Shakey Graves Shares “I Once Was an Ocean” Ahead of Fondness, Etc.

Photo: Courtesy of Shakey Graves

Shakey Graves, one of America’s most inventive DIY musicians and singer-songwriters, released the lush new single, “I Once Was an Ocean,” from his forthcoming full-length album, Fondness, Etc. Slated for release on May 15 on Secret Identity / Dualtone Records, the highly anticipated bedroom record is a masterclass in woozy, avant-garde folk and restrained indie rock, with Graves returning to making music first for himself, now rebalanced through family and fatherhood.

Equal parts spooky and enchanting, the stimulating new single was inspired by the iconic composer Martin Denny, a.k.a. the father of exotica. Alongside the lush instrumental is the release of the otherworldly visualizer.

“It’s literally a recording from another time,” reveals Graves. “Years ago, I set out to make an entirely instrumental record inspired by Martin Denny’s Exotica, but imagined in Texas, instead of the Pacific islands. This track was the crown jewel of those sessions… At its heart, this record is about the awful grace of change.”

Premiered by FLOOD Magazine, the track has been described as “woozily psychedelic and fairly Orbison-like,” blending Wild West guitars with rhythms that evoke island imagery.

The surreal new single follows the release of “Time Flies,” a moving cover of Frankie Sunswept’s love song featuring a string quartet arranged by David J. Pierce and a standout guitar solo by Zeke Jarmon (Batty Jr.).

On his fifth studio album, Fondness, Etc., Graves reflects on the quiet grief and gratitude that come with growing up. Featuring nine lived-in songs with a folk-leaning intimacy, the album wrestles with the tension between holding onto who you’ve been and making room for who you’re becoming.

Produced by Graves and recorded on a pair of Tascam tape machines in his home studio, the lo-fi album embraces imperfection and spontaneity, capturing fleeting moments as part of the music itself.

Emerging from Austin’s DIY scene as a one-man band armed with a guitar and suitcase kick drum, Graves built a devoted following through releases like Roll the Bones, relentless touring, and imaginative fan-first experiences. That spirit carries through on Fondness, Etc., a record grounded in intimacy, imperfection, and emotional clarity.

In support of the record, Graves will kick off a new tour this summer on June 4 in Tulsa, OK, with stops in Pittsburgh, Washington, DC, and more before wrapping July 30 in Happy Valley, OR.

Fondness, Etc. Tracklist

Don’t Change a Thing
When the Love Is New
Time Flies
Suddenly
Away It Goes
The Boilermaker
I Once Was an Ocean
On My Own
No Place to Be