The path from backing musician to solo artist is rarely linear, but Paul Castelluzzo's journey as Hether reads like a masterclass in artistic patience. After years of being called "a secret weapon" by industry insiders and contributing to projects by Anderson. Paak, Clairo, Kali Uchis, and even Paul McCartney, the San Diego native finally steps fully into the spotlight with Holy Water, his 18-track debut album arriving October 24th via R&R.
Two new singles—"Stupid Love" and "Monica"—showcase the expansive sonic world Castelluzzo has been quietly constructing. Both tracks reveal an artist who transforms personal heartache into something that feels simultaneously intimate and cinematic, wrapped in what Stereogum aptly described as "a mildly hallucinogenic daydream."
"Stupid Love," co-written with Remi Wolf, captures something more ethereal. Castelluzzo wanted to create "a song that feels like the way the sunset looks in California right before a green flash"—that moment when the sky explodes with color before darkness suddenly creeps in. It's an ambitious emotional target that the track hits with surprising precision.
Hether masterfully builds a dreamy, atmospheric soundscape, guided by his own mesmerizing and haunting vocals. Eerie, introspective notes blend seamlessly into stunningly crafted melodies.
"Monica" holds particular significance as the first song Castelluzzo ever wrote, later restructured after years of sitting dormant. The track juxtaposes complex and simple sections to mirror the emotional push-and-pull of loving and losing someone; a technique that demonstrates his sophisticated understanding of how musical architecture can enhance emotional storytelling.
Dreamy atmospherics and mesmerizing vocals define Hether's latest single. "Monica" is a testament to his artistic integrity, featuring sharp melodies and pointed vocals. The undeniable cohesiveness between singles suggests a compelling album ahead, building exciting anticipation. The upcoming album will not be just a collection of songs, but a fully realized auditory journey.
The album represents a culmination of Castelluzzo's unconventional journey through the music industry. As a teenager, he was already playing San Diego bars alongside local jazz legends like Curtis Taylor before Rodney Jerkins brought him to Los Angeles to work on tracks for Britney Spears and Justin Bieber. Between Lyft shifts and serving as music director for a Russian Pentecostal church to pay bills, he contributed to Romeo Santos' album Golden and gradually built the network that would later seek him out. The San Diego-based artist has channeled his love for overlooked 1960s jazz legends into a style that bridges past and future, creating what he describes as "the vivid palette of sound that has secretly been defining a moment in music."
What sets Hether apart is his self-taught guitar approach and production palette heavily influenced by overlooked jazz legends like Barney Kessel and Andrew Hill. This foundation creates music that feels both nostalgic and futuristic. 1960s jazz sensibilities filtered through contemporary indie production techniques and emotional directness.
The recently released "Falling For The Feeling" alongside these new singles reveals an artist comfortable with contradiction: deceptively gentle cosmic guitar leads paired with pleading vocal confessions, unpredictable symphonic arrangements driven by unshakable rhythm sections. It's music that reveals new layers with repeated listening, suggesting Holy Water will reward deep engagement.
Having already accumulated millions of streams, secured placements in HBO shows, and scored films, Castelluzzo has proven his commercial viability while maintaining artistic integrity. Recent performances at Lollapalooza and Osheaga as part of Dominic Fike's band have given him festival experience, with solo tour dates for Holy Water expected to be announced soon.
The album arrives at a moment when Castelluzzo's influence on contemporary indie and R&B is becoming undeniable. Artists continue seeking him out not just for his technical skills, but for the particular emotional texture he brings to collaborations. Holy Water finally gives him space to fully explore that vision on his own terms. Released via R&R (home to Dijon and Mk.gee), this is more than just a comeback; it's the crowning work of Paul Castelluzzo's career to date, as personal and layered as the unconventional path he took to get here.
Singles and albums are out via R&R.
You can pre-save the upcoming album "Holy Water" here
Connect with Hether: Instagram
