The Star Prairie Project Brings Stories to Life on New Album Shadows On The Wall

The Star Prairie Project has officially released its new album, Shadows On The Wall, out today, August 21. The 10-song record marks the latest chapter for the Wisconsin-born project and songwriter Nolen R. Chew Jr., continuing an approach to music built around storytelling, collaboration, and letting each song develop an identity of its own.

Based in Star Prairie, Wisconsin, Chew created The Star Prairie Project as a vehicle for turning his original songwriting into fully realized recordings. Rather than operating as a conventional band, the project brings together musicians, vocalists, and producers from around the world, with collaborators stretching from Los Angeles to London. That structure has given Chew room to move freely between rock, Americana, blues, alternative, indie pop, and cinematic influences without forcing the music into a single lane.

Shadows On The Wall puts that philosophy front and center. Across the album, The Star Prairie Project balances reflective songwriting with a broad, collaborative sound, creating a record that feels connected by perspective rather than strict genre rules. The project's emphasis on honest songwriting remains at its core, but the different voices and musicians involved give the material a sense of movement from one track to the next.

Listeners have already received glimpses of the album through releases including “Things Don't Last,” featuring Marcello Vieira, and “To Warm A Cold Heart,” featuring Sandrine Orsini. The former brings Vieira's commanding vocals together with Ricardo Dikk's guitar work, while “To Warm A Cold Heart” shows the project's more emotional, reflective side. Both tracks hinted at the range Chew was preparing to explore across the full record.

Even the project's name speaks to its foundation, combining Chew's hometown of Star Prairie with a nod to The Alan Parsons Project. It's a fitting reference for a musical endeavor that places collaboration at the center of its identity.

With Shadows On The Wall, The Star Prairie Project isn't chasing a particular moment or trend. Instead, Chew continues building a catalog around songs, stories, and the musicians capable of bringing them to life.

Shadows On The Wall is out now on all major streaming platforms.