In his latest single, “Welcome to the World,” the acclaimed singer-songwriter Tony Rundle writes a musical embrace as soft and personal as a lullaby whispered in the ear of a newborn. Written after his friend gave birth to a son named Tony, no less the track is a stirring missive to both the baby and his parents, as seen through the eyes of a seasoned storyteller.
The same eccentric, volatile genius who first fronted South London’s much-loved garage rockers and latterly the celebrated purveyors of the UK folk scene, Rundle had thrown his life into his latest coos and murmurs brought life experiences learned across decades into the gentle, acoustic offering. From city halls down to folk clubs, from ceilidh bands to blues frontmen, from Gilbert & Sullivan stages, Rundle’s musical landscape is rich, and this single feels like an honest, melodic, profoundly personal piece.
Welcome to the World” bears the consoling timelessness of a classic British folk tune, and Rundle’s voice imparts wisdom and warmth in equal measure. It is a magical sort of subtle alchemy, how he can dish life advice without appearing preachy. Lyrics are rife with love and optimism, though they never fail to emphasize that the world is flawed, nothing a festival veteran such as Rundle can’t explore with such grace.
The track was recorded in his studio and captures the quietly confident vibe of a man who knows all about what he does. It’s polished but raw in sentiment, the song that echoes in the heart. “Welcome to the World” is how Tony Rundle welcomed a new soul into the world and gently reminded us of love, legacy, and the quiet beauty of beginnings.
Follow Tony Rundle on Spotify
