“I came of age at the height of the CD’s popularity, and my favorite artists were the ones that put lots of thought into the sequencing of their records. What I’m calling the ‘serial album’ is my way of trying to bring that idea into the streaming era.”

These words from Jonathan Fuller, singer, pianist, and songwriter, encapsulate the ethos behind the release of his album When Did You Get So Damn Scared, to be released between September 1 and November 17, 2023.

The 12 songs that comprise the album run the gamut from the personal to the political, and each song is buoyed by the musical contributions of Daniel Kleederman (guitar, additional production), Derek Swink (drums) and Dillon Garrett (bass). Though the album was recorded fully virtually, with each musician sending in their parts from their various homes, the result is still a warm, live sound.

Lyrically, these songs pull no punches. “Do you remember when we roomed together that one summer/it was the only perk of being in the closet in 2003” (Stepping Stone) and “Keep the fundies entertained while you get another NDA signed for your mistress’s abortion” (Burn It Down) are just two lines that pushed Jonathan out of his lyrical comfort zone. “To be honest, the nice Midwestern boy in me was a little nervous getting these songs ready to be put out into the world, but that’s a sign that they’re songs worth hearing.”