Produced by Hiss Golden Messenger, Only Hoping features Erin Rae, Members of Bonny Light Horseman
Al Nicol, the rising Nashville-based folk/psych-Americana artist, continues the rollout of his forthcoming album Only Hoping with the release of his third single, “Marylebone,” out now on all streaming platforms. Accompanied by a hypnotic visualizer—watch it here—the new track deepens Nicol’s growing reputation for pairing disarmingly honest lyrics with expansive, mystical songwriting. The album, produced by Hiss Golden Messenger, arrives October 2.
“Marylebone” is a gently psychedelic voyage that builds on the spiritual undertones of Nicol’s earlier singles, channeling both dreamlike whimsy and grounded emotional weight. The title—a word Nicol had never heard before it mysteriously appeared in a writing session—led him to discover it was the London neighborhood where fictional detective Sherlock Holmes resided. As the song evolved, Nicol unearthed deeper personal connections to the name, including his late grandmother Mary and her influence on his creative life. “It felt like the universe was writing with me,” he said.
Following “You and Me” (feat. Erin Rae) and the wistful “Missing You,” “Marylebone” showcases the album’s rich, organic instrumentation and Nicol’s cosmic lyrical lens. Only Hoping was recorded in Durham, NC with members of Bonny Light Horseman, engineered by Chris Boerner, and mixed in the Mojave Desert by Nicolas Vernhes (Deerhunter, Animal Collective). Hiss Golden Messenger’s MC Taylor not only produced the album but contributes vocals, guitars, and spiritual guidance throughout the project.
Nicol’s path to Only Hoping has been as surreal as it is inspiring—guided by shamanic prophecy, unlikely collaborations, and transformative moments in the studio and desert. Now residing in Nashville, he will perform at Ottawa’s CityFolk Festival and Alberta’s Canmore Folk Fest this summer, before heading out on a fall 2025 U.S. East Coast tour with dates in Chicago, New York, Toronto, and beyond.
Pre-save Only Hoping: https://ditto.fm/only-hoping
Press materials and images
(Al Nicol; photo credit: MC Taylor)
Al Nicol on tour
11/12 – The Pinhook – Durham, NC
11/13 – Milkboy – Philadelphia, PA
11/16 – Foam Brewers – Burlington, VT
11/20 – The Sound Garage – Toronto, ON
11/23 – Schubas – Chicago, IL
Al Nicol online
TikTok
Instagram
Facebook
X
Website
For more information, contact:
Chart Room Media
Brendan Gilmartin (347) 450-3048
Brendan@chartroommedia.com