Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Wrabel has marked a significant return to his solo work with the release of his new single, “future.” The track, which arrived on June 20, 2025, via Nettwerk, represents his first solo musical offering since the critically received album “Based on a True Story,” released in 2023.
The debut of “future” follows closely on the heels of a recent notable collaboration. Last month, Wrabel featured on the electronic music track “Midnight,” a joint effort with acclaimed American electronic duo Deep Dish and London-based electronic trio Eynka. This diverse collaboration showcased Wrabel’s versatility, bridging his introspective songwriting with dynamic electronic soundscapes, and built anticipation for his subsequent solo release.
Crafting the Sound: Production and Mastering Details
“future” sees Wrabel taking a central role in its creation, holding primary writing and production credits. The song was penned and produced by Stephen Wrabel himself, underscoring his artistic vision for the new phase of his career. Additional production was contributed by Austin Ward and Damian Taylor, both adding layers to the song’s final sonic texture. The mastering process, crucial for the track’s overall polish and impact, was handled by the accomplished Emily Lazar, known for her work across various genres and artists.
Lyrical Journey and Personal Insight
Wrabel has offered insight into the thematic core of “future.” He described the song as a direct message, intended both for himself and for his listeners: an encouragement to look forward. The lyrics and melody explore the complex relationship between past experiences and the present journey towards future happiness and connection. Wrabel articulated that both the challenging and positive moments of his history have played an integral role in leading him to a place where he has found love.
This perspective aligns with a broader narrative of personal growth and resilience often present in Wrabel’s work, which is characterized by emotional honesty and vulnerability. “future” seems to encapsulate the idea that acknowledging and processing one’s past is essential for embracing the possibilities the future holds, particularly in forming meaningful relationships.
Inspiration: Rebuilding a Creative World
Providing further context for the creation of this new music, Wrabel shared details on social media platforms about his recent period of reflection and artistic development. He indicated that taking time for himself, allowing for idle periods away from constant output, was crucial in enabling him to build what he described as a “new creative world.”
This process involved drawing inspiration from various sources, including a return to his “early inspirations.” This suggests a potential revisiting of foundational musical or artistic influences that shaped his initial passion for songwriting and performance. Such a period of introspection and creative regeneration often precedes significant shifts or refinements in an artist’s sound or lyrical themes, hinting that “future” may be the first glimpse into a broader collection of work stemming from this renewed creative wellspring.
Looking Ahead: The Significance of “future”
The release of “future” is more than just a new single; it appears to signal a renewed artistic vigor and a clear direction for Wrabel. Following an album and significant collaborations, this solo track re-centers the focus on Wrabel’s unique voice and songwriting prowess. The intentionality behind taking time to cultivate a new creative space underscores a commitment to artistic integrity and evolution.
Fans and critics alike will be watching to see how “future” sets the stage for subsequent releases. The song’s theme of moving forward, coupled with Wrabel’s stated inspiration from revisiting his roots while building something new, suggests an exciting blend of seasoned artistry and fresh perspective. As Wrabel steps back into the solo spotlight with “future,” the music world anticipates the direction this new chapter will take him.
