NATHANIEL RATELIFF SHARES NEW ORIGINAL SONG WITH VIDEO + BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN COVER FROM SOUNDTRACK FOR FILM LOVERS

OUT MARCH 20, FILM STARS AMELIA MEATH
(SYLVAN ESSO) AND ANGELA TRIMBUR
(SEARCH PARTY, THE FUTURE)

MARKS FEATURE DIRECTORIAL DEBUT OF
TAYLOR MCFADDEN AND LAUNCH OF I PLAY DIFFERENT INDEPENDENT DISTRIBUTION

FILM EXECUTIVELY PRODUCED BY RATELIFF

March 13, 2026—Americana award-winning artist Nathaniel Rateliff today shares two new songs taken from the original soundtrack for Lovers, the feature-length debut of writer/director Taylor McFadden. “Tommy’s Song,” an original track written for the film, and Rateliff’s cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “My Hometown” are available now—watch the video for “Tommy Song” here and listen/share here. The film, executively produced by Rateliff, will release digitally worldwide on Apple TV and Amazon March 20 via the newly launched distribution arm of I Play Different—presave here.

Music plays a vital emotional role in the film, named a “love letter to Denver” by Colorado Public Radio. Lovers stars Angela Trimbur (Search Party, The Future) alongside breakout performer Amelia Meath, the frontwoman of GRAMMY-nominated electronic pop duo Sylvan Esso—it also features music by John Prine, Hannah Cohen, Damien Jurado and more. The original score is composed by Justin Craig (Tony-nominated, Stereophonic, Hedwig and The Angry Inch). Upon its sold-out premiere at the Sarasota Film Festival, IndieWire lauded, “Attendees of the festival are still thinking the most about the extraordinary performance Denver-based artist Nathaniel Rateliff gave following the screening of Taylor McFadden's Lovers as the closing night selection."

The Denver Gazette praises, “McFadden set out to do the nearly impossible: To write, direct and complete a film with enormous emotional depth as a first-time female director. She directed it. And she saw it all through.”

On his original song, Rateliff shares, ‘“Tommy’s Song” is written specifically for the film, in the perspective of the character who passed away. I wanted to explore what it feels like to struggle with mental health, to write a song from that point of view.”

Lovers also features “My Hometown,” a deeply personal inclusion. “’My Hometown’ is a song my wife Taylor loves and wanted to be a part of the film,” Rateliff continues, “on a day off from tour, without her knowing, I drove to Eau Claire, Wisconsin and recorded the song at April Base with Brad Cook. I am so proud that it is a part of Lovers.”

A moving exploration of grief, memory, and the ties that bind us, Lovers follows Ash, an aspiring writer in New York City who returns to her hometown after learning that a mutual friend and former lover has died by suicide. Back with her best friend and a close circle of old friends, she grapples with loss, loneliness, and the pull of her past while rediscovering the healing power of community, music, and human connection. Shot largely in a beloved dive bar/music venue, Lovers is a heartfelt story about confronting loss, reconnecting with chosen family, and opening one’s heart to love again.

The indie drama also features Benedict Samuel (Gotham, Walking Dead), David Gborie (Royal Crackers), Frances Li (Fleishman Is In Trouble), and Julia Campbel (Romy and Michele’s High school Reunion).

ABOUT NATHANIEL RATELIFF

Raised in Hermann, Missouri, Nathaniel Rateliff began his music career playing drums in his family’s church band. Following a decade of performing mostly as a folk-inspired solo act, Rateliff formed the rock outfit Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Since their 2015 self-titled breakthrough album, the band has established themselves as generational talents through their dynamic live performances and growing catalog of essential studio recordings, including Platinum and Gold RIAA certifications. The band has appeared on Saturday Night Live, released four LPs, two EPs, and a live album. Their most recent, highly acclaimed LP South of Here was awarded Album of the Year at the 2025 Americana Honors & Awards; in support of the album, the band’s first arena tour included a landmark, sold-out show at Madison Square Garden. Rateliff is the first artist appointee to the Newport Folk Festival’s Stewardship program since Pete Seeger, and has chosen to devote his three-year term to artist advocacy, fellowship and mentorship both at the Fort and beyond. Rateliff was also this year unanimously appointed to the Farm Aid board of directors, the third artist to be added to Farm Aid’s Board since its founding. Rateliff will work alongside founders Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp, fellow artist board members Dave Matthews and Margo Price and a team of industry professionals.

ABOUT I PLAY DIFFERENT

I Play Different is a film production company co-founded by Taylor McFadden and Lavinia Jones Wright. The company is dedicated to telling heart-centered stories across documentary and narrative spaces, with a focus on female-driven storytelling and creating a home for marginalized voices. Specializing in projects that feature music in unique and authentic ways, I Play Different believes that real change comes through the diversity of the stories we tell — and that there is enough room and resources for all of us.

For more information, please contact Krista Williams or Christopher Emond at Sacks & Co., 212.741.1000.

www.nathanielrateliff.com