Brian Fallon talks "Not Bad For New Jersey" and the next Gaslight Anthem album

Brian Fallon spoke to Chorus.fm about Not Bad For New Jersey, his new solo album, and about the next Gaslight Anthem record he is currently working on with his bandmates. The solo album is out on all streaming services and is also available as a physical release.

Now five solo full-lengths into that side of his career, Fallon said the record was enjoyable to write and make, and that he is proud of its quality. The biggest shift, he explained, was finally feeling comfortable asking friends to write songs with him, something he says younger artists avoid because of the competitive drive to establish a name. "I really like this, and I would buy this", he said about the finished album.

The guest appearances came together one at a time rather than by design. The song written with Brandon Flowers was the first one completed for the project, back in November 2024, and the following February he traveled to Toronto to write with Donovan. Fallon noted that traveling to write is unusual for him, since he normally works alone, but that he has grown to enjoy collaboration.

The reunion with Butch Walker took place at the producer's studio in rural Tennessee, well outside Nashville, on winding country roads with no guardrails. Everything was tracked live with Eric Slick of Dr. Dog on drums, and the sessions moved fast: Fallon says he did not overdub a single guitar part. His demos, he added, are just voice and electric guitar recorded into his phone.

Fallon also discussed Bruce Springsteen's appearance on the title track of History Books, calling it something to be proud of for a band that started out in basements and punk shows.