky backbeat and rich interwoven keyboards, Things I Can’t Control makes it glaringly apparent that Gullage is poised to the biggest new name in blues this year (if not this decade).
Lyrically, Things I Can’t Control is a powerful anthem that resonates with its message of resilience and acceptance. “This song is about focusing on what we can change and letting go of what we can’t,” Sonny shares. “It’s a reminder to live fully and let the music guide us through.” With its soulful melody and heartfelt delivery, Sonny captures the essence of living in the moment and finding peace amidst uncertainty.
The accompanying video follows a young boy’s journey through life’s pivotal moments, showcasing how his understanding of freedom and self-discovery evolves throughout his coming of age. “Go Be Free tells the story of my upbringing in the South, growing and finding my way,” says Sonny (real name: Kevin). “Traveling the road of life eventually led me to finding the blues. Many of the greats share their stories of how they found it, whether it was at the crossroads or through someone who did them wrong. For me, I found the blues while I was becoming the man I am today.”
The 12-song Go Be Free was produced by four-time Grammy winner and nine-time nominee Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Susan Tedeschi) and features a guest appearance by Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, showcasing the next generation of standout blues artists.
Born with what you might call blues wisdom — a mixture of empathy, sensitivity, and keen observational skills — Sonny wrote his first song about the BP oil spill’s devastating effects at just 12 years old. Now at 25, Sonny draws upon a lifetime immersed in the richness of blues and gospel, influenced deeply by his New Orleans roots and a family steeped in musical tradition. His father, bassist Tony Gullage, has performed with Henry Butler, Dr. John and other prominent musicians, and his grandmother, Sister Alberta Gullage, released gospel records in the 1960s. Sonny is also believed to be a relative of the legendary Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.
Sonny’s career took a significant turn when he became an artist in residence at B.B. King’s Blues Club in New Orleans. Following the club’s closure during the pandemic, he auditioned for American Idol, advancing to the Showstoppers round. Since then, he has embarked on a robust touring schedule, captivating audiences in the U.S., Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Germany, Slovenia and Croatia.
Go Be Free promises to be an inspiring addition to the contemporary blues scene, showcasing Gullage’s unique talent and deep musical roots. Reflecting on his journey, Sonny says, “I feel like a tree with many roots that include my father, and all the musicians who have inspired me. Now, I’m growing branches, and, hopefully, sharing the blues with the next generation.”
Check out Things I Can’t Control above, listen to Go Be Free below, and follow Sonny Gullage on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
