Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Sam Lapides presents his new Americana-flavored rock ballad ‘Kisses In My Pocket’, a deeply personal song about longing, connection and the courage to reach outward. Built around Lapides’ weathered, soulful voice and intimate storytelling, the track reflects the emotional honesty that has defined his music for more than four decades.
The colorful video was created by Italian visionary Francesca Bonci, known for her work with Federale (Brian Jonestown Massacre’s Collin Hegna), The Dandy Warhols, Pete International Airport and Slowdive’s Rachel Goswell, and Tombstones In Their Eyes, among others.
“‘Kisses in my Pocket’ is a love letter coming from my unconscious. At it’s core, it is a love song, a longing for connection but it’s more hopeful than my previous songs,” says Sam Lapides. “I woke up one day with the melody and the chorus in my head, which rarely happens. This is about heart-ache and wanting to reach out, a deep expression of wanting to be there for someone else and also for myself.”
With artwork and photography by artist Maureen Maki, this single was produced by Bill Lloyd at Awesomewood Studios in North Hollywood, the recording strips the song down to its emotional core. Lapides’ vocals and guitar are joined by Lloyd’s understated instrumentation and harmonies, creating a timeless ballad that balances vulnerability with warmth.
“When Sam first played ‘Kisses In My Pocket’ for me, I heard a completely different arrangement,” admits Bill Lloyd. “I had imagined a Bakersfield-style shuffle honky-tonk country rock song, but when we returned to the original idea, we found the tenderness of the song. It became a simple, no-frills recording that let the emotion shine through.”
Lapides’ musical journey began on the streets, where he honed his craft in Ann Arbor, Boston, and Venice Beach. That independent spirit carried through his early work with The Folkminers and into Ghosthouse, the folk-rock band he formed with John Thoman of Rain Parade. With multiple albums, label backing, critical acclaim, European tours and notable support slots (including for Wall of Voodoo’s Stan Ridgway), Ghosthouse established Lapides as a solid force in the independent music scene.
Along the way, Lapides caught the attention of Steve Wynn of the acclaimed band The Dream Syndicate, who ultimately produced several of his early recordings after hearing Lapides perform one of Wynn’s songs. It was a defining moment in a career built on songwriting, perseverance, and a lifelong connection with audiences.
More than four decades into his musical journey, Lapides continues to write and perform, bringing the same authenticity to his music that has carried him from street corners to international stages. In 2014, he formed Sam Lapides and The Rotten Liars, a band that expanded his musical palette while remaining rooted in the storytelling and emotional honesty that have always guided his work. Lapides also continues to host the weekly live acoustic series ‘Saturdays with Sam Lapides’.
‘Kisses In My Pocket’ marks the latest chapter in Lapides’ ongoing creative journey—an artist still searching, still creating, and still finding new ways to connect. As of July 22, this single is available everywhere digitally, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.
CREDITS
Music & Lyrics by Sam Lapides
Sam Lapides – vocals, guitar
Bill Lloyd – backing vocals, bass, guitar, keyboards and drums
Recorded, Mixed, Mastered & Produced by Bill Lloyd
at Awesomewood Studios, North Hollywood, CA
Cover artwork by Maureen Maki
Video by Francesca Bonci
Artists photos by Maureen Maki
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
