Keaton Henson’s “The Pugilist” Is A Delicate Look At Compulsion

The British folk singer returns with his third album Kindly Now in September.

August 11, 2016
Keaton Henson’s “The Pugilist” Is A Delicate Look At Compulsion Sophie Harris-Taylor

Don't forget me, Keaton Henson sings over and over on new song "The Pugilist." It's a dramatic confession of ego written by the British folk singer when he decided to analyze exactly why he makes music. The song will feature on Henson's third album Kindly Now, which will be released on September 16. It follows lead single "Alright,"and is the first we've heard from the artist since he hooked up with Ryan Hemsworth and Mitski for a one-off collaboration in July.

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Speaking to The FADER via email, Henson said: "I guess The Pugilist is an insomnolent song about the relationship between a musician and those that hear his songs. I often wonder what it is that makes me so compulsively make these things and put myself through it. And when trying to explain it (even to myself), always come to the same image of some Hogarthian lunatic rocking back and forth to the tune of "Don't Forget Me.""

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Keaton Henson’s “The Pugilist” Is A Delicate Look At Compulsion