The Tumbling Souls have released a surprise new single Hello God on 1 May, offering their most personal and reflective work to date.

The track arrives as a May Day release, marking a moment of pause and reflection, while also signalling a new chapter for the band as they move towards their second album.

Rooted in their island upbringing, the song explores faith, doubt and the quiet conversations people have when life becomes difficult, drawing on experiences shaped by community, belief and challenge.

Frontman Willie Campbell wrote the track as a deeply personal piece, reflecting on his journey through sobriety and the questions that come with it.

Rather than a song of worship, Hello God sits in a more complex space, where gratitude and frustration exist side by side.

Guitarist Iain Mackay described the song as something closer to an internal dialogue than a statement.

“It’s not a directly religious song.

“It’s just, whatever is in it, whatever is in all of us.

“There’s that struggle, almost, that fight within one soul.

“There’s still both sides of a coin.

“That sort of, I thank you, even though this is almost a complaint.”

The band believe the track will resonate widely, particularly in communities where faith and identity remain closely linked.

“Especially on the islands,” Iain reflects, “people have always looked for answers somewhere.

“In more difficult times, everybody looks for something, wherever they’re going to find it.

“And I think it’s going to resonate with people on every side of the bridge.”

There was initial hesitation about releasing something so personal, but the band ultimately chose to move forward with confidence.

“I just said, be brave, be bold, put it out.

“I think a lot more people are going to resonate with it than he might expect.

“It’s not preaching.

“It’s just, this is the conversation in my head with whatever big guy I was talking to when I needed it.”

Known for blending Americana influences with island life, The Tumbling Souls have built a strong following across the Hebrides and beyond, with a sound that balances energy with storytelling.

Hello God adds a more introspective layer to that identity, showing a band willing to explore deeper themes without losing their connection to the audience.

The release comes as anticipation builds for their second album, which is now close to completion.

“The album is very nearly finished.

“I’m proud of it.

“We’ve all brought something to the table and you can hear that.

“Every song on it is something we believe in.

“I’m really excited for people to hear it.”

Fans will get an early taste of the new material as the band prepare to perform at the Shetland Folk Festival this weekend.

“We’re really looking forward to it.

“There’s no better way to launch a new single than live with our fans.”

For a band rooted in place and experience, Hello God feels like a natural step forward, honest, open and unafraid to ask the bigger questions.