In their new single, "The Singing Mailman," Canadian indie band The Muster Point Project (TMPP) delivers a loving tribute to the late, great John Prine—a folk legend whose journey from mailman to songwriting icon feels like a story straight out of Americana folklore. Scheduled for release on what would have been Prine's birthday (October 10th), this reflective track balances heartfelt lyricism with an eclectic mix of instrumentation, honoring Prine’s legacy while introducing a fresh sound.

Kevin Franco, the creative force behind TMPP, weaves a rich musical tapestry on this song, incorporating the charango and mandolin alongside Jon Graboff’s masterful pedal steel work. The decision to use the charango adds a slight unique, South American-inspired flavor to the Americana roots of the song, providing a beautiful juxtaposition to the twang of the pedal steel, which evokes the spirit of country legends like Willie Nelson. Franco’s vocal delivery is tender yet confident, blending the reflective tone of the lyrics with just the right amount of folksy warmth.

“The Singing Mailman” doesn’t shy away from its narrative core—it tells the remarkable true story of how Prine was discovered, offering listeners a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a man who would become one of America’s most revered songwriters. The song’s structure reflects this journey, with interesting tempo changes that give it a dynamic, unpredictable feel, much like Prine’s rise to fame. Franco’s multi-instrumental prowess is on full display, as the stripped-back production still manages to create an atmospheric, almost cinematic soundscape that keeps you hooked from start to finish.

Produced by Darryll McFadyen, whose credits include Belle & Sebastian and Simple Minds, the track is meticulously crafted. Each instrument feels purposefully placed, allowing the song’s simplicity to shine while still offering enough complexity to be engaging. Nashville drummer Taylor Allum’s understated rhythms provide the perfect foundation for the other instruments to shine, and Franco’s vocals carry the emotional weight of the story with a balance of softness and power. It’s crisp, clean, powerful, and ultimately takes that minimalism and puts the best moments to the forefront.

“The Singing Mailman” is not just a song about John Prine—it’s a love letter to the magic of storytelling through music. TMPP's ability to blend folk, country, and indie sensibilities into a seamless whole makes this track stand out as a celebration of Prine’s legacy, while also carving out its own space in the modern Americana scene. With the band’s upcoming album, “It Was Here He Received His Only Formal Education,” due in November, "The Singing Mailman" sets the stage for what promises to be a poignant and powerful collection of songs.

Of course we’re excited for more, but in the meantime, go ahead and click those links below to listen, follow along, and of course to stay tuned for the latest news.

Listen to “The Singing Mailman”

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The Muster Point Project creates an ode to John Prine's beginnings on "The Singing Mailman"