The National’s Matt Berninger Shares ‘Distant Axis’ Single

The National frontman shared a new single, “Distant Axis.” The track will land on Berninger’s upcoming solo album, Serpentine Prison.

The Booker T. Jones-produced Serpentine Prison arrives on October 2. For “Distant Axis,” Berninger teamed up with The Walkmen’s Walter Martin to co-write. Matt spoke about the song’s journey in a statement.

I met Walter Martin fifteen years ago when The National opened for The Walkmen on a tour of shitty clubs in the American Southeast. On that tour I learned a lot about how to be in a band without ruining your life. I also learned a lot about Florida, Tennessee and Georgia. Walt and I have stayed friends and about three years ago we started passing ideas back and forth. “Distant Axis” started from a sketch Walt sent me named “Savannah.” I think it’s about falling out of touch with someone or something you once thought would be there forever.

“Distant Axis” arrived with an accompanying music video directed by Matt, his brother Tom Berninger and Chris Sgroi. Watch it below: