David Ross, the creative force behind Retrosaint, is sharing his ambitious single, “False Start,” a track that merges his indie pop roots with subtle Americana influences, paying tribute to his adopted hometown of Nashville. Known for his melodic tenor, thoughtful lyrics, and multi-instrumentalist talents, Ross crafts music that connects deeply with listeners while showcasing his evolving artistry.
Since launching Retrosaint in 2020 with the debut single Love Tremors, Ross has steadily gained attention for his distinctive sound, which has been likened to “The War on Drugs fronted by Billie Joe Armstrong” by Hearst Magazines writer Andrew Daniels. His music evokes a unique blend of nostalgia and modern energy, resonating with fans of artists like Relient K, Ben Folds, and Green Day.
A classically trained pianist and a graduate of Belmont University’s music business program, he immersed himself in Nashville’s vibrant music scene, contributing drums, keyboards, and vocals to several local bands. His talents earned him a spot on the pilot episode of American Supergroup, a battle-of-the-bands reality show, where he wowed judges with a rendition of Squeeze’s “Tempted.”
A pivotal moment in Ross’s career came when he connected with Ken Coomer, the original drummer for Wilco. Coomer produced Ross’s first single and later collaborated on his self-titled EP, helping to establish the foundations of Retrosaint’s alt-rock sound. The EP, released in 2022, showcased influences from Ben Folds Five and Relient K while weaving in Ross’s own flair for bluesy undertones.
“False Start,” represents a significant evolution in Retrosaint’s music. Produced in collaboration with multi-instrumentalist Jonny Lutz, the track introduces a new dimension to Ross’s artistry, incorporating Americana-inspired violin lines from Frances Takemoto and reflective lyrics rooted in personal experiences.
The song explores themes of heartbreak and the disillusionment of prematurely celebrating life’s milestones. Ross explains:
“I was still processing a breakup while watching a loved one’s marriage unravel. Writing this song was my way of making sense of those emotions. It’s not about football, despite the title—it’s about the moments when we realize we’ve barely begun the journey we thought we’d mastered.”
“False Start” is also a deeply personal project in its production. Unlike previous works recorded in professional studios, this single was created almost entirely in Ross’s home studio in Nashville, with minimal external involvement. Aside from mastering, the track’s production relied solely on close friends and collaborators, reflecting Ross’s growing confidence in his skills as both a musician and producer.
“This is the first song to come out of my home studio, which has been years in the making. I wanted to keep the process intimate and focused, and I’m really proud of what we’ve accomplished,” Ross shares.
With its heartfelt lyrics, polished production, and genre-blending sound, “False Start” promises to captivate listeners and expand Retrosaint’s reach. The track’s indie pop sensibilities, combined with its Americana undertones, make it relatable yet fresh—a perfect reflection of Ross’s ability to adapt and evolve while staying true to his roots.
As Retrosaint continues to grow, Ross remains committed to creating authentic music that speaks to the human experience. Whether through the shimmering pop vibes of his earlier work or the introspective storytelling in “False Start,” he consistently delivers songs that linger in the hearts of his audience.
Fans can expect more innovative and heartfelt tracks from Retrosaint in the future, with “False Start” serving as a compelling new chapter in Ross’s musical journey.
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