the black watch Premiere Their Incredulous Single “Some People Will Believe”

Even 40 years into a recording career, John Andrew Frederick of the black watch is still finding new ways of motivating himself. Today, we premiere the band’s latest single, “Some People Will Believe,” from their upcoming new album Varied Superstitions.

As we await the album’s release on February 27th, we get a taste of what’s to come with this new song, an uptempo singalong that will conjure up memories of the band’s 1980s roots. The album will be released via Blue Matter Records, the label founded by fellow British band The Bevis Frond’s Nick Saloman.

Commenting on “Some People Will Believe,” Frederick states:

“‘Some People Will Believe,’ as the very title suggests, is about willingness and wilfulness. Obviously, the theme’s credulity. There isn’t enough incredulity, for my part. It’s a la-la song, all happy and stuff, about marvelling at the nonsense. Please stop believing people who presume to be quote-unquote in the know. Or don’t. I don’t care anymore. Go back and read Neil Postman’s prophetic Amusing Ourselves to Death and see.

“It’s a weird world when an apolitical person like me ventures into the realm of, well, I should sayarena on account of it’s a show, beliefs. Stop voting. Teach your children. Be skeptical, especially of opinions like mine. None of these people deserves your endorsement.”

Leading the black watch, Frederick has proven himself to be one of the most prolific songwriters of his time. Varied Superstitions is the black watch’s 26th proper studio album. He has joked that, despite classifying himself as a quitter, he can’t stop writing records. Music is the one thing that keeps him coming back for more. Frederick has successfully discovered new ways of not just challenging himself, but satisfying himself. The results show with albums that reflect Frederick’s long-term goal of making records that are both varied and melodic. Varied Superstitions will feature plenty of exciting and musically diverse moments. From new wave to psychedelic to experimental to even shoegazey numbers, this album covers all the bases.

Writing comes naturally to Frederick. He is also a successful author, having written five novels and other books, including one on Wes Anderson. It just comes naturally to him, like an itch that he has to scratch. It’s a creativity that keeps Frederick driven, ambitious, and most certainly never bored.

the black watch “Some People Will Believe” single artwork