Cavetown (Robin Skinner) is a singer, songwriter, and producer, and has announced the release of his new single, “Tarmac,” available today (Oct. 10, 2025). This single precedes the release of his highly anticipated new album, Running With Scissors, set for release on January 16, 2026. Listening to the song, I really resonated with the darker sound and how the vibes shift from somber to upbeat. Talking about things that are bad for you but you like them anyway is very relatable—especially for the generation that Cavetown’s music is reaching. I easily listened to this song multiple times in a row, and was able to find new things I loved about it with every listen. This earworm of a single is sure to create even more anticipation around the release of the album. 

Long-time friend and collaborator Orla Gartland helped co-write the song and captured the duality of this new era of Cavetown’s music. Fans can expect to hear raw honesty mixed with bright and tender melodies, grungy guitar mixed with clear harmonies, and moments of vulnerability that allude to both the vigor of post-hardcore and hyperpop. The lyrics grapple with the complexities of love, yearning for stability while fearing its loss, and fighting against spirals of intrusive thoughts. About the song, Skinner said, “This song is the earliest to exist from the album. It’s one which lyrically just fell out when Orla and I wrote it together. We had to kind of figure out the meaning after letting the words choose themselves. We found it feeling relevant to the feeling of overwhelm and the experience of intrusive thoughts, which can come hand-in-hand for me. I hope people find something in ‘Tarmac’ which resonates with their own experiences.”

“Tarmac” follows the well-liked “Rainbow Gal” and “Baby Spoon,” both of which tease the emotional and sonic range that’ll be showcased in Running With Scissors. Reflecting on growth, identity, and the shift to adulthood, Cavetown uses this album as a reflection, weaves in themes of masculinity, love, and connection, and really looks at feelings of anxiety and self-doubt. Seeing that his earlier work offered sanctuary, this album branches out as a staunch confrontation about the process of self-parenting and forces you to step outside your comfort zone and face the mirror directly.

Starting by writing DIY songs in his Cambridge one-bedroom, Cavetown has become one of the most beloved indie artists of his generation by showing immense growth and commitment to his community. Today, his catalog has surpassed 2 billion streams, and Cavetown has earned six RIAA Platinum certifications. Through his This Is Home project, he has helped raise over $650,000 for LGBTQ+ organizations. Cavetown’s new chapter is opening with Running With Scissors, and promises to be his most daring and vibrant body of work yet. Preorder the album HERE.

RUNNING WITH SCISSORS [ALBUM]

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Cryptid

Rainbow Gal

Baby Spoon

NPC

Reaper

Straight Through My Head (DO IT!!!)

Tarmac

No Bark No Bite

Micah

Sailboat

First Time

Running With Scissors

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