Jesse Malin Reflects on NYC in 'Addicted' Music Video

It's been five years since Jesse Malin released a new studio album. Five years in which the singer has pondered his next move, five years in which the songwriter has re-assessed his artistry says Robin Murray of Clash Music who reported on the Premiere of Jesse Malin's 'Addicted' (watch the video!).

WORKHOUSE, CEO Adam Nelson's son Sailor Nelson makes his screen debut as a young Malin in 'Addicted' a song about the city and those we love and have lost. It's a revolutionary tune with a rocking beat and a poetic lyricism that'll move your feet. A gutsy ode to the heartbreak of youth.

"I met Sailor, a 7-year-old wonder, with his mom and dad by the merch table of the Count Basie Theater after a show. He was wearing one of those Once Upon a Time in America caps. He was perfect for the role," said Malin.

'New York Before The War' was assembled during intense recording sessions, with Jesse Malin completing more than 40 songs.

As the singer points out: "I wanted to make a record that encompassed everything I've done, and I wanted to challenge myself sonically and rhythmically. I also wanted to create a soundtrack to battle these apathetic times."

A triumphant, resurgent return, 'New York Before The War' is preceded by new single 'Addicted'. Out this week via One Little Indian, it's a biting, searing return that finds Jesse Malin effortlessly moving from outskirts to centre stage. The accompanying visuals are starkly shot in black and white. Focussing on his artistic return, 'Addicted' blends performance scenes with some of the concerns in the song to make for a powerful, probing clip.

It took a few tries before Jesse Malin had a batch of songs he was satisfied with for his next album as the New York singer and songwriter discussed his song "Addicted," with WSJ journalist Eric R. Danton on Speakeasy. It's a lively, up-tempo song that bobs along on a robust rhythm part -- "The Ramones meet Paul Simon," Malin says -- tempered by lyrics that find him reflecting on the litany of changes that have washed over New York since he was a kid growing up in the shadow of Manhattan. Then as now, Malin has found solace in music. "That's one of those songs I had for a while," he says. "For me, it's really about the transcendental power of music. It took me from Queens, New York, into the city at 13 years old because of the bands I listened to."

As a punk kid up in Queens, there was little chance that Malin, 46, wouldn't find inspiration in the Ramones, who got their start in the borough. He eventually became friendly with Arturo Vega, who served as the Ramones' lighting director and designed the band's iconic presidential-seal logo. The second verse of "Addicted" refers to Vega, who lived a few blocks from Malin in Manhattan before his death last year at 65.

"He was so inspirational and he always supported young artists," Malin says. "When I was starting up with D Generation and my early solo career, he was always giving insight." Malin released his first solo album in 2003. The new LP, "New York Before the War," will be his fifth album of original material and his first release since 2010 -- a long break for the rocker, who split the intervening years on the road and writing and recording new material. He worked with producer Don DiLego in Virginia and then former Wilco drummer Ken Coomer in Nashville, before writing a new group of songs and producing them himself in New York.

"I wanted it to be representative of where I've been before with songs that were mellower, acoustic-based, but also the heavier stuff," Malin says. "From playing live, not only do I love sad, slow ballads, I love music that is energizing. I like to sweat out the demons."

"New York Before the War" is out now and available Pre-Order available here. "Addicted," the first single from the upcoming New York Before The War, is available NOW worldwide through iTunes along with a very special B-Side, "Heart of Gold" (no, not the Neil Young song) available here.

New York native Jesse Malin has been playing and touring in bands since he was 13, with his first band Heart Attack. He then joined punk rock group D Generation who released three albums before they split in 1999. After they disbanded, Malin went solo, switiching genres from punk to alt country. He has collaborated with such luminaries as Bruce Springsteen and Ryan Adams, the latter producing his debut solo LP 'Fine Art of Self Destruction'. Adams also appears on Malin's latest record 'Love It To Life', providing electric guitar and backing vocals on two of the tracks. Label: One Little Indian.

For more, visit www.jessemalin.com.