Constant Follower releases new single ‘All Is Well’ & announces upcoming album
The Smile You Send Out Returns To You is due out on February 28th via Last Night From Glasgow
“The band exhibits a misty, subdued magnetism to their songcraft, evoking verdant folk arrangements but shading them with an otherworldly tension.” Under The Radar
“A gorgeous listen, full of bucolic melody and personal revelation, an album unafraid to speak its truth.” Clash Magazine
Constant Follower, the musical project led by Scottish songwriter Stephen McAll, has released its evocative new single ‘All Is Well’ today, heralding the arrival of the highly anticipated album The Smile You Send Out Returns To You. The new album, described as McAll’s most personal and profound work to date, will explore themes of addiction and recovery, parenthood, and the impact of individual kindness and be released on February 28th via Last Night From Glasgow.
Stephen McAll’s story is one of resilience and rediscovery. His journey back to music was long and arduous, shaped by a life-changing event when he was just 17 years old. A brutal attack left him with severe head injuries, impairing his memory and altering the course of his life. For two decades, music was lost to him, but it eventually became a way to reconnect with the world. Constant Follower, McAll’s musical alias, has since become a channel for his thoughts and emotions, a means to navigate the complexities of life.
Born and raised in Glasgow and now working out of his studio in Stirling, McAll’s tenacity has shone through in his musical output. His debut album, Neither Is, Nor Ever Was (Shimmy Disc, 2021), was critically acclaimed and shortlisted for the Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award. Following this, his 2023 release Even Days Dissolve, also SAY nominated, was a remarkable collaboration with primitive guitarist Scott William Urquhart. Earlier this year, a double A-side single marked a turning point, paving the way for his upcoming album, The Smile You Send Out Returns To You.
The new single ‘All Is Well’ delves into the paradoxes of modern life, where technology and distraction create a false sense of security. Through haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, McAll examines the existential dread that often lurks beneath the surface of comfort and convenience. The repeated phrase ‘All is well’ is both soothing and unsettling, reflecting the duality of our existence in a world where superficial calm often masks deeper unrest.
Drawing on the myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to an eternity of futile labor, McAll suggests that much of modern life mirrors this cycle of struggle and temporary relief. "Wake up, go to work, come home, numb yourself with whatever is available—alcohol, drugs, social media, mindless TV—then do it all over again. Often, it feels like the work we do, the routines we follow, wouldn’t matter if we didn’t show up."
In ‘All Is Well’, McAll also critiques the numbing effects of modern distractions, and how these stifle creativity and personal growth. "The cattle low as hand meets stone once more" encapsulates the repetitive, numbing grind of daily life. Yet, amid this bleak outlook, McAll sees a glimmer of hope, as more people begin to "wake up and strive for something more meaningful."
The Smile You Send Out Returns To You is an album that promises to stop listeners in their tracks. With shades of Low’s emotional heft and the sonic curiosity of Mark Hollis, it’s a deeply personal record that reflects on McAll’s life experiences, including the lasting impact of his head injury, and his journey through parenthood.
The album’s creation began in a remote cabin near the Scottish town of Callander during the pandemic, funded by Creative Scotland. "The way that I write is very, very solitary," McAll explains. "It’s like you’re being guided." From there, the songs took shape in his Stirling studio, with close collaborators contributing to the intricate soundscapes. The final touches were made in Austin, Texas, with producer Dan Duszynski, known for his work with Loma and Brian Eno.
As McAll prepares to release The Smile You Send Out Returns To You, he reflects on the long journey that brought him here. "In those wilderness years, I was so depressed. Just lost. It was only really when I started writing songs that I felt like I had purpose," he shares. "Calling myself a musician is a stretch, but I’m proud to call myself a songwriter."
‘All Is Well’ is out now on all major streaming platforms, offering a glimpse into the world of The Smile You Send Out Returns To You, set for release on February 28th, 2025.
