New York-based singer-songwriter Tracey Nelson has officially announced the upcoming release of his album, Hercules, signaling a creative shift toward a more roots-oriented sound. The project, which blends folk-rock sensibilities with an indie-rock edge, is set to be released on July 10 through Perennial, a new imprint of K Records.
The announcement comes alongside the release of the album’s opening title track, “Hercules,” a song described as a blissfully melancholic folk-rock amble. The track serves as an introduction to the sonic landscape of the album, which sees Nelson collaborating closely with a circle of influential musicians from the Asheville, North Carolina, indie scene.
Central to the album’s creation is the production of MJ Lenderman and his frequent collaborator Colin Miller. Both Lenderman and Miller not only produced the record but too contribute performances across the tracks. This partnership marks a significant intersection between Nelson’s New York roots and the “countrified” indie-rock aesthetic currently emanating from the North Carolina music hub.
A Collaborative Bridge Between New York and Asheville
Whereas Nelson resides in New York, Hercules is deeply entwined with the musicians of Asheville. Beyond the production work of MJ Lenderman and Colin Miller, the album features contributions from several members of the band Wednesday, including Karly Hartzman, Ethan Baechtold, and Xandy Chelmis. These collaborations lend the project a communal, ensemble experience that complements its folk-rock foundations.
The record further expands its musical palette with contributions from Landon George, a member of Lenderman’s own band, and Jack Kraus, the former guitarist for Hotline TNT. This assembly of talent suggests a cohesive artistic vision that blends traditional roots influences with modern indie-rock experimentation.
Singles and Sonic Direction
Leading up to the full release, Nelson has shared several glimpses of the album’s direction. “Dolly’s Coat,” a collaboration with MJ Lenderman, was released prior to the album announcement, establishing the “rootsier” territory the project explores. The album includes “Just Shoot Me Now,” a track that Nelson previously released on YouTube last year.
The title track, “Hercules,” was released on April 1, 2026, accompanied by a music video directed by Jolie M-A. The song establishes the mood for the rest of the record, leaning into a melodic, melancholic atmosphere that aligns with the work of his Asheville collaborators.
Exploring the ‘Hercules’ Tracklist
The album comprises 13 tracks, moving from the atmospheric title track toward a conclusion that features the previously released “Just Shoot Me Now” and “Dolly’s Coat.” The sequencing suggests a journey through various shades of folk and indie-rock, maintaining a consistent mood of reflective, “dazed” songwriting.
The full tracklist for Hercules is as follows:
- 01 “Hercules”
- 02 “86”
- 03 “Two Feet”
- 04 “The Can”
- 05 “That’s More Like a Lover”
- 06 “St. John’s River”
- 07 “Pedro’s Joint”
- 08 “Green Shag”
- 09 “Fighting With The Wind”
- 10 “Dear Brothers”
- 11 “Chandelier”
- 12 “Just Shoot Me Now”
- 13 “Dolly’s Coat”
Key Takeaways: Tracey Nelson’s ‘Hercules’
- Release Date: The album is scheduled for release on July 10, 2026 via Perennial/K Records.
- Production: Produced by MJ Lenderman and Colin Miller.
- Key Collaborators: Features members of the band Wednesday (Karly Hartzman, Ethan Baechtold, Xandy Chelmis), Landon George, and Jack Kraus.
- Genre: A blend of melancholic folk-rock and countrified indie-rock.
- Leading Tracks: “Hercules,” “Dolly’s Coat,” and “Just Shoot Me Now.”
As the music community anticipates the full release, Hercules stands as a testament to the growing synergy between New York songwriters and the flourishing indie-rock scene in North Carolina. The combination of Nelson’s songwriting and Lenderman’s production points toward a record that is as much about place and collaboration as This proves about individual expression.
The next major milestone for the project is the official album launch on July 10. We invite you to share your thoughts on the new title track in the comments below and follow World Today Journal for further updates on Tracey Nelson’s release.