Brent Penny Released New Single Buddy

The Chicago-based songwriter has debuted the track ahead of his upcoming EP, Rings Loud.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Alternative

Graphic illustration in folk-rock poster style featuring a hollow-body guitar leaning against an amplifier in a dimly lit room.
Chicago songwriter Brent Penny released his new single 'Buddy' on October 6, offering a preview of his upcoming EP, 'Rings Loud.' AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chicago songwriter Brent Penny released the single Buddy on October 6, 2026. This track serves as the latest preview of his upcoming EP, Rings Loud, which was announced in September 2026.

Why it matters

The release of Buddy provides listeners with a window into the thematic content of the new project, which centers on the songwriter's experiences regarding the end of a relationship.

Brent Penny previously issued the EP Choose the Right in 2019 followed by Growing Deeper, Getting Mutable in 2024. The upcoming project, Rings Loud, is currently scheduled to follow the release of the lead single Buddy.

The players

Brent Penny

He is a Chicago-based songwriter and musician who has released multiple EPs since 2019.

Nat Harvie

They are a producer who oversaw the recording sessions for the Rings Loud EP.

Alan Sparhawk

He is a musician who contributed guitar and drum machine patterns to the EP recordings.

V.V. Lightbody

She is a musician who provided vocal harmonies for the single Buddy.

The details

Recorded in northern Minnesota during August 2023, the EP features production by Nat Harvie and instrumentation from Alan Sparhawk, who provided guitar and drum machine patterns. Vocal harmonies for the new single were contributed by V.V. Lightbody during a later stage of the production process.

Timeline

  1. Brent Penny released the EP Choose the Right in 2019.

  2. Songs for the new project were recorded in August 2023.

  3. Brent Penny released the EP Growing Deeper, Getting Mutable in 2024.

  4. The Rings Loud EP was announced in September 2026.

  5. The single Buddy was released on October 6, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This release highlights the collaborative nature of the independent music production cycle of experimental bedroom pop, which contrasts with traditional solo-artist standards. The project follows an established pattern of collaborative indie recording sessions utilizing drum machine experimentation.

Listeners can now stream the single Buddy on digital platforms to preview the upcoming EP. The full project will be available for consumption starting on November 13, 2026.

The takeaway

The new track highlights the songwriter's introspective approach to processing personal transitions through music. Listeners looking for moody, experimental textures can look forward to the full EP's release next month.

What happens next

The EP Rings Loud is officially scheduled for release on November 13, 2026.

Further reading

For more on the local scene, explore the Alternative music section.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Under the Radar.

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