Seasoned singer-songwriter Freddy Trujillo is set to unveil his fourth solo album, I Never Threw A Shadow At It on May 24. Following the narrative of his previous work, Sketch of a Man, the album explores Freddy’s Chicano experiences and dives even deeper into his roots, crafting a collection of songs that resonate with raw honesty and emotional depth.
He says all the songs except for “Corpus Christi” and “Remember” are personal or about someone close to him and each track on the album bears the mark of authenticity, offering a glimpse into Freddy’s world and the struggles he has faced.
From the soulful vibes “I Didn’t Cross The Border, The Border Crossed Me” to the introspective musings of “Many Years of Minding” and “I Never Threw A Shadow At It”, Freddy seamlessly blends folk, Chicano-rock, and heartfelt storytelling that creates a sonic tapestry that is both captivating and thought-provoking. While also collaborating with every member of The Delines, Freddy infuses each song with a distinct energy while maintaining his signature sound.
Freddy explains,
“This record has all The Delines on it in some way or the other. But the record is super different. I am exploring different beats and tempos.”
The album does indeed venture into uncharted territory, pushing the boundaries of Freddy’s musical expression while staying true to his roots. At the heart of the album lies the title track, “I Never Threw A Shadow At It,” a haunting recount of Freddy’s encounter with racial prejudice at the hands of the Los Angeles Police Department. Drawing from his own experience, Freddy paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced by Chicano individuals in a society rife with discrimination and injustice.
On the song Freddy reflects,
“I usually write songs about my life or memories. This song is about a personal incident I had with the LAPD in 1992.”
As the world grapples with issues of racial inequality and social injustice, “I Never Threw A Shadow At It” is a poignant reminder of the power of music to shed light on the human experience. With tracks like “I Didn’t Cross The Border, The Border Crossed Me” and “Mexican Hearts,” Freddy confronts the harsh realities of life as a Chicano in the United States, offering a voice to those who have long been silenced.
With I Never Threw a Shadow At It, Freddy remains steadfast in his commitment to spreading awareness and fostering connection through his music. I Never Threw a Shadow At It is both a celebration of the rich tapestry of Chicano culture and a reminder of the injustices that continue to shape our world. It’s also a story of self-discovery, resilience, proof of the power of storytelling, and the enduring spirit of the human soul..
MUST LISTEN TRACKS: “No Puedo Llevar Este Dolor”, “I Never Threw a Shadow At It”, “Mexican Hearts”, “Julio Jones”, “Remember Me”
